Kendal Cricket Club is mourning the loss of one of its 'finest left-arm spinners'.

During his time playing for Kendal Cricket Club, Eric Mays won the Slater Cup in 1977 and the Matthew Brown Cup in 1980.

In 1975 he had the best bowling performance in the League taking a best of 8 for 26.

"Not only was Eric a wonderful cricketer he was also a much loved and admired member of  our Club and every dressing room, both home and away," said a club spokesman.

"Whilst being a very useful late order batsman, Eric was far better known for his very accomplished art of left arm spin bowling.

"A man with a very dry sense of humour that people could and would happily connect with.

"His wicket haul as a County and Kendal cricketer places him up there with the finest left arm spinners in the history of our Club.

"Everyone at Kendal Cricket Club would like to pass on our sincere condolences at this very sad time to Eric’s family.

"He was a left arm spinner of great repute who took 337 league wickets in an 11 year spell at Shap Road from 1975 to 1985.

"His best season's return was in 1982 when he claimed 49 wickets at 15.59.

"Eric also represented Cumberland for many seasons in the Minor Counties Championship."