Tributes have been paid to former Ripon cricketer Peter Squires, who has died aged 74.
Peter was born in Ripon and retained strong links with the city throughout his life, playing both cricket and rugby locally and later contributing to the administration and development of the game.
A spokesperson for Ripon Cricket Club said Peter was a long-standing and influential figure at the club.
They said:
“An invaluable member of the ‘Friday Gang’, [he was a] massive advocate for junior cricket and a regular spectator at senior matches.
“[He was] always a supportive and calming influence to anyone who had the pleasure of being in his company - he was a legend to many at the club, he will be greatly missed by his cricket family.
“Our thoughts are with Gail and the family. RIP Peter.”
Peter first played for Ripon Cricket Club in 1969, averaging 41 in nine innings.
After spells in the Bradford League and with Harrogate Cricket Club, he returned to Ripon in 1984, scoring 959 runs at an average of 53.38.
He went on to record 10 league centuries for the club, including a best of 149 not out against Bedale in 1988, and later served a spell as club chairman.
A spokesperson for Yorkshire Premier League North said:
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Squires, a stalwart at Ripon Cricket Club including a spell as club Chairman.
“Peter was a popular man around the grounds of the old York & District Senior Cricket League, playing for Ripon for many years and making many appearances for Yorkshire County Cricket Club (Official) both first class and limited overs.
“Condolences to Peter's family and friends.”
Peter was inducted into the York & District Senior Cricket League Hall of Fame in 2010.
He was educated at Ripon Grammar School and York St John University and represented Yorkshire in both first-class and limited-overs cricket during the 1970s.
Alongside his cricketing career, Peter also played rugby union for Ripon and Harrogate, and was capped 29 times for England during the 1970s, scoring six tries. He toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 1977.
Ripon Rugby Club said it would hold a minute’s applause in Peter’s memory before its match this weekend.
A minute’s silence will also be observed at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday ahead of the England v Wales match.
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
