TREVOR Jones, who was one of the key figures in the success of Garnons CC over the last quarter of a century, has died at the age of 78.

Although in more recent times, his role at the Marches League club had been off the field as an important member of the dedicated groundstaff who helped produce an excellent outfield and pitch, he was long a vital member of the side which has gone on to secure nine Division One championships.

His cricketing career began in the 1960s when he opened the bowling for BRSA in the Hereford Evening League and played weekend cricket for St Mary's.

A useful seamer, he became a member of a small but select band of local players who have taken all 10 wickets in an innings when he performed the feat in the 1970s.

During that time, he was an athletic outfielder with a reliable pair of hands but, as his career progressed and his bowling became less used, he turned himself into a competent wicket-keeper and moved up the order to open the batting.

He remained an essential member of the first-team into his 60s, playing a full role as Garnons secured successive league doubles in 1999 and 2000 before dropping down to play for the second-team.

But even last season, at the age of 77. he donned his kit for one final time in the first-team alongside nephew Alan Jones, helping grandson and current first-team skipper James Bolton to secure a final batting point against Glangrwyney.

A builder by trade, Trevor was a great supporter of cricket throughout the county as well as being a dedicated supporter of Hereford United and Hereford FC, attending every home game with daughter Nikki Payne who, along with her sister Lesley Griffiths, had been brought up to be cricket enthusiasts.

Trevor's wife Mollie, who died in 2000, had completed the Jones family at Garnons matches where she was the club scorer.

"I am very proud to call him my grandad and it was obvious how well respected he was by all who had played against him," said James Bolton.

"He was a competitive man on the pitch but the nicest man you could meet off it.

"As a clubman, he was loved and respected by all and will be sadly missed by everyone at Garnons where he has played such a key role in so many aspects of the club, on and off the field."

Trevor Jones' funeral will take place at Hereford Crematorium at 2.15pm on Monday, September 11.