Brief profile of Peter Eckersley by Pete Taylor

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Player:

PT Eckersley

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Peter Thorp Eckersley, or PT as he was known, was born on the 2nd July 1904 at Lowton near Leigh. He was one of Leighs most famous players who at the age of 19 years left the club to join Lancashire C.C.C. for whom he played from 1923 to 1935, the last seven years as captain.
He was appointed captain when only 24 years old and his side were county champions twice during his period of captaincy, including such all time greats as the Tyldesleys, Paynter, McDonald, Hopwood and Duckworth.
He made 256 appearances for the county team and often played well when his side were badly placed, scoring 4,588 runs in all including a very good century against Gloucestershire at Bristol. He was a first rate fielder and always set a good example.
He was a keen amature pilot and was known as the "cricketing airman" and he often flew his own plane to matches. His keen interest in politics led to him becoming M.P. for Manchester Exchange in 1935, resigning his captaincy of the county to concentrate on his political career.
On the outbreak of war he immediately joined the Air Arm of the R.N.V.R. and was unfortunately killed in 1940 at the age of 36 as the outcome of an accident when flying.

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Pete Taylor http://www.leighcc.org)