CUMBRIAN sporting legend Peter Bowe was laid to rest alongside his beloved wife Connie on June 3.

Considered one South Westmorland’s outstanding post-war sportsmen, both in cricket and football, Peter competed at the top level through his career.

He first made a mark for his native Windermere CC in a winning debut as a 15-year-old with 45 runs against champions elect Kendal ‘A’.

He was a fixture in the team thereafter and later was to score his first century on Queen’s Park. In 1949 he was selected for the Westmorland Cricket League Representative side in its inaugural match against Netherfield.

In a high scoring victory, Peter had the best bowling analysis. He twice took 5 wickets in an innings for the league team.

Also in 1949, Windermere appeared for the first time in the final of the prestigious Henry Meageen County Cup, a competition open to all clubs in Cumberland and Westmorland.

The Queen’s Park club were to appear in two more finals in 1954 and 1955. Although they lost all three, they remain the only traditional Westmorland League club to have reached such dizzy heights, an achievement due in no small way to Peter Bowe.

Windermere were the dominant force in the 1950s with five Westmorland League championships, Peter only missing out in 1953 because of National Service.

His two years in the Army saw him hone his sporting skills. He returned with razor sharp fielding added to his bow and the tale of how the Battle of El Alamein was re-enacted on the football field. The British Desert Rats v The German Afrika Korps. Same result of course.

As a prolific and record goal scorer for Windermere AFC, Peter caught the attention of Wrexham and was on their books for a season.

It was cricket, ‘proper cricket’ that came first for Peter.

He is known to have taken at least two hat tricks and his 9/49 against challengers, Holme, paved the way to the 1954 Championship. Peter’s huge hands gripped the ball for his right arm spin and also helped him to pouch many a catch, especially at slip.

Peter married Connie in 1951 and they were blessed with four children, Yvonne, Velma, John, and Doreen. Nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren followed.

In 1967 a cricketing earthquake struck the Westmorland League when it emerged that Peter Bowe had left Windermere for nearby Burneside, the fiercest of rivals.

The move was all about livelihood, Peter having been appointed by Croppers as Head Groundsman and coach of their works sports teams.

Burneside were on their way to become the invincibles of the Westmorland League between 1963 and 1984.

In 1968, left hander, Peter, hit his second century and collected more gongs as his new team swept all before them.

He was in his early mid-forties when his profession took preference over play.

The ground at Ellergreen and its pitch received widespread plaudits so much so that in 1990, Cumberland CCC played two Minor Counties Trophy games on the manicured turf.

It was under Peter’s expert tutelage that many a young man developed a love and skill for cricket and football. As ever, he was very particular and with exacting standards.

His charges had to look the part as well as play their part. Coach Bowey always did.