FORMER Bolton League cricketer David Sutcliffe has died after a short illness, aged 76.

A medium pace bowler, David was from Astley Bridge and started his cricketing career at High View before playing for Egerton.

But most of his first-team career was spent at Eagley, where he was a member of the 1979 Hamer Cup winning side.

He then played a number of years in Tonge's second team, where he made a major contribution to their championships in 1983 and 1986.

After retiring from playing David became an umpire for a number of years and was Bolton School's regular umpire at the end of his career.

He worked for Blackburn council as a quantity surveyor away from cricket.

David died on May 23 and is survived by his wife Christine, children Karen, Ian and Andrew and his grandchildren.

The funeral takes place on Friday in Overdale Crematorium, West Chapel, at 10am.