It is with deep sadness that we share with you the peaceful passing at his home in Poynton (Cheshire) of ex Benwell Hill 1st XI Captain, Les Jowsey. Les played 97 times for the Hill in the league between 1975 and 1979, with his last season the year he was Club Captain, before he moved out the area for a new job.
He took 120 league wickets at 21.08 with a best of 6 for 40 against Tynemouth, unfortunately in a game where it was overshadowed by Nick Craig's record club league score of 175 not out. Club Historian David 'Flaky' McKay who played in that 1979 1st XI describes Les's bowling acccuracy as "immaculate with a little but of away drift and a modicum of spin delivered from a high action. There was a lot of kidology and banter involved". David goes onto say "His captaincy was impressive he was a proper people person. He was a true Club Captain and knew all the social members."
David also pointed out the very interesting fact that it was Les who persuaded Mike Younger to switch from seam to spin bowling during Mike's first season at the Hill.
Les also played for Percy Main and Swalwell in his time in the North East, and when he moved to the Midlands he played for Solihill Blossomfield, Leamington and the Midlands Club Cricket XI on many occassions. Les's son and grandson both play cricket for Corbridge CC.
Funeral arrangements will be shared here when available.
