BOB LAWLER
We regret to advise that Bob Lawler passed away peacefully yesterday 26 August after a period of illness since the New Year. Bob was another great servant and supporter of the club, captaining the 2ND XI for several years and helping Roger maintain the squares for some 20 years. Bob was a great character, always cheerful and positive, with a great sense of humour and unmistakeable laugh which led to him often being called “chuckles” by his Exiles friends.
Our thoughts are with wife Tara, children Nicola, Russell and Marc and Bob’s extended family at this very sad time. We will advise of funeral arrangements once known.
Please see full tribute written by Peter Gilbert below:
ERNEST (BOB) LAWLER (1944-2025)
Bob joined Northampton Exiles in June 1973, originally through his younger brother Noel, who was a friend of Gladwin Dias (brother of Vernon). He was a good cricketer, without the star skill set of older brother John, and made a solid playing contribution as a right-handed batsman and occasional ‘keeper. Not quite able to hold down a
regular place in the 1st XI, Bob was often in the thankless role for a specialist batsman of number 7, and in the period from 1973 to 1983 played nearly 80 times for the 1s, scoring 624 runs at 11.34, with one 50 (65) against Richmond in 1979.
In the 11 seasons from 1973 to 1983 inclusive, Bob played 130 times for the 2nd XI, averaging in the mid-20s as a top 3 batsman and scoring 2 centuries, with a top score of 111 against Kenton in 1982. He found his fulfilment with Exiles as 2nd XI captain from 1984 to 1986, acting as mentor to a number of promising players, including his nephew Wayne at the ages of 16 and 17 before Wayne graduated to a regular 1st XI place in 1986. In those three seasons, Bob made a total of 13 half-centuries and, playing on Saturday and Sunday, had his best season with the bat in 1984, 947 runs
at just shy of 29. He eventually totalled 4,973 runs for the 2nd XI at an average of 24.7
Bob, a family man with three children, completely retired from playing at the end of 1986. He served on Exiles’ Management Committee for many years and supported Roger Dean’s tireless unpaid work on the ground, as well as often umpiring 1st and 2nd XI games. He thoroughly deserved the award of Life Vice-President of Northampton Exiles.
A thoroughly good chap, with interests encompassing family, walking football, table tennis and quizzing, Bob will be sorely missed by everyone at Clowes.
Peter Gilbert 27 August 2025