PLAYERS, supporters and officials at a Burnley cricket club have been left reeling after the deaths of two former players and a leading supporter in the space of a week.

Former Lowerhouse players Phil Astin, 58, and Alan Waterworth, 86, died on May 31 and June 1 respectively.

Those losses were compounded when supporter Stuart Mather, 60, died on Monday after being struck by two cars while walking his beloved Scottish terrier-type dog on Barrowford Road, Higham.

David Wren, managing director of the club, said: “It’s been a terrible time for all connected with Lowerhouse and for the family and friends of these three fine gentlemen.

“They will not be forgotten for their devotion to the club and their great friendship.

“Both the former players made a major contribution to the team and Stuart was a cricket fan who could be seen walking the boundary with his dog at both home and away matches.”

The funeral of father-of-two Mr Astin, who lived in Burnley, takes place at 10am today at John the Baptist, Padiham.

He played 326 Lancashire League games spanning nearly three decades and was later groundsman for the club.

He died after suffering a massive heart attack.

Mr Waterworth, played for the club in the post-war years as a bowler.

He went on to play for Padiham, Accrington and Baxenden before becoming a committee member at Lowerhouse.

His funeral was held at St Phillip’s in Padiham on Wednesday.

Mr Waterworth’s brother Joe, himself a former player, secretary and president at the club, said: “He was a fine fellow and loved his cricket.

“He also had a very good voice and sang tenor in the choir at St Phillip’s.”

After the road accident earlier this week, Mr Mather was airlifted to Royal Blackburn Hospital but died later.

Details of his funeral have not yet been released.