Tributes have been flooding in for a much-loved cricketing stalwart following his death.

Sam Davies, who had been associated with Pirton Cricket Club since moving to the village in 1977, died after a long battle with cancer at the end of September, aged 65.

His son Sam Davies junior told the Comet: “He spent some of his happiest years with Pirton Cricket Club, reflected in the amount of effort he put in to help run it and build the club into such a welcoming place to come and play cricket.”

Mr Davies was a talented wicket keeper who also opened the batting, and was a keen supporter of colts cricket. He performed many vital off-field roles including club secretary, scoring, pitch preparation, printing fixture cards, fundraising, and compiling and writing match reports.

Rob Bayley, co-ordinator for Pirton Colts’ various youth teams, said: “Sam loved the club and was grateful for the many memories cricket in Pirton gave him including our fantastic last season. When we first found out about his failing health he told my wife he would like one last good cricket season. Sam lived on to see two more summers including this year when he was able to see our team promoted.

“In honour of his tireless commitment to Pirton Cricket Club the ‘Clubman of the Year’ award has been dedicated to his memory and renamed the ‘Sam Davies Memorial Trophy’. He leaves a large hole which we will find very difficult to fill.”

Club treasurer Dave Saunders said: “He was such an important member of our club. It was fitting we renamed our clubman of the year trophy after him. He really was a splendid chap and a great servant.”

Fixture secretary Alan Howe added: “I knew Sam since 1978. He was like a stick of rock – if you cut him open you would have found the words Pirton Cricket Club running through him. Even in his last years he still helped out. It’s fitting we plan to dedicate a bench at the ground to Sam. He was a true clubman and a great man.”