Obituary.
Leyland Smith, former Halifax Cricket League Secretary, umpire and Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club stalwart sadly passed away on Saturday 16th November at the age of 77, after suffering through illness for the past few months. He leaves wife, Joan, and two daughters, Judith and Susan, and grandson, Luke.
Leyland, always a keen sportsman, joined Sowerby Bridge CC in the early 1960s as a medium paced bowler. He went through the ranks to become a regular first team cricketer between the late 1960s through to the late 1980s - he then continued playing for the club through to 2000 in the second XI and the Sunday XI. He was a true gentleman but also a keen competitor - his appeal to an umpire for an LBW decision to go in his favour was legendary. Leyland regarded his eight wickets playing for Sowerby Bridge in the Central Yorkshire League against an extremely strong Heckmondwike team in the 1970s as one of his best achievements - although there were plenty to pick from.
The club also had Leyland to thank for his efforts off the field taking on the role of club secretary in the 1980s and was club President for many years. This led to him taking on the role of Secretary of the Halifax Cricket League in 1989; a post he held for 20 years and in which he excelled. He became renowned for his outstanding Annual General Meeting Secretarial Reports, which gave not only a complete detailed résumé of the season, but also insight and expectations of the League going forward. He always felt the need to be part of the on field action, as such when his playing days were limited, he decided to take up umpiring, joining the Halifax League Umpires Association in 1993. He became a very well respected umpire throughout the league and he continued to enjoy these duties until illness took over after the 2018 season.
Cricket, however, was not Leyland’s only sporting involvement; he was a long standing member of Sowerby Tennis & Bowling Club, where again his skill and competitive streak in these sports, as well as table tennis, saw him as an opponent to be taken seriously. He was also a member of Queens Sports club for many years, playing tennis in the Yorkshire League & organising their annual tournament, with players attending from around the world!
Leyland had a strong connection with All Saints Church for many years, where again he was an active member and lay preacher. He loved singing and was a member of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, as well as being a member of the Halifax Wine Circle and was a Trustee of the Bearder Charity.
In his professional life, he was deputy Head at West Vale School & went on to be Head of Siddal Junior School for over 20 years, after which he served as Head of Governors at All Saints School, Halifax, in close connection with All Saints church.
A proud man of Halifax, he for many years followed Halifax Town FC along with his daughter Judith; indeed he will be remembered at Saturday’s forthcoming home match against Eastleigh.
Leyland Smith was a true gentleman and sportsman; he loved life and was well respected by those who know him in all walks.
All who had the pleasure and privilege to cross his path will very sadly miss Leyland, none more so than our very own Halifax Cricket League Community and beyond. We have lost a very special dedicated cricket personality.