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Stan Martin

Stan Martin

Will Ray9 Jul 2018 - 13:46
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Many of you might be aware that recently Stan Martin sadly passed away. Many of you will know Stan and below are some words from Jim Riddle about him.

It was so sad to hear that another one of my old mates had gone to that to that Cricket pitch in the sky.

Stan was a well established member of County Hall Cricket Club when I first joined them as 'a-wet-behind-the-ears' 14 year old. He was a steady, solid middle order batsman, who also bowled slow right arm spin. But as a slip fielder he was second to none. Stan and Ted Levey were as good in that position as any pair I have come across. But to become that good they spent hours and hours on the slip cradle. As I became more established I also joined them and they passed on there knowledge of close to the wicket fielding (where to look, stand and position of hands). I soon learnt to become a decent slip fielder; especially when Stan told me with that dry smile of his, it would cost me a pint for every dropped catch whilst joining him on the slip cradle.

County Hall were a good side in those days, playing and beating all the top sides in the County. Stan played a big part of this with his all-around Cricket ability. I have known Tim and Cris (Trapper) for ever and know that Stan passed on the love of Cricket to them. Tim was as good as his Dad but Trapper, no chance.

Jeanette, Stan's wife also used to support County Hall, bringing the boy's to watch. I can remember how sad it was for my wife, myself and County Hall when Jeanette died at such a young age. But Stan carried on as best as he could (I know how hard that is) supporting Tim, Trapper then Wives and Grandchildren. He loved just joining in and watching his family play sport, but just being with them gave him great satisfaction.

One of his greatest pleasures also was to go to Lords to watch his beloved Middlesex and I can remember having long discussions with him about modern day cricket, behaviour of players and his biggest hate of all - wearing coloured kit for any 20/20 games. In fact he just wouldn't watch this part of Cricket.

I shall miss seeing Stan at Hertford and reminiscing about players we played with and against. I must admit I have written this with a tear in my eye that another one of my oldest Cricket mates is no longer with us.

Jim Riddle.

Funeral:
Tuesday 17th July service at All Saints Church, Hertford at 1.45pm and afterwards at Hertford Cricket Club, all welcome.

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