THE chairman of Beanacre Cricket Club has paid tribute to former secretary, player and coach Owen Lewis.

Phil McMullen said Mr Lewis was for many years a much valued member of the club, as well as being well known for his coaching work. He was club secretary for the 2001/2002 season.

Mr McMullen said: “His many friends, both at the club and the numerous other cricket clubs throughout the county, will greatly miss his humour, his enthusiasm and his sheer entertainment value, both on and off the field.”

“Owen always played fair, invariably saw the best in people and was the first person to offer support if anyone had a problem. He was well-liked by everyone, even the opposition players, as he was invariably the first to the bar buying drinks after a game.

“He always made a particular fuss of visiting South African players, having been born in Zimbabwe. He always claimed allegiance to Wales as well, particularly whenever they played England at rugby – I think he believed his Welsh sounding surname entitled him somehow. It’s difficult to believe he's gone.”