CRICKET: Great Tew star Shirley dies at 73 (From thisisoxfordshire)

CRICKET: Great Tew star Shirley dies at 73

9:50am Thursday 27th December 2012 in Sport

Reg Shirley, one of the most prolific batsman in Great & Little Tew Cricket Club’s history, has died at the age of 73.

During the late 1970s and 1980s, he scored more than 1,000 runs a season for ten years, and still holds the club record highest score of 157 which he achieved in the National Village Knock-out competition.

He is also remembered well for some remarkable slip catches. A life member and past club chairman, the entrance to the ground was named Shirley Drive in his honour.

Chairman Dave Freeman said: “Reg was a clubman through and through, and when he finished playing he would still be found at the club umpiring or scoring.

“He never let his ill-health get in the way of his support for the club. “Significant fundraising for new pitch covers and tirelessly drumming-up match-ball sponsors are just two examples of his efforts for us.”

His funeral is at St Michael’s Church in Great Tew on Tuesday, January 8, at noon.