Hipgrave: Chapple was born to lead Lancashire

Chapple, who replaced ex-Red Rose captain Stuart Law, learned his trade under Hipgrave at Applegarth before leaving to play for Bolton League side Kearsley in his teens.

But Chapple didn’t leave before Earby’s famous “Double Double” winning season of 1991, when both the first and second teams won their respective league and cup competitions.

But after helping bring Chapple through the ranks at the Ribblesdale League side, Hipgrave believes he saw a future leader in the young Chapple when he played at Earby.

He said: “It’s brilliant for him but also everybody connected to Earby Cricket Club.

“We’re very proud in the fact that one of our own will be leading Lancashire next season.

“But you could always see the potential in him, even from a very early age.

“He was always pretty unassuming and very down to earth. He never lost his roots and he comes down to Applegarth and watches when he’s not playing.

“When he played for Earby some players would try and get at him and call him ‘Golden Boy’ but he just let his cricket do the talking.

“He was brilliant for us at a very special time for the club and I always thought that if he could get his foot in the door at Lancashire, he could do well.

“And he’s gone on to do very well and he’s proven that no matter where you live, if you have the talent you can get noticed.

“We thought that Earby might be a bit far out but he’s proved that he could do it.”

And as Chapple prepares for his first season in charge, his Earby are considering marking the occasion with a permanent memorial.

Hipgrave added: “We’ve not decided if we’re going to do anything yet but I’m sure we’ll talk about it.

“The slope at Applegarth, in front of the allotments, is called “Chapple Hill” after his dad Michael, who also played for us, but the committee will have a think about it.

“But it’s a huge honour for Glen and a fantastic thing for us and I’m sure he will do well as the captain of Lancashire.”