Edward Osmond, a stalwart and huge supporter of virtually every section of the Trojans Club, has died after a short illness.
Trojans Cricket section chairman Nigel le Bas said in a tribute: "Edward has been part of Trojans for as long as I can remember, he was always at the Club whenever I went to the club to support my father (Malcolm le Bas) and when I was playing as junior cricket or rugby. This support and love of Trojans never relented.
"He was always present watching the 1st XV rugby team, the 1st XI hockey team and, of course, he cannot have missed many 1st XI cricket matches over the years. His support of the club went beyond his willingness and want to support the club’s teams but he invested significant time and effort as a volunteer to provide the much needed help to keep the club’s sections going.
"Whilst he played some 3rd team and Sunday cricket as well as some hockey for the club, Edward recognised that he was not a natural sportsman but he was unsurpassed in his enthusiasm for sport, particularly cricket although he had an absorbing interest in hockey and rugby. It was in this context that, off the field, he became and was a loyal enthusiast for the Trojans and a true supporter of all the sections, particularly cricket where he was secretary, chairman and fixtures secretary.
"Beyond his numerous committee commitments, he also readily organised all aspects of running a cricket club such as interval drinks and teas, he umpired as and when asked and often scored when needed. He was always willing to help. Whilst he would never appear on an honours board for on field successes, there ought to be one for stalwart supporters – he would be top of the list if there was one. A true and loyal Trojan for many years."
A staunch Hampshire member, Edward also spent three years representing the Swaythling ward on the Southampton City Council and, among other things, was a Governor of Richard Taunton College.
Trojans Cricket section chairman Nigel le Bas said in a tribute: "Edward has been part of Trojans for as long as I can remember, he was always at the Club whenever I went to the club to support my father (Malcolm le Bas) and when I was playing as junior cricket or rugby. This support and love of Trojans never relented.
"He was always present watching the 1st XV rugby team, the 1st XI hockey team and, of course, he cannot have missed many 1st XI cricket matches over the years. His support of the club went beyond his willingness and want to support the club’s teams but he invested significant time and effort as a volunteer to provide the much needed help to keep the club’s sections going.
"Whilst he played some 3rd team and Sunday cricket as well as some hockey for the club, Edward recognised that he was not a natural sportsman but he was unsurpassed in his enthusiasm for sport, particularly cricket although he had an absorbing interest in hockey and rugby. It was in this context that, off the field, he became and was a loyal enthusiast for the Trojans and a true supporter of all the sections, particularly cricket where he was secretary, chairman and fixtures secretary.
"Beyond his numerous committee commitments, he also readily organised all aspects of running a cricket club such as interval drinks and teas, he umpired as and when asked and often scored when needed. He was always willing to help. Whilst he would never appear on an honours board for on field successes, there ought to be one for stalwart supporters – he would be top of the list if there was one. A true and loyal Trojan for many years."
A staunch Hampshire member, Edward also spent three years representing the Swaythling ward on the Southampton City Council and, among other things, was a Governor of Richard Taunton College.