Herefordshire cricket loses stalwart coach and player

Eric (pictured) accumulated a remarkable total of 60,000 runs, including 65 centuries, in a playing career that was only ended by doctor's orders five years ago.

A left-hand batsman, he passed the 1,000-run mark in 37 seasons and on two occasions doubled that figure in all cricket. He scored six centuries in a month in 1962, but was at his most prolific the following year with a club record 1,451 for Hereford.

He developed leg-break bowling to add to his skills as a cricketer and on several occasions produced five wickets and a century in a match.

Eric was also a fully qualified coach and put his abilities to good use from junior to senior level, in addition to his work as a Herefordshire CCC coach and selector. Thousands of players benefited from his skills.

Forty years of devotion to cricket in the county was recognised by Herefordshire Sports Council when he received the Service to Sport award at the presentation evening earlier in February.

Herefordshire president John Chadd, a former captain of Hereford and boyhood friend of Eric, said: "He was a great character. I remember visiting teams used to peer round the dressing room door to see if he was playing!

"Eric introduced so many youngsters into cricket. He put more into the game than he ever took out and we probably won't see his like again."

Herefordshire Cricket Board chairman Nick Nenadich said: "We have lost a good friend. Cricket was Eric's life and without him and the late Rob Richardson we would be a long way from where we are today.

"He was largely instrumental in achieving Minor Counties status for Herefordshire cricket and was thrilled when the team got to a Lord's final so soon.

"The service to sport award he received earlier this year was a fitting landmark in a dedicated career."

He leaves a wife, Christine, and daughters Helen and Bridget.

The funeral was at St Paul's Church, Tupsley yesterday.