The death has been announced of the former Workington Town and Barrow rugby league forward Peter Hurst at the age of 74.
Maryport-born Hurst would have made more appearances in the professional game had it not been for his employment as he worked extensively abroad.
He had learnt his rugby at Netherhall School and Maryport Boys Club before getting his first taste of open age rugby with Broughton Moor.
Days after his 18th birthday he joined Town in January 1967 – a strapping 6ft-plus and 14-and-a-half stone forward who was regarded as the best at his age in the county.
A foot injury sustained at work delayed his first appearance for the club but when he did get fit, and played seven times for the A team, he made his debut for the senior side against Hunslet in March 1968.
In fact he only played three first team games before deciding to quit the game and concentrate on work when he travelled abroad for his employment.
It was only after returning to West Cumbria that he resumed playing again, turning out for Seaton and Broughton Moor before taking on the player-coach role with Broughton Red Rose.
His form brought him to the attention of Barrow and 10 years after his last pro game for Workington he signed for the Craven Park club. He had appeared as a trialist and the offer he received was too good to turn down.
He subsequently played in all 16 of their remaining games and helped them win promotion to the First Division.
The following season he played in only one match and for the second time quit the professional game through increasing work commitments.
