Tributes paid to loving dad and popular rugby player

TRIBUTES . . . Steven Crowther after the Standard Cup Final, St Anne's in 2005

A FORMER rugby player who has died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 39 has been described as a loving son who was always laughing.

The family of Steven Crowther, who had a two-year-old son, Lewis, said the Manchester United fan loved life.

Steven, of Netherhey Lane, Royton, played rugby league from a young age with Royton Tigers, Rochdale Mayfield, St Anne's in Oldham and Rochdale Hornets. He also had a sixth-month spell with Port Macquarrie in New South Wales, Australia, before returning home following an injury.

He won the Ben Powell man of the match trophy when St Anne's won the Standard Cup Final - the prestigious local amateur competition - at Boundary Park in 2005. Three years earlier he had to be stretchered off in the same final with a broken leg.

Steven also won a man of the match award playing for Saints against Batley in a round of the Challenge Cup - rugby league's version of the FA cup.

The hooker gave up playing the full version of the sport several years ago due to injury, but continued to enjoy touch rugby.

Collapsed
He had two stents fitted to open up his arteries after suffering a heart attack during an ECG test in September.

But the joiner was found collapsed on his doorstep by a policeman who lived nearby at around 11.40pm on January 23. He died despite attempts to save him.

His mum Elaine Crowther said: "He was just a loving son and we are going to miss him very much.

"He was always doing pranks on his friends, always laughing and always doing silly things. He was a very jolly person who loved life and just got on with it."

Steven had phoned his mum shortly before he died and she added: "He went out with his friends to the Smokehouse in Oldham. He got home about 10.15pm and phoned me at half-past."

Steven attended Downey House and St Paul's Junior School, both Royton, and North Chadderton Secondary School.

Separated from Lewis's mum, he also leaves his father, Ronnie, and sisters Sarah and Helen.

His mum added: "He loved his rugby and he was a Manchester United fan."

A tribute posted on Twitter by Rochdale Hornets says: "Rochdale Hornets are saddened to learn of the passing of ex-player Steve Crowther. Our thoughts lie with his loved ones at this time."