England spinner Dom Bess leads tributes to former Sidmouth player and umpire Alan Marsh
ENGLAND spinner Dom Bess was one of the first to react to the death of Sidmouth stalwart Alan Marsh.
Bess posted a tribute to Marsh on his Twitter account, accompanied by a picture of the two during a 3rdXI game early in his Sidmouth career.
And Bess dedicated the two West Indies wickets he claimed for England the same day to the late Sidmouth umpire.
“I am absolutely gutted to hear the sad news about Marshy, such a kind, nice gentleman,” Bess told his 11,700 Twitter followers.
“Some great memories of him umpiring Sidmouth 2nd/3rdXI games when I was a youngster!
“Trying to get him to raise the finger was always tricky though! Those two today were for you.”
Past team captains at the Fortfield led the tributes to Marsh.
“Very sad news. A legend of the valley. I suggest raising a glass at the club after golf, watching a bit of cricket on The Fortfield.”
Anthony Griffths – current 2ndXI captain and former 1stXI skipper
“Such sad news. Such a lovely man and my ‘Mr Reliable’ when I was in charge of the 2ndXI. He will be missed along with all the others of his era.”
Saj Patidar former 1st& 2ndXI captain
“So many memories. My first few weeks of playing for the club in 1984 included playing with Marshy along with John Palmer, Gerald Bess, Martyn Dean and Alan Wardrop. So sad to think all are no longer with us. So much humour. Bet they'll have a laugh reunited.”
Charlie Dibble – former 2ndXI captain
“A real clubman. I enjoyed playing with him and enjoyed his company in a deckchair after he retired from umpiring. He wasn’t short of an opinion! He was also a stalwart umpire in the Sidmouth Pub League played at Sidmouth CC.”
Mike Dibble – former 2nd and 3rdXI captain
“Devastated to hear that the general secretary of the Sidmouth Wicketkeepers' Union has passed on.”
John Goodwin – team-mate and former Devon League chairman
“When we first came to Sidmouth in the early 1970s, Marshy was the first member I met, and his gentle personality and character made a lasting impression. He epitomised everything that is special and friendly at the club. It was a great honour to propose him as a life member.”
Neil Gamble – current Devon CCC chairman
“An absolute legend and a lovely man. Will always remember numerous post-game discussions in the bar with him. Alan debriefing Graham Bess on how his lbw was plumb when he was batting, and not hitting another set when bowling, was always a very amusing finish to a Saturday as a teenager.”
Matt Cooke – 1stXI player
“Very sad news about Alan. When we first came to the club in the late 90s, he was someone who made us feel very welcome. A true gentleman. RIP Alan.”
Tom Overthrow – past chairman
