Joe Leaf, who has died in York aged 85, was a well-known cricketer and rugby player in the area for many years.

He was a wicketkeeper-batsman, playing for Londesbro' Park Cricket Club, York CC, Escrick Park and York Wanderers in a long career.

Mr Leaf was noted for being able to stand behind the wicket to the fastest of bowlers, among them Percy Watson, who played for York and was a professional in the Bradford League for many years.

Rugby union, however, was Mr Leaf's major sport and he played at stand-off for Selby RUFC and for Yorkshire Wanderers.

He was selected for a Yorkshire trial in September 1939, but the event never took place as the Second World War broke out a few days later.

Mr Leaf was offered £5 a week, a fair sum in those days, to turn professional for Batley Rugby League Club, but declined because of his work as a farmer.

Born in Escrick in 1916, he was educated at Pocklington School where he captained the rugby and cricket teams.

He also achieved the unique distinction of winning the schools' annual steeplechase race when he was a junior and senior.

He was then offered a scholarship at Cambridge University to read English, but turned this down.

Mr Leaf lived and farmed at Glade Farm, Escrick for all but five years of his working life when he lived at Bridge Farm, Skipwith.

He was a mixed farmer, working with dairy, beef, sugar beet, potatoes and cereals.

Mr Leaf, who suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for 11 years, lived in Escrick for some time. He died in Cherry Tree House, Tang Hall.

He leaves a widow, Mary, sons Joe and Nick, and daughter Sally.

The funeral took place at St Helen's Church, Escrick.

Updated: 11:29 Tuesday, February 26, 2002