OTLEY Cricket Club has paid tribute to a Life Member and gifted former player.

Stephen Davies, who made his debut when he was 15, has died aged 63 following what club President Michael Rhodes said had been a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mr Rhodes said: "Son of a well known former cricketer, Joe, Stephen made his debut for Otley first team at the age of 15 and enjoyed a long and successful career as an all rounder, partially interrupted by a spell in the Merchant Navy.

"To many he was regarded as the most naturally talented Otley player of his generation.

"Between 1974 and 1993 he played in seven Aire Wharfe Championship winning sides and was also a Waddilove Cup winner on no less than four occasions.

"He won the League batting prize in both 1989 and 1991, and had the best bowling figures of 9 for 43 against Alwoodley in 1978."

He added: "In recent years he has enjoyed watching his former team and particularly his son, James who captained Otley for the past three seasons.

"He will be sadly missed."