Brian Knapp, left, with Sarisbury Athletic captain Ricky Rawlins. Sarisbury Athletic cricket is mourning the loss of long-serving Club President, Brian Knapp, after a short illness.
Brian was a stalwart of the club and served it with distinction for over 60 years. He was 'signed' by Charlie Rowell from nearby Bursledon Brickworks CC and proved to be an invaluable and accurate medium pace bowler. His nagging accuracy and late movement off the seam 'bagged' Brian a shed-load of wickets.
He was also a more-than-useful hard-hitting, lower order batsman and , his favourite shot, a slog sweep, would invariably fly over the Sarisbury Green pavilion. It may surprise some people that Brian was the proud winner of the batting award of the Solent League, Division 2, in 1983.
Brian fulfilled many roles over the years including Colts Co-ordinator, Secretary, Umpire, Chairman and finally President. As Colts co-ordinator he would drive out of his way to pick boys up so they could play in matches. Without Brian's generosity some boys would not have started their cricket careers at all.
On retiring from playing, Brian became a much- respected umpire and was a founder member of the Southern Premier League Panel.
He was passionate about SACC, having seen the club rise from the regional divisions of the Hampshire League to ECB Southern Premier League status.
In his later days would always be at Allotment Road to watch the 1st XI play, right up until the end of his life. Brian was devoted to the club and one can only imagine how proud he was when his late son, Colin. was appointed 1st team captain from 1988-92.
A man of great intellect, his head was full of cricket knowledge and many other sports. One of life's gentlemen, he will always be in our thoughts and will never be forgotten. Brian's passing, aged 84, will have an impact far beyond the cricket community. MJB (R/L).
* Brian’s funeral is Tuesday 8th June at St Andrews church in Hamble. Due to Covid restrictions we are limited to how many can attend the church service but all Brian’s cricketing friends are invited to the clubhouse at Allotment Road from 2.15 pm to enjoy a drink and a chat .
Brian was a stalwart of the club and served it with distinction for over 60 years. He was 'signed' by Charlie Rowell from nearby Bursledon Brickworks CC and proved to be an invaluable and accurate medium pace bowler. His nagging accuracy and late movement off the seam 'bagged' Brian a shed-load of wickets.
He was also a more-than-useful hard-hitting, lower order batsman and , his favourite shot, a slog sweep, would invariably fly over the Sarisbury Green pavilion. It may surprise some people that Brian was the proud winner of the batting award of the Solent League, Division 2, in 1983.
Brian fulfilled many roles over the years including Colts Co-ordinator, Secretary, Umpire, Chairman and finally President. As Colts co-ordinator he would drive out of his way to pick boys up so they could play in matches. Without Brian's generosity some boys would not have started their cricket careers at all.
On retiring from playing, Brian became a much- respected umpire and was a founder member of the Southern Premier League Panel.
He was passionate about SACC, having seen the club rise from the regional divisions of the Hampshire League to ECB Southern Premier League status.
In his later days would always be at Allotment Road to watch the 1st XI play, right up until the end of his life. Brian was devoted to the club and one can only imagine how proud he was when his late son, Colin. was appointed 1st team captain from 1988-92.
A man of great intellect, his head was full of cricket knowledge and many other sports. One of life's gentlemen, he will always be in our thoughts and will never be forgotten. Brian's passing, aged 84, will have an impact far beyond the cricket community. MJB (R/L).
* Brian’s funeral is Tuesday 8th June at St Andrews church in Hamble. Due to Covid restrictions we are limited to how many can attend the church service but all Brian’s cricketing friends are invited to the clubhouse at Allotment Road from 2.15 pm to enjoy a drink and a chat .
