Former chairman Allan Lewis dies - funeral details
It is with great sadness that Merstham Cricket Club reports the passing of Allan Lewis on Boxing Day after a long battle with cancer.
Allan came down south from Liverpool in 1962 having played cricket for Liverpool 2nd XI and by a fortunate twist of fate was encouraged to join Merstham Cricket Club Allan was a fine bowler and the Surrey Mirror of the day recorded many of his exploits. Here are just a small selection of his achievements as recorded by that local Wisden.
The funeral is arranged for 10am on Friday 2nd February at the Holy Family Church, Yorke Road, Reigate, RH2 9HF and afterwards at Old Reigatian Rugby Club, Park Lane Reigate, RH2 8JX.
- Lewis 5-41 commands respect as befitted his new position as father.
- Again, Lewis sparked a spectacular collapse by reaping the reward for fast and accurate bowling 7-34.
- The visitors were left wondering what Allan Lewis had for lunch as he added four more victims 6-22 off 18 overs.
- Opening bowler Allan Lewis made a sensational start to their reply by achieving the hat-trick when he hit the stumps each time with the last three balls of his first over and ended up with 6-11.
As well as the achievements above, Allan had the honour of bowling the first ball in the club's centenary celebration match in 1964. Allan passed on his skills and love of the game to the next generation of Merstham cricketers being Colts Manager in the 1980s and his contribution to the Club did not end when he hung up his boots as he held the posts of Secretary, then Vice Chairman and finally Chairman bringing all of his experience and commitment to managing the Club through some difficult times. The current healthy state of the Club is just one of his legacies.
We extend our condolences to his wife Pat and the Lewis family at this sad time.