Hugely popular stalwart of the local cricket scene passes away

He played for Wargrave and Englefield before joining the Berkshire Seniors section in 1993.

The batsman scored more than 750 runs in well over 50 games with his final innings coming for the Over-60s in 2013.

Ernie then took on the role of match manager, as well as scoring for all of the senior sides. But he continued to take his kit to matches and was happy to don the whites to field as a substitute.

Last November, he was named the inaugural winner of the Graham Roberts Trophy for services to Berkshire Seniors Cricket.

"There could not have been a more fitting winner, commented fellow Seniors player Ronnie Brock.

"He was a true gentleman of the game and will be missed by all who came across him on the cricket field.

Due to the lockdown, only his close family will be able to attend his funeral service, but a memorial service will be arranged for later in the year.

Ernie is survived by wife Janice, son Paul and daughter Emma.

The Wargrave and Wokingham clubs were recently involved in a week-long running challenge with 15 players from each side taking part.

Neal Robinson did best for Wargrave, covering 72.9km in seven runs, followed by Alex Hands, with 72.6km from six and Toby Greatwood 64.3 from seven.

They totalled 797km, only to find that Wokingham had completed exactly the same, meaning the challenge was drawn.

With the cricket season still in some doubt, the Thames Valley League programme remains suspended until further notice.

However, secretary Matthew Stevenson says plans have been discussed should club competitions be allowed to start later in the summer.

Hopefully, the last nine fixtures in the published list will be played on a win/lose format, but there will be no promotion or relegation.

"We think that a round of friendlies on Saturday, 4th July, and then a nine-match competition starting on the following week, Saturday, 11th July, is the most optimistic scenario," Stevenson stated.