Memorial game at East Dean and Friston CC for Neil Gordon Gamble

A memorial cricket game will take place this Sunday at East Dean and Friston CC at the Memorial Recreational Ground from 12pm for the late Neil Gordon Gamble, an exceptional local player, captain and volunteer.

Scott Lipa, a friend of Neil's pays tribute to a member of the local community, who made a big impact on grassroots cricket in the County.

Neil’s passing was so very unexpected and naturally a collective shock to the Eastbourne area and particularly to the East Sussex Cricket community.  Neil’s kindness and helpfulness resulted in Neils funeral being a large one as family, friends and business associates mourned the loss of this fine man and father, whose life was taken at such a young age.

Neils passion was his young family and his love of cricket. I first played with Neil in 2003 at East Dean and Friston Cricket Club and got to know him well. As a junior he was a Sussex representative playing with the Eastbourne club, one of the Sussex feeder premier league clubs.

When I moved to Eastbourne from Australia and joined the East Dean club, Neil, along with other members, banter notwithstanding, made me feel so welcome.

The club was then participating in The Cuckmere Valley League, one of the oldest leagues in England at the time. Neil soon became captain and steered the club through the end of this league and into the East Sussex League.

The club grew under his leadership from one team to two league teams and a flourishing Sunday side. He was for many years  club captain and never before has the club had such a longstanding and admired skipper.

A talented cricketer himself, Neil remains the highest run scorer for the club with more 7000 runs over the many years he played and captained.

Neil was an exceptional leader and had that rare ability to ensure all facets of the club were taken care of; recruiting players, holding meetings, supporting current players, ensuring the participation of all in games, where winning was always strived for, but not at the expense of a harmonious and inclusive team and respect for the game.

The game, promoting diversity and mate ship always came first and respect for umpires and the opposition was always the priority. The encouragement of all team members was the mantra of his stewardship and he spent much time ensuring the club did all it could to develop junior cricketers.

The clubs support of “All stars and Dynamos ECB initiatives” has been so impressive. As well as encouraging his players he was always sure to praise the umpires, tea providers and grounds people for their efforts and important support.

Memorial match

All our welcome to join the club on Sunday, from 12:30pm, to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Neil.

Address: East Dean and Friston CC, The Memorial Recreation Ground. Gilbert’s Drive. BN20 0DG.