Shock at sudden death of rugby league player after match

Father-of-two Dave Batchelor, 43, collapsed on Sunday afternoon following a Masters game for players aged over 35 at Oulton Raiders ground next to Rothwell Sports Centre.

Leeds Masters RL player Mr Batchelor, of Farsley, had answered a call to play for Halifax team Boothtown Terriers, who were short of players for the game against Oulton Raiders Masters.

Oulton Raiders player Lee Bryan, 41, of Wrenthorpe, said: “It was a good game, contested really well.

“All the players shook hands in Masters tradition and we all got in a huddle and gave three cheers for the opposition.

“We had the huddle and Dave went off to walk towards the clubhouse. Myself and a couple of teammates were walking behind him.”

Mr Bryan said Mr Batchelor, who was known to friends as ‘Batch’, collapsed and players attempted to resuscitate him before paramedics arrived at the ground.

Mr Bryan said: “It was just total shock. There were blokes in tears who had tried to revive him. It was heartbreaking to see.

“He was put in the ambulance and 15 minutes later we received a call saying he had passed away.”

CLICK FOR MORE YEP NEWS HEADLINES

Leeds Rhinos fan Mr Batchelor had played for Stanningley RL Club for many years and coached the Under 15’s team.

He had been playing for Leeds Masters at West Leeds Sports and Social Club in Wortley for around three years.

Leeds Masters team manager Kath Wilson, said: “We are completely devastated. We are heartbroken. He is a friend and a teammate.”

Mr Batchelor leaves sons Jordan Anderson, 20, and Brandon Batchelor, 16.

Mr Bachelor’s mother Janette Marshall, 60, of Meanwood, said: “The boys are absolutely devastated. We all are.

“It’s just such a shock to collapse and die like that. They are nearly 100 per cent sure it was a massive heart attack.”

She said Mr Batchelor’s two sons are both rugby league players.

Jordan had a scholarship with Castleford Tigers and now plays for Shawcross Sharks in Dewsbury.

Brandon plays for Stanningley RL Club Uner 15s and has also won a scholarship with Castleford Tigers.

Mrs Marshall said: ”Rugby was his life. If someone rang him and said they were short (of players), it doesn’t matter who it was and where it was he would go. That’s how he was. He has gone to play rugby union when they have been short at Bramley. He was just rugby mad.

“He was a gentle giant, He would help anybody. He was caring, I couldn’t have wished for a better son.

“His sons were the world to him, He would do anything for them.”

Stanningley RL Club has posted a statement on its website, which reads: “Everybody at Stanningley are in shock at the sad news of Batch passing away on Sunday 22nd November. We send our condolences to Jordan, Brandon and the rest of Dave’s family and friends at this sad time.

“The club would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment he made to Stanningley over the years as player and coach and he will be sadly missed by all.”