It is with great sadness that Bacup Cricket Club receive the news of the passing away of one of their greatest professionals Tony Mann on Friday 15th November aged 74 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Tony played first class cricket for Western Australia from 1963 to 1984 and also four Test matches against India in 1977-78 when he memorably became only the second player in history to score a century after being sent in as night watchman.
Tony was a left handed batsman and excellent leg spin and googly bowler. He was also an exceptional fielder. During his three year stint at Lanehead, from 1970 to 1972, Tony scored 2091 runs at 31.68 and took 233 wickets at only 11.98.
Under the captaincy of Derek Whitworth he was instrumental in Bacup winning the Worsley Cup in 1972, scoring 76 not out in the final at East Lancashire. He was not required to bowl as John Beaumont and Kenny Lord took five wickets apiece to secure a comfortable win.
Tony loved his time at Bacup and has returned on a number of occasions. He will be fondly remembered. We send our deepest sympathy to the Mann family.
