the cricketing fraternity this week lost one of its most respected men as Cyril Cole died – leaving Carew Cricket Club to mourn the loss of their popular president and former player. Telegraph Sport’s Bill Carne pays tribute...

“I saw Cyril in hospital recently and it was typical of him that he was asking about others before I even had chance to ask how he was – and then we settled to a chat about cricket and plenty of reminiscing about the ‘good old days’.

“Cyril was well known in his playing days as a very fine wicket-keeper and opening batsman who started out with Carew. He then played for both Pembroke and Lamphey, where he finished his playing days, although he did turn out in a couple of friendlies back at Carew in matches like the one when a ‘Cole XI’ played and had great fun.

“Lamphey stalwart John Donnachie said: ‘Cyril captained us for two years and did a wonderful job of encouraging young players. He was a lovely man and will be missed’.

“Cyril resumed his association with Carew when his grandson, David Rees, began to play for the village, and he took over from Jenkin Hall as president, attending almost every match, especially where young players were involved, and encouraging everyone to play good cricket.

“Club secretary Nick Scourfield told me: ‘He was an inspirational president for us and we are deeply upset at the loss of a great club man’.

“Telegraph Sport could pay Cyril no higher tribute and our thoughts go out to his wife Dilys, daughters Wendy, Glenda and Sandra, plus the rest of the Cole family.”

The funeral will take place at Lamphey Church on Friday at 12.45pm and at Narberth crematorium at 2.30pm.