Lives in Cricket No 48 - Maurice Leyland

160 Chapter fifteen In Memoriam Hilarem The timing of Maurice’s passing surely proved that God was, at the very least, an honorary Yorkshireman. Monday morning was the first opportunity for the story to break in the press and that left the way clear, fittingly, for the Yorkshire Post to make the first announcement. On the front page, under the headline story of a possible ceasefire in Vietnam and a riot at Eden Park, where India were playing the West Indies, there appeared the following story: ‘MAURICE LEYLAND, the former Yorkshire and England cricketer, died in hospital at Harrogate yesterday, aged 66. Sir William Worsley, president of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said last night that Maurice Leyland had been one of his closest friends. “His death has left a gap which can never quite be filled. Yorkshire has produced many great and loveable characters, but none have had a greater influence on the game than Maurice Leyland. His services in cricket to his county and country are well known to all lovers of the game, and they are part of our cricket history.” Mr JH Nash, the Yorkshire secretary, said: “’He was one of the most genial persons I have ever met, always anxious in his later days to help youngsters. He was one of the greatest-hearted cricketers one could come across.” In the editorial comment the writer, mindful of the way in which financial concerns were beginning to dominate sport, suggested: … the death of Maurice Leyland comes as a sharp reminder that there are cricketers whose chief reward is to play the game they love.” He continued: “Leyland was born into a family of cricketing interests and he made cricket his profession. He also made it his pleasure, accepting professional responsibilities with high regard for his own reputation and that of the game, yet finding always in his chosen way of life a happiness that was reflected in his approach and his appreciation of opportunity and rewards. His skill and eagerness as a player and his sincerity