KEITH Jones from Earlestown won a book in a raffle at Newton Cricket Club that turned out to be far more than can be judged by its cover.

"It is called My kind of Rugby, by Ray French. Sometime after I won it (I'm not a rugby fan) I opened it to find that it was presented to a John B Hodgson at Geoff Pimblett's testimonial dinner in 1980,” writes Keith.

“Together with the inscription, there are about 50 autographs including a comment and signature of ex-Everton striker Bob Latchford. Other names include Eric Ashton, John Mantle, Billy Benyon, Eric Chisnall, Geoff Pimblett, and (I think) George Gilbody, who I believe was a local boxer.

“There are five pages of autographs and comments. I wonder if it would be possible to offer it to a real fan who could possibly make a small donation to a local good cause of their choice? “

I've just read the article on Earlestown. I worked at Vicars and went every Friday night to the club with my girlfriend (now wife) - great days.”

I asked local Saints’ historian Alex Service if he could shed any light on Keith’s book and he replied: “I think John Hodgson played cricket for St Helens CC. He played for us, the mighty Grange Park Staff CC, on a few occasions.

“The majority of the people who signed the book are still around and about. Perhaps the most unusual is the soccer player Bob Latchford. The book is a souvenir of the night, which makes it, in some ways, unique. Perhaps someone would like to reminisce about the event.

“It does show the links between cricket and rugby league and I know Geoff Pimblett, Keith Northey and Alan Hunte used to play both because of the different timings of the seasons. This cannot be done now plus there is the risk of injury in Super League.”