Obituary: Tony Davies by Conrad Sutcliffe

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Player:

A Davies

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DateLine: 23rd May 2015

 

The Somerset cricketing community is mourning the sad loss of Tony Davies who died on Sunday in Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton at the age of 79, after a short illness.

 

Tony grew up in Trull and played his early cricket for the village before joining Taunton CC in the early 1950s who at that time played on the County Ground.

 

He went on to become a mainstay of the side for many years. A stylish top-order batsman, who was also a more than useful medium-pace bowler, Tony played for Richard Huish Grammar School and appeared for a representative West School’s XI at Lord’s on one occasion.

 

Later he also played a number of matches for Somerset 2nd XI as an amateur between 1957-65.

 

After retiring from playing he became totally absorbed in the administrative side of the recreational game in the County. He was the long time Chairman of the Somerset Cricket Association and was a major force in the setting up of the Somerset Cricket Board in the last 1990’s.

 

He was the vice- chairman of the SCB for many years and Chairman for the Baker Knock Out Cup, a 20 over competition for clubs based in and around Taunton.

 

Tony appeared in the Taunton side that won the Baker Cup in the early 1950s, a fact that he was very proud of and later helped the club to lift the SCB Major Cup.

 

In recognition of his service to cricket Tony was made an Honorary Life Member of Somerset CCC in 2005, something about which he was very proud.

 

In recent years Tony performed a scouting role for the SCB and over a period of several seasons watched a number of young players throughout the south of England, one of who was James Regan who is currently on the staff at the County Ground.

 

Tony Davies was the Chairman and one of the driving forces behind setting up the Clowance Trust back in 2011 since when it has raised over £90k all of which has been used to enhance the experience of young cricketers playing for the Somerset age group sides.

 

Tony also remained actively involved at Taunton CC and could regularly be found mowing the outfield at Taunton Vale Sport’s Club along with other members of ‘Dad’s Army’ as the group of senior helpers became known.

 

He was a great organizer and thanks to his drive and determination the pavilion on the second pitch at Taunton Vale was built.

 

Somerset cricket has lost a great friend and his loss is immeasurable- he was a true gentleman who has helped to influence the development of so many cricketers who are playing now and he will be missed by so many.

 

Somerset CCC President Roy Kerslake who played alongside Tony Davies at Taunton CC said: “I remember Tony as a very elegant opening batsman who for many years was the stalwarts of a formidable Taunton batting line up.

 

“After he finished playing Tony became a brilliant cricket administrator and all of the clubs in Somerset owe him a debt of gratitude for his selfless and tireless work on behalf of the Somerset Cricket Association which was the forerunner of the present Somerset Cricket Board.

 

“For many years he was Chairman of the Association for which service in 2005 he was made an honorary life member of Somerset County Cricket Club.

 

The President added: “Tony was a superb cricket ambassador across the County and beyond and he will be sadly missed by his many friends and admirers.”

 

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2015 Conrad Sutcliffe)