Bob Bates BATES – RIP – Former Lymm RFC Club Captain 1964-65

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Bob Bates on 13th December 2018, aged 86, Lymm RFC Club Captain 1964-65. Bob moved into the Lymm area from Staffordshire in the early 60’s. In addition to rugby, he was a keen cricketer and as a fast bowler of some repute, had the distinction of representing Staffordshire CC.

In his book, “Out on a Lymm”, Dave Berry recalls playing with him in his (Dave’s) first season on the 1st team and without hesitation states that:

‘Bob was one of the top three second rows we have had at the club. Brave, hard and with a superb line-out technique, he made an excellent Captain and the 1st XV had their best season since our formation.
‘Sadly, Bob’s Rugby career was curtailed with a back injury suffered whilst playing cricket. He then took up golf as a member at Lymm Golf Club, where through hard work and determination he achieved a single figure handicap’.

Bob emigrated to Australia in the early 2000’s with his family and we send our sincere condolences to his wife, Pauline and his sons, Robert Jnr and Anthony.