FORMER Somerset cricketer Haydn Sully, who went on to play for Sidmouth and Whimple after retiring from the first-class game, has died.

   He passed away at the age of 67 in the Royal Devon   & Exeter Hospital on December 14 after a short illness.

   Sully was born at Sampford Brett near Williton in West Somerset on November 1, 1939, and made his championship debut for his home county in 1959. Because of his lack of opportunities, Sully joined Northamptonshire for the 1964 season where he plied his trade for the next six seasons before leaving in 1969.

   His best season was in 1966, when he took 101 wickets.

   After leaving first-class cricket, Sully played for Sidmouth, where he enjoyed several seasons as captain, and Whimple.

   Outside cricket he had a successful career working for Whimple-based Whiteways Cyder, going on to become a director with Showering Vine Products.

   His former Somerset team-mate Peter Eele, who also played at Sidmouth, said: “Haydn was a good bowler, which he proved by taking 100 wickets in 1966.

   “He was also a great friend and great company who will be sadly missed by us all.”

Sully played seven times for Devon during the 1970 and 1971 seasons. He made his debut against Berkshire at Torquay in 1970 and appeared for the last time, also against Berkshire, at Sidmouth the following year.

   His record for Devon was modest. His best bowling performance was five for 52 against Dorset at Exmouth in 1970.

    A memorial service for Haydn will be held on Friday January 12 at noon at St Paul's Church in Honiton.