4:40pm Thursday 9th July 2009
By Ian Morgan
PEOPLE in Weobley have been remembering a popular sportsman who dedicated much of his life to cricket and football in the village, writes IAN MORGAN.
Phil Williams, who died after a short illness at just 37 years old, was a leading opening batsman and wicketkeeper for Weobley Cricket Club. He was a founder member of Weobley Football Club, captaining the side for nine years and playing for 19.
Lee Davies, who manages the football club, grew up with Phil in the village and they worked together at Primasil Silicones Ltd in Weobley.
“I knew Phil since I was about four years old,” said Lee. “He was a very popular chap and was a big part of the social scene in the village.
“Phil enjoyed a few drinks down the local pub and was one of the fittest blokes I ever met. He biked to work every day.”
Lee said Phil had started playing cricket at Weobley at the age of 14 before progressing through the ranks.
When Weobley was affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001, Phil joined Luctonians Cricket Club and played in their second team.
However, Phil returned to Weobley last season and his runs helped the first team clinch promotion to Division 2 of the GB Liners Marches League.
“Phil was also a founder member of Weobley Football Club which reformed in 1990 and he played a big part in raising funds,” said Lee. “When we started off playing in the Sunday League, Phil was our centre-back and captained the team for nine years.
“He was a good footballer and had a fantastic attitude. He had played in goal for the last three years and he was a good keeper.”
Lee said Phil fell ill towards the end of March but had continued to work at Primasil until two-and-a-half months ago.
“Phil was a great man and his death leaves a huge void for all of us,” said Lee. “Our thoughts are with his family.”
Phil is survived by wife Natalie, daughter Ashleigh and dad Roger. His funeral service was held in Weobley last Saturday. Weobley Cricket Club, as a mark of respect, cancelled their two Marches League matches last Saturday.
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