Bacup Cricket Club are deeply saddened to report the devastating news of the sudden passing of club legend David Thompson at the age of 55.
DT, as he was affectionately known to many, loved the club, which was such a big part of his life, and served it admirably for many years.
Being brought up in close proximity to Lanehead, it was like his own playground. Just like his older brothers Steven and Peter, sport, and in particular cricket, played a massive part in his life.
After playing as a junior Dave made his first appearances in senior cricket in the second and third elevens in 1981 as a 14 year old. He made his first team debut in 1986 and went on to be a regular member of the side for 15 years, then returned to the seconds to give the benefit of his experience for a few more years before finally hanging up his boots.
Dave showed grit, determination and no mean skill every time he wore the Bacup badge. He was a very capable batsman who wouldn’t give his wicket away cheaply if the situation demanded it. In younger days he was also a handy wicketkeeper and in later years in the second eleven he was a more than useful gentle medium pace bowler. First and foremost, he played for the team.
His captaincy credentials were apparent when he led and nurtured a young Bacup team to the 3rd eleven championship in 1994. He continued to be an excellent mentor for young cricketers for the rest of his career. He had an astute cricketing brain and in 1998 and 1999 he was delighted to be given the opportunity to captain the first team. He was then immensely proud to be a member of the team which won an historic three Lancashire League titles from 2000 to 2002 and had the great pleasure of hitting the winning runs at Burnley to secure Bacup’s first title win in 40 years. Additionally, he was a Worsley Cup winner in 1993 at Rawtenstall and part of the Junior League championship team of 1988.
Statistically David lived in the shadows of older brother Peter, the record run scorer in Bacup’s history, but he was just as important to the club in many other ways.
Dave was immensely proud of his son Matthew, a talented all rounder, who has also captained the first team and his nephew Scott another excellent cricketer from the Thompson lineage.
Dave’s father, Brian, was chairman at the club for several years and with him he learnt the art of groundsmanship. Over the years he has always been ready to stand into prepare pitches when required or to use his professional skills to paint around the ground in readiness for a new season.
He played the game hard but loved to socialise with team mates and opposition in the bar afterwards and as such was a very well liked and respected character around the Lancashire League who will be sadly missed by all.
Dave’s last contribution to the club was to paint the newly refurbished function room, alongside his brothers Steven and Peter, who, remarkably, finished it off in the couple of days after he died, just as Dave would have wanted.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Sue, Matthew, Lucy and all of the family at this very sad time.
The funeral arrangements for Friday 27th May are as follows:
10.45 at Anthony Johnson’s Chapel of Rest, Bacup
11.30 at Burnley Crematorium
All are invited to Bacup Cricket Club afterwards for refreshments and to celebrate David’s life.
