WELL-known cricket stalwart Richard Hadwin, from Kendal, has died following a long illness.

Richard, who was 58, was team manager for Netherfield Under-18s during the successful period when they enjoyed back-to-back wins in the Northern Junior League Championship, beating Blackpool on both occasions in 1991 and 1992.

He was also the Northern League junior team manager for a number of years and the Cumbria Under-19 team manager when they entered the Oxford and Cambridge festivals, leading the side to their first Minor County qualification for a semi-final place.

Netherfield secretary Ian Heath said: "A lot of young people owe their starts in club and representative cricket to Richard."

Richard, a former K Shoes worker, played cricket himself for both Kendal and Netherfield clubs and he went on to serve on the committee at Netherfield. He leaves a widow Molly, son Marc, who is among the leading spin bowlers in the Northern League, and daughter Elizabeth. The funeral is at Kendal Parish Church on Tuesday (12 noon) followed by interment at Parkside Road Cemetary.