TOFT Cricket Club patron Norman Ryan died on Tuesday, June 30, aged 87.

His association with the club, along with his wife Shirley, goes back over 50 years after moving to Knutsford in 1966.

He joined the club committee in 1967 as the first XI vice captain and that same year he shared a first wicket partnership of 172 in 108 minutes against Great Chell with Graham Taylor.

The wicket-keeper then went on to serve as first XI captain from 1968 to1974.

In the 1971 season Norman (43 not out) together with Neil Bradford (60 not out) set a club record 10th wicket partnership of 104 against Styal which still stands today.

He was in the fist XI until 1976 before moving down to the seconds. However, in line with his skills and determination he last played as keeper for the first team in 1993!

Norman continued to play for the second XI and Over 40s for many years to come.

When he retired from league cricket he played an active role umpiring for both the second XI and the club’s charity side, Toft Taverners.

He also played occasionally for the Taverners and continued to ‘don the gloves’ into his 80s.

Norman served as secretary for 10 years (1976-85) before becoming president, a position he held for 15 years (1996-2010) until he was given the honorary position of patron.