TRIBUTES have been paid to a legendary cricketer, described as the best spin bowler in the world during his heyday, and who went on to run a pub in Saddleworth.
West Indies international Sonny Ramadhin, who burst onto the world cricket stage in the 1950s, showed his talent with the ball in an “explosive” two-season residency at Delph and Dobcross Cricket Club in 1976 and 1977.
The 5ft4 professional who played 43 international matches and claimed a whopping 158 wickets, has died aged 92.
After setting the world alight for the West Indies, he played for Lancashire in 1964/65 and then for Lincolnshire between 1968 and 1972.
Sonny went on to secure a “remarkable reputation” as a club professional and he lit up the Central Lancashire League with Crompton and Radcliffe.
He also spent a couple of seasons in Little Lever and Daisy Hill in Bolton.
In Saddleworth, he will be remembered after the long, hot summer of 1976 when his “mesmerising style seduced players and supports at the club”, Delph and Dobcross Cricket Club said in an obituary.
He smashed Saddleworth League records, taking 134 wickets in 496 overs.
After retiring, Sonny settled in the area with his wife June and went on to run The White Lion pub in Delph for 25 years, where his former international teammates used to visit when they were in the area.
Delph and Dobcross Cricket Club president Peter Gledhill, 81, remembers playing with Sonny.
Sonny, left, with his West Indies spin partner Alf Valentine. Between them they took just short of 300 test wickets
Peter said: “He was a fantastic player.
“Sonny could play six different spin bowls in the same over.
“He was very famous for the West Indies and was the best in the world at the time.
“He was also a very good person as well.”
Cricket ran through Sonny’s family with his son Craig recently completing his own remarkable milestone of playing for 50 consecutive seasons at Friarmere Cricket Club in Delph.
Sonny’s grandson Kyle Hogg forged a successful county career as well as playing at Greenfield Cricket Club.
Delph and Dobcross Cricket Club representative Lee Harrison met Sonny and enjoyed spending time in his company.
He added: “He was a really charming bloke and you would not have known he had been a top international sportsman, he was very unassuming.”
In its obituary, the club has sent its "sincere condolences to Craig and the rest of the Ramadhin family".
The club added: "Sonny was a gentleman and we’re proud he represented our club so well."
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