Rotherham cricket stalwart Phil Patterson dies, aged 97

Phil Patterson was a keen player before taking on the running of the old Rotherham Midweek League, which he did for more than 40 years.

Phil also had a spell as a district correspondent for the Advertiser, covering Greasbrough and Wingfield.

A love of cricket was forged early in his life and he played for the former Parklea team, who played their matches on Herringthorpe Fields and at Clifton Lane.

In around 1971 he got involved with the Midweek League.

At its peak it had 27 clubs, spread across four divisions, and eventually folded four years ago.

Phil's son, Ian, said: "My dad loved his cricket. Ian Botham was one of his favourites — he always talked about him back in the day.

"He was also a keen Yorkshire supporter and he really liked going to Clifton Lane to watch Rotherham Town."

Phil remained a familiar face at cricket grounds right into his 80s and 90s. He died on Saturday.

Ian added: "A friend of his from Greasbrough put The Derby on the telly. My dad managed to watch the race, because he liked a bet, and he passed away about five minutes after it had finished.

"We're all very sad but he has done well to get to 97. He lived a good life and for somebody over 90 he was pretty active.

"We will all miss him."