Son of Billy Lansdale, one of the founders of the Bolton Cricket League, and sister of Little Lever legend May Barlow, Alan Lansdale was born in 1935, making his first team debut in 1952.
When Alan retired from first team cricket 30 years later, having played only for Little Lever, he had scored 8055 runs, placing him in the top 20 Bolton League run scorers of all time.
He was also a notable wicket keeper winning the league prize five times between 1966 and 1971 and again in 1974, becoming the first of only two keepers to take seven victims in a match.
Towards the end of his first team career Alan handed the keeper’s job to Gordon Gregson, only having to resume in exceptional circumstances.
Alan was the skipper of the Little Lever team facing Ormskirk in the Lancashire KO final at Old Trafford.
During the second innings Gordon became ill and Alan took over behind the stumps, leading his team to a two run victory.
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During Alan’s time, Little Lever were to become champions four times, in 1957, 1966, 1972 and 1981. They also won the Hamer Cup in 1958 and when they completed the ‘double’ in ’66 and ’72.Alan ended his playing days in Little Lever’s second team, where he found a new lease of life as a slow bowler, on one occasion taking ten wickets for 38 runs in his late 50s.
In 2000 Alan followed sister May in being awarded the prestigious Hubert Pendlebury award for outstanding service to Bolton League cricket, the only two family members to receive the trophy, not just for his exploits during his playing days, but also for his coaching and work on the ground, including assisting with the building of the clubhouse.
Alan was notably competitive, with a hatred of losing, not just at cricket but also at table tennis which he played to a high league level in Bolton, still playing at Little Lever in his 87th year.
He was also generous with his time, using his experience as an engineer helping people at and beyond the cricket club.
Alan leaves son Ian, who also played for Little Lever and daughter Christine.
Tributes have been paid to Alan, with Little Lever Cricket Club stating: “Little Lever cricket club are very saddened to announce the passing of a beloved LLcc legend, Alan Lansdale. He will be deeply missed by all at the club, RIP Lanny.”
North West Cricket League posted: “RIP Alan Lansdale
“Alan scored over 8,000 runs for @LittleLeverCC and as wicketkeeper claimed a total of 390 victims. In 1970 he set a new mark by claiming the most victims in a match!
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”