David Batty 1935-2023
It is with great sadness that we report the death of friend and colleague David Batty, a former secretary of Cheshire Youth Cricket and its representative to the Board for 15 years.
David was a much-respected figure throughout Cheshire Cricket as a player, coach and administrator, having devoted most of his adult life to the development of the game.
He began his playing career with Ainsdale Cricket Club in his home town of Southport, moving to Widnes CC in the mid-1970s. David enjoyed great success with Widnes, initially with the second X1 when he was the leading bat in 1975 and again in 1976, when the club won the title. He was appointed first X1 captain for seasons 1977 and 1978, during which time Widnes finished second in the Merseyside Competition and won the prestigious Lever Cup for the first time in the club’s history. He moved to neighbours Runcorn CC in 1979 where he enjoyed a successful stint as both a player and later chair of the club’s cricket section.
David’s coaching career began more than 25 years ago when he took his coaching badges with Cheshire. He quickly progressed into the Cheshire Youth Cricket ranks, taking on a role as Coach/Manager to the County Under Boys’ 14 team, a position he held up to and including 2019.
David did a fantastic job as secretary to CYC, in conjunction with his U14 managerial role, for 20 years. He was the representative to the Board from 2006 to 2020 when he retired, and was one of the original Directors when the Board was incorporated as CCB Ltd in 2011. In his later years he also took on the role of organising the end-of-season Awards Dinner for CYC, including a memorable run of events at the DCBL Stadium in his home town of Widnes.
David was a great advocate for junior cricket throughout the county. He was involved with the North Cheshire Junior Cricket Association for more than 20 years, serving many of those years as chair of the organisation. He was also a founder member of the Halton Sports Partnership, working closely with Halton Borough Council to improve the health and well-being of residents across the Borough. He worked closely with the Sports Development team and although cricket was his main passion, David was a great advocate for all sporting and physical activity. He was made an honorary member of Widnes CC in 2005 in recognition of his services to cricket and sport in the Borough.
David's funeral was held at Widnes Crematorium on Monday 27th November, attended by family, friends and colleagues from across the Cheshire cricket community.