Rossendale cricket legend honoured forever by the club he loved dearly

Relatives of a legendary player gathered at a ceremony to officially re-name a cricket club’s bar in his honour.

The family of the late Peter Wood were joined by Rawtenstall Cricket Club members to name the room ‘The 1227’ to celebrate Peter and his achievement of the Lancashire League’s highest-ever run aggregate over a season by any amateur batsman.

Former committee member, scorer, historian and club archivist, Bob Johnson, described Peter as the finest batsman to grace The Worswick Memorial Ground and said it had been a privilege to watch him play. Peter, who died in January aged 70, cracked 1,227 runs in 1991 at an average of more than 53 including 13 half-centuries.

He scored 14,951 runs for Rawtenstall including 12 centuries and 99 half-centuries in a career that spanned four decades. Peter was also a member of Rawtenstall’s championship-winning teams of 1976 and 1981, and of the Worsley Cup winning sides of 1976, 1985 and 1990.

The hand carved slate sign “The 1227” was commissioned and made by local stonemason and Rawtenstall supporter Peter Willetts. It now hangs proudly over the bar. His wife Julia and brother David thanked the club for their support and lasting tribute and memory of Peter.

Tributes poured in for Peter after he passed away suddenly in Australia on January 26.