Members of Christleton Sports Club are very sorry to hear of the recent passing of our friend Bob Lewis.
Bob began his association with our club back in the mid 1960s. This era may now be somewhat shrouded by the mists of time but fellow players and spectators remember clearly Bob’s immense contributions to Christleton Football Club.
At the time, football in this country was enjoying a surge in growth and interest on the back of the national team’s legendary 1966 World Cup win. Christleton Football Club caught the mood of the time enjoying one of its most successful and productive seasons, the club’s first in the West Cheshire League, then a highly physical and fiercely competitive competition. The club swept to a promotion from Division 2 in 1966-67 scoring over 150 goals in the process. By far the biggest contributor was Bob with a season tally of over 60 goals. Those who saw him play remember a hard-working centre forward with an eye for a goal, with good anticipation and fast movement, able to finish accurately with either foot and with his head.
Over six seasons the club enjoyed some of its most prosperous times with high placed finishes in Division 1 and many cup successes including the prestigious Pyke Cup. In 1969-70 the club won the Division 1 title, the holy grail of amateur football in this region at that time. Again, Bob’s goals were at the fore. Records from these years are sketchy but eyewitnesses can’t remember a bad match from Bob, let alone a poor season. Readers will be able to work out the likely goal tally for themselves. Bob played out the sunset of his footballing career at our friends and neighbours Chester Nomads.
Bob re-emerged at our club in the 1990s and this time he demonstrated his cricketing abilities. Bob played for our 2nd team and was a skilled performer with both bat and ball. In bowling, Bob was a canny medium pacer who would probe away and wear batsmen down with his consistency. When batting, Bob liked to bat around number 5. He was steady, looking for scoring opportunities and rarely giving his wicket up easily. He was 2nd team captain in 1995.
Bob’s commitment to the club was not just felt on fields of play. He was cricket club Treasurer from 1996-1999 and was main Sports Club Treasurer to boot. Whilst he felt at home both in a penalty area and on a cricket pitch, the world of figures really was his domain. He was a most stringent and exacting money-minder. The whole Sports Club has much to thank Bob for both on and off the pitch.
Whatever sport Bob was playing, he was competitive and liked to win. Off the field, he was the most genial chap you could ever wish to meet, with a ready wit and dry sense of humour.
All at our Sports Club send the most heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family.
Bob’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 13th September at 2pm at St John’s Church in Ashton Hayes. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear a splash of red and white.