Remembering Roger Collins | 1943-2024

Sussex Cricket is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of local cricketing hero and member of both Haywards Heath CC and Keymer & Hassocks CC, Roger Collins. Those who knew Roger, have spoken about the pivotal role he has played in the growth of recreational cricket in Sussex. 

Roger Collins, long-time member of both Haywards Heath CC and Keymer & Hassocks CC, was a cricket man in every sense of the phrase.  He undertook roles of responsibility in both clubs to ensure that many others had the opportunity to play both friendly and league cricket. 

Many will know of him through his work to create and run a flourishing Mid Sussex League.  Many will have played against him, and I expect many more will have chatted to him in the bar afterwards as he reviewed the events of the day over a drink or two.  All rivalries forgotten as he sat down with a pint of bitter.

Of course, there were two sides to Roger.  Rog could be grumpy, difficult to deal with on occasions and very set in his ways.  I would tell him he was a cantankerous old b****, and, on most occasions, he would smile and tell me it made life more fun.

Ross Watkins (Keymer & Hassocks CC)

There was a lengthy period during which, if anyone mentioned the Mid Sussex Cricket League, one immediately thought of Roger Collins, who was its principal custodian for many years. Roger was indeed a devoted, dedicated and determined honorary secretary who strived at all times to produce the best possible structure and playing conditions for "his” clubs. 

Roger was a wonderfully committed stalwart of Sussex Cricket, whose life we will remember with respect and admiration.

David Bowden (Past President, Sussex Cricket)

The whole cricketing community across Mid Sussex, but also the wider County network has lost a true cricketing gent, in Roger Collins. A forward-thinking constant presence in the Mid Sussex League, single-handedly responsible for setting up an entire League and contributing to growing the game to where it is today. 

I admired his relentless, stubborn, and direct way of building and sustaining the game for the benefit of others, matched only by his passionate belief in his charity work and there’s no better example of this than his wish to continue to support the game, even now when he’s no longer with us, through The Primary Club, the cricketers’ charity for the blind and partially sighted. 

Roger was an unsung hero of recreational cricket in Sussex and someone who’ll be remembered for helping Sussex grow its recreational game and League structure, to what it is today.

Matt Parsons (Central Region Area Manager, Sussex Cricket)