THE opening weekend of the Cricket season was hit by tragedy with the death of a Leyland cricketer.
John Nellis, 50, had opened the bowling for Leyland's Third XI against Ravens from Chorley, when he complained of feeling ill.
He collapsed on the pitch and despite attempts to revive him, was found to be dead at Chorley Hospital.
Club chairman Stuart McDonnell said that the sympathies of everyone at the club were with his family.
His son's fiance, Emma Arkwright tried to resuscitate Mr Nellis until the ambulance arrived.
It was a poor start for local teams in the Bay 96.9 Northern Cricket League.
Preston looked a terrible side as Blackpool annihilated them. Leyland lost by four wickets to Fleetwood and rain washed out Leyland DAF's match against Lancaster.
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