The Towergate Halifax Cricket League are in mourning after the sudden death of their secretary Keith Goulden, who was 57.

League president David Normanton said: "On behalf of the Towergate Halifax Cricket League, I want to offer our sincere condolences to Sue and the extended family, at this extremely sad time when we all have to come to terms with the very sudden loss of our league secretary and junior league fixture secretary Keith Goulden.

"I, and everyone I have communicated with, have all been devastated and deeply shocked when the news of Keith’s untimely death was relayed to them."

Normanton added: "Keith became Halifax Junior Cricket League fixture secretary in 2001, taking over from Peter Taylor, the current senior league fixture secretary. "Keith’s personality and dedication to his task soon led him to become a well-known character among our cricketing fraternity. He was very hard working and truly appreciated by everyone.

"His commitment to the game of cricket was always prevalent, linked to a genuine passion to promote the Halifax Junior Cricket League.

"One of his last duties was to prepare the 2011 junior league fixture list, which involved co-ordinating over 800 fixtures to be played in leagues from under-nines through to under-17 level.

"Keith was subsequently appointed Halifax League assistant secretary in 2007 and then became league secretary in 2009, taking over from Leyland Smith.

"In that four-year period, Keith, made an outstanding contribution to the running of the Halifax Cricket League.

"In such a short period of time in office, Keith made a significant difference to the development of our league and his final contribution was to attend the executive meeting on Monday, February 21, where he had delivered the latest update on the progression of our League Centenary Celebrations for 2013 - a project that he was managing in conjunction with myself and others, with his usual enthusiasm and vigour and an event he was really looking forward to."

Keith’s funeral service is at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, on Thursday at noon (family flowers only).

Donations would be appreciated for The Lord’s Taverners, c/o Lawrence Funeral Service, Green Hayes, Bell Hall, Halifax.

Refreshments will be available at Blackley Cricket Club after the service.