Robert Ratcliffe - Obituary
Lancashire Cricket is saddened to hear of the passing of former player Bob Ratcliffe, aged 71.
Bob was born in Accrington in 1951 and played for his home town team before signing for Lancashire in 1972.
He was a right-handed medium pace bowler and a middle to lower order batter, and in 82 first-class matches between 1972-1980 took 205 wickets with an average of 26.39 and a best of 7 for 58 against Hampshire. He scored 1022 runs at an average of 16.48. His 101* was scored against Warwickshire was a then record 8th wicket stand of 158 with John Lyon.
He played in 99 one-day games, including two Gillette Cup finals in 1975 and 1976. In the 1975 final he took 3-25 to restrict Middlesex to 180 and help Lancashire win the match. He was capped by the county in 1976.
His 9/35 against Warwickshire Second XI at Old Trafford and match figures of 13/54 v Worcestershire at Urmston - both in 1974 - remain as bowling records for Lancashire’s Second XI.
Throughout his career he was dogged by injuries, these forcing him into early retirement at the age of 28. He later played Minor Counties cricket for Cumberland.
Friend, David Lloyd said: “A fellow Accrington lad, Bob was a good friend and colleague. A very likeable soul. His bowling action was reminiscent of Ken Higgs…a rather awkward run up but strong at the bowling crease. If there was anything in the pitch for the seamer, Bob would find it.”
Rev. Malcolm Lorimer. Heritage Team