We say farewell to the greatest pro of our time (well those who are 50+ anyway) as we hear news of the passing of Tony Opatha. who played for us in the mid seventies and took us from the 2nd Division of the Lancashire & Cheshire League through to winning the Lancashire KO final at Old Trafford in 1976.  Pictured

Bowling like the wind and smashing the ball round the park Tony was in his element in those heady summer days of 1976.  He was at the forefront of the revolution the brought Sri Lanka into international cricket and paved the way for many of our Sri Lankan pros over the years.  He featured for Sri Lanka in the 1975 and 1979 World Cups.

Tony went on to coach in the Netherlands and helped push them onto the international scene, bringing over a team from Olympia CC to play at his old stomping ground on Windsor Park. 

May you rest in peace Tony. Our thoughts are with your family and close friends.