Former Yorkshire fast bowler, John Waring, who died on October 1, 2023 – his 81st birthday, made an enormous contribution to cricket and once even outshone Freddie Trueman in a sensational Roses victory at Headingley.
Born in Ripon, John was playing golf there on the day before his death when he suddenly became ill and was taken by ambulance to hospital in Harrogate where he died the following morning.
Educated at Boroughbridge Secondary Modern School, John made his Yorkshire debut against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road in 1963 and over four seasons he played in 28 first class matches for his native county, capturing 53 wickets at 21.16 runs apiece.
It was in Yorkshire’s Championship-winning season of 1966 – their first of three consecutive title wins – that he rushed Yorkshire to a two-day Roses victory at Headingley with match figures of 10-63.
Batting first, Lancashire were shot out for 57 with Trueman taking five for 18 and Waring three for 23. Yorkshire replied with 196 but Lancashire were again routed by the same new-ball pair, this time Waring returning figures of seven for 40 and Trueman two for 26.
John, who turned out in one game for Warwickshire in 1967 after being released by Yorkshire, played his early cricket at Dishforth where he and his wife, Jean, had lived since 1974. They were due to have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on October 3.
After a spell at Thirsk, he joined Ripon as a 17-year-old, taking 108 wickets for them in 1960 and assisting them in becoming York and District League champions in 1961 and 1962.
There were then spells at Leeds, Harrogate and Scarborough before spending four seasons in the Bradford League with Bingley where he helped them do the League and Priestley Cup double in 1969.
John appeared for Cumberland from 1970-1973 and went on to spend many seasons with Darlington in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League, captaining them in 1980. He was always particularly proud of his playing days with Yorkshire and was a member of the White Rose county’s Players’ Association.
When he retired from cricket, John played golf at Ripon City Golf Club where he served as captain and president and he was also president of the Union.
John and Jean’s son, Jonathan, is married to Zoe and they live in Thirsk.
Words by David Warner
