Team-mates of a popular local cricketer have been paying their respects after the death of 84-year-old Dennis Murray.
An off-spin bowler, Dennis played for Kirkby Stephen, Penrith and Carlisle and in 1973 earned his one cap for Cumberland. He was playing for Penrith at the time.
That Minor Counties game was at Wadham Road, Bootle when Dennis (nicknamed Ruby after a famous singer of the 1950s) scored eight and five in two visits to the crease.
But he was always proud of the catch he took off the bowling of Jimmy Little (Carlisle) which got rid of Lancashire’s Bernard Reidy.
In fact Reidy would go on to leave Lancashire in 1983 to play 10 years with Cumberland.
Dave Musgrave, of the Carlisle club, was a good friend of Dennis and they both worked for the Prudential Insurance company.
The Carlisle club said: “Dennis played at Edenside during the 1960s and 1970s with much distinction as an off-spinner and then went on to serve as a League umpire.
‘Our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this time.”
Two former team-mates Dave Musgrave and Dick Scott both said how Ruby had been a cheerful and popular member of the sides he had played in.
The funeral service is being held at Carlisle Crematorium tomorrow, Tuesday, February 8, at 10.20am.
