The sun beamed down and more than 400 runs were scored as family, friends and followers of Cheshire Youth Cricket gathered to celebrate the life of Bobby Spencer.

On the hottest day of the year to date, the Cheshire and Lancashire Under 13s Boys’ squads locked horns at Widnes CC in the inaugural ‘Bobby Spencer Cup’ – a memorial match for the talented all-rounder who sadly passed away last June, aged just 14.

Lancashire ran out winners on the day, scoring 262-5 against Cheshire’s 160 all out, in a game played in fantastic spirit throughout (see scorecard). There was a warm atmosphere among the sizeable crowd, which included some of Bobby’s school friends who had been granted permission to watch the game.

After the coin toss, the players, officials and supporters gathered on the outfield to hear a short and moving speech delivered by Bobby’s former age group manager Lee Prince, which was followed by a minute’s applause. There was a floral tribute from Cheshire Youth Cricket, who also provided a trophy in Bobby’s name, which will be played for annually between the two counties.

Bobby’s father Ian, who also represented Cheshire at both youth and senior level, said the memorial match at his home club Widnes was a fitting way to remember his son.

Ian said: “On behalf of the family I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone for attending today and for the lovely tribute paid to Bobby.

“He loved being out on the cricket field, whether playing for Widnes or Cheshire, and the players from both teams did him proud today. What a glorious day for cricket too.

“It is exactly one year to the day since we lost Bobby and he is missed enormously by everyone. To have an occasion like this, where we can celebrate his life and love of cricket, it is appreciated by all the family.”

Gareth Moorhouse 2024