On Tuesday, Rye hosted a Richard Merricks XI in a match to celebrate the contribution the late Richard Merricks made to Rye Cricket Club over 50 years as a committee member.
The all-day game, sponsored by Peter Farrow Jewellers, was punctuated by a lunch for 50 guests, tea provided by club members with delicious home-made cakes, and the day was completed by an excellent curry supper supplied by The Mahdi Spice, one of the club’s key sponsors.
On the pitch the Richard Merricks XI posted 269 all out thanks to 50s from James Fielding, George Eldridge and Ed Avann. Gary Willis with four wickets led the Rye attack. Rye chased down the total to win by six wickets with contributions by Luke Payton, James Hamilton, Spencer Fielding and skipper Harry Smeed.
The contribution of Richard Merricks to the club was recognised by the naming of the newly extended upper room of the Sidney Allnutt Pavilion, as the Richard Merricks Room. The Room was opened by Jill Merricks and Cherry Merricks, with Club Chairman Kevin Jury and Rother Councillor Gennette Stevens.
The work was carried out with support from both Rother District Council and Rye Town Council.
Rye CC also announced that a legacy provided by Rick will be used to ensure the pavilion meets disability access requirements, and the club will be awarding a new Clubman of the Year Award this season, to be known as The Richard Merricks Shield.
Photos: Martin Blincow