WESTOW Cricket Club stalwart Peter Coverdale peacefully passed away at York Hospital. He was 69.

He was a player for many years in the York Vale League from when Westow joined in 1982 through to his last game in 2001.

Peter whose sons play for the club, continued as a scorer, sharing the duties with his wife, June, often scoring for the opposition alongside her.

His funeral is at 3pm on Wednesday, April 27, at East Riding Crematorium, Octon Cross Road, Langtoft, Driffield.

Division two side Westow start the season on Easter Saturday with a trip to Kelfield.

A new system of ground marking will come into operation in the Vale League this season.

A simplified ‘traffic light’ scheme will enable the management committee to monitor problems so advice can be given to clubs during the course of the season and the relevant improvements made.

Red indicates a ground which requires urgent attention, amber for a ground which needs looking at, although not urgently, and green for a ground that is all-clear. The system covers both the wicket and outfield.

It will enable the committee to identify problems and potential problems so the new grounds’ advisor, Kevin Jackson, a member of the Institute of Groundsmen, can be called in to give advice.

The new system was outlined in full to clubs at the pre-season meeting at Fulfordgate Working Men’s Club.

Vale League clubs playing at Selby and Thorpe Willoughby in the early weeks of the season should note that Selby Toll Bridge is currently closed for major renovation work and is unlikely to reopen before the end of May.