Bob Banks It is with deep sadness that Rawtenstall Cricket Club has received the news of the passing of Bob Banks at the grand age of 99. Bob would have been 100 in May. Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep last week. Bob was a former player and had loyally remained a member of the club, always keen to know the outcome of games. Born in Rawtenstall in 1921 Bob played for Rawtenstall between 1939 and 1965. A left arm medium fast bowler he made 348 appearances for Rawtenstall taking 686 league and cup wickets at the impressive average of 16.52. He made his debut for Rawtenstall on 12th July 1939 as a 18 year old away at Church. His best figures were 9 for 21 in a First round Worsley Cup tie at home to Ramsbottom on 17th May 1960, seven of which were clean bowled. Whilst his best figures in the league were 8-16 on 24 th August 1940 as a 21 year old at Todmorden who were dismissed for just 38. It was on home soil where Bob would find the greatest success where he took 344 wickets at an average of 15.15. No mug with the bat he also contributed over 1600 league and cup runs for Rawtenstall with a high score of 53 in 1963. His best season was 1952 where he took 70 league wickets including those of Professionals Ray Lindwall, Bill Alley and Cec Pepper. He was a key player in the 1949 Runners Up team taking 57 wickets forming a formidable attack with Professional VJ Hazarre (104 wickets) At the age of 45 he played 2 seasons (1965,1966) for Adlington in the Bolton Association the final year as Professional before hanging up his boots. Bob made just 1 appearance for Lancashire 2nd eleven in 1949 in a match against Lincolnshire. He took 4 wickets for 55 runs in the match. Bobs bowling record place him 2nd in the all-time leading amateur wicket takers for the club and one of only three amateur bowlers to ever take 9 wickets in a match. Sincere condolences go to his family from everyone associated with Rawtenstall Cricket Club.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Robert. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.