CRICKET: Former Alderley Edge chairman and captain Pat Kelly has died, aged 73.

Kelly, who had been associated with the club since 1958, was one of the most colourful characters in Cheshire cricket.

He died from a suspected stroke last Friday (June 14).

Kelly had two spells as captain of Alderley Edge during a long sporting career (1961-63 and 1970-73, and also represented his county at both cricket and hockey.

He later had two spells as chairman of Alderley Edge's cricket section (from 1976-79 and 1982-87).

Kelly then oversaw the forming of the club's ladies hockey section in 1994, becoming its chairman for five years.

He continued his involvement with the cricket club as scorer, and also wrote match reports for the Wilmslow Express.

Born in Essex, Kelly spent part of his childhood in India and was educated at Stonyhurst College.

He played for Middlesex seconds and for Hornsey cricket club, as well as playing for London Irish rugby club as a full-back, before joining Alderley Edge in 1958.

Kelly played 124 times for Cheshire's county cricket side between 1958 and 1977, scoring 3,218 runs.

He later became a vice-president of the Cheshire County League, and served as president between 1986 and 1988.

A useful hockey player, Kelly represented Cheshire and Essex, as well as playing for the North of England team. He played for Bowdon hockey club for many years.

Ian Jerman, chairman of Alderley Edge cricket club, said: "Pat was a keen follower of the game and was known and liked by everyone at the club.

"He was part of the club for more than 40 years, and was well-known throughout Cheshire. He will be greatly missed."

Alderley Edge cricket captain Paul Manton added: "He was a wily old character, and he really knew his cricket.

"His technical knowledge of the game was excellent. He would spot things in your game that other coaches wouldn't spot. He was a very, very astute cricketer."