Reg steps up to the crease

CRICKET fan Reg Chadwick steps smartly up to the crease in reminding us that it was an Earlestown publican who shared in a record stand for Lancashire which was only recently pipped - after a lapse of 70 years!

Reg, from Legh Street, Newton, writes: "I read that Mike Atherton batted himself into the history books by helping to put on 259 for the first wicket in the clash at the Oval with Surrey.

"The previous best Red Rose opening stand against Surrey was 208 set by Frank Watson and Charlie Hallows back in 1927."

Frank, he says, was for many years mine host of the Griffin Hotel in Earle Street, next to the Viaduct cricket ground.

"While there, he had a son who played pro billiards, I think for the Lancashire junior and, later, the senior team," adds Reg, who wonders if anyone can shed further light on that sporting dad and his lad.

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