By Alan Irving

Last updated at 12:07, Thursday, 07 June 2012

WHITEHAVEN has lost one of its most popular rugby union stalwarts with the death of Colin Anderson at the age of 79.

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

Younger brother of the prolific-scoring Bill, he captained Whitehaven during the 1950s and was the fly-half lynchpin of a burgeoning side which went on to become a formidable force in the old Twin Counties.

Skipper Anderson was influential in developing team mates who went on to become Whitehaven RUFC legends, including the likes of Wally Leech, Jim Marsland, Brian Calvin, George Rumney and his own brother, WG Anderson, the club’s record points scorer.

Not only did Colin and Bill play together but they also held the distinction of becoming the first brothers to hold office as Cumberland Westmorland RU presidents, later to be emulated by the Tiffens. While WG Anderson was stacking up the points in the threequarter line, Colin’s play-making skills put the team in the right areas of the field to display its all-round talents.

“He was the driving force, a player with vision,” said Bill.

Both developed through the schoolboy ranks, Colin at Workington Tech and Bill at Whitehaven Grammar, but they never played against each other.

While Bill has continued to live in his home town, Colin moved around with his work as a top manager with Alcan, leaving the firm’s Distington works to head up the company’s factory at Warrrington, where he and his family have lived for many years.

Colin is survived by his wife, Ruth, and three sons.

First published at 11:09, Thursday, 07 June 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk