In late April 2014 when he was diagnosed with cancer, probably the last thing on Kevin Poulter’s mind was sending down another miserly and accurate spell of left-arm bowling.
But driven on by his selection by the England Over-50s for an International tournament in Sri Lanka, he underwent months of excruciating Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy treatment, finally getting the all clear to make the March 2016 trip and represent his country.
With immense courage and amazing willpower, he wheeled away for another two summers for his beloved Hook & Newnham Basics and the Hampshire Seniors’ representative team.
What turned out to be his farewell appearance came against Basingstoke & North Hants, where his local cricketing career had begun as a 13-year old under the tutelage of the late Bernard Harrison and Derek Dicker.
An equally fine golfer who played off a ten handicap, Kevin organised a golf trip to Portugal last October for 12 Hook & Newnham Basics past and present cricketers, knowing it may be his last trip.
He died recently having contracted pneumonia. His countless sporting friends, colleagues and opponents will be at Basingstoke Crematorium on Tuesday afternoon, May 8 at 3.30pm to say their farewells.
KP’s England selection was a reward for his outstanding performances for the Hampshire Over-50s side for whom he took 65 wickets in five seasons.
Naturally competitive, KP was always regarded as a ‘gentleman’ cricketer.
Reflecting on his fine cricketing career, Kevin recalled taking 7-56 in his first game for Basingstoke, a Sunday friendly.
“I played for six or seven seasons for Basingstoke in the Thames Valley League, Bertie Joel Cup and the National Knockout.
“I guess I took 100 or so wickets for Basingstoke, where I also got my top all-time score, 142 in a midweek game.
“I had a couple of years away from cricket until the legend that is Keith Lovelock persuaded me to join his ragtag unit at Basics Polhill in the Hampshire league in 1989.
“They merged with Hook to form Hook & Newnham Basics in 1993, gaining promotion to the Southern League in 1999 and then on to the second tier in 2008.”
He was a mainstay of Hook & Newnham Basics, taking almost 250 Southern Premier League wickets for the Basingstoke club, for whom he enjoyed considerable success in the popular Guy Jewell t20 competitions. He is pictured below celebrating a recent cup final Man of the Match award.
“I probably took 50 odd wickets in the Hampshire League, so round figures, 350 all told,” he thought.
Hook chairman Keith Lovelock said: “KP was a much loved club member and top mate to many.
“He was a role model to all young and old who has left a massive void in our lives.
“Certainly a one off who won't be replaced: to be at the top of your game for one club for 25/30 years is amazing
“Our thoughts love and best wishes go out to Jacqueline daughters Holly Ellie and Corrin,
brother Gary and extended family.
In a separate tribute, Hampshire Seniors president John Richard said: “I loved watching him bowl his left arm overs so accurate and successful.
“I remember an innings against Somerset a year or two ago which showed that could bat well. He was also an excellent golfer and staunch supporter of the Seniors’ group.
“Kevin played his cricket and golf seriously; he was rightly keen to win. For me he was a nice friendly colleague with a ripe sense of humour.
“He was extremely reliable; happy to be Captain of the 50 XI when asked. He was a really good example of Seniors’ cricket and golf."
But driven on by his selection by the England Over-50s for an International tournament in Sri Lanka, he underwent months of excruciating Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy treatment, finally getting the all clear to make the March 2016 trip and represent his country.
With immense courage and amazing willpower, he wheeled away for another two summers for his beloved Hook & Newnham Basics and the Hampshire Seniors’ representative team.
What turned out to be his farewell appearance came against Basingstoke & North Hants, where his local cricketing career had begun as a 13-year old under the tutelage of the late Bernard Harrison and Derek Dicker.
An equally fine golfer who played off a ten handicap, Kevin organised a golf trip to Portugal last October for 12 Hook & Newnham Basics past and present cricketers, knowing it may be his last trip.
He died recently having contracted pneumonia. His countless sporting friends, colleagues and opponents will be at Basingstoke Crematorium on Tuesday afternoon, May 8 at 3.30pm to say their farewells.
KP’s England selection was a reward for his outstanding performances for the Hampshire Over-50s side for whom he took 65 wickets in five seasons.
Naturally competitive, KP was always regarded as a ‘gentleman’ cricketer.
Reflecting on his fine cricketing career, Kevin recalled taking 7-56 in his first game for Basingstoke, a Sunday friendly.
“I played for six or seven seasons for Basingstoke in the Thames Valley League, Bertie Joel Cup and the National Knockout.
“I guess I took 100 or so wickets for Basingstoke, where I also got my top all-time score, 142 in a midweek game.
“I had a couple of years away from cricket until the legend that is Keith Lovelock persuaded me to join his ragtag unit at Basics Polhill in the Hampshire league in 1989.
“They merged with Hook to form Hook & Newnham Basics in 1993, gaining promotion to the Southern League in 1999 and then on to the second tier in 2008.”
He was a mainstay of Hook & Newnham Basics, taking almost 250 Southern Premier League wickets for the Basingstoke club, for whom he enjoyed considerable success in the popular Guy Jewell t20 competitions. He is pictured below celebrating a recent cup final Man of the Match award.
“I probably took 50 odd wickets in the Hampshire League, so round figures, 350 all told,” he thought.
Hook chairman Keith Lovelock said: “KP was a much loved club member and top mate to many.
“He was a role model to all young and old who has left a massive void in our lives.
“Certainly a one off who won't be replaced: to be at the top of your game for one club for 25/30 years is amazing
“Our thoughts love and best wishes go out to Jacqueline daughters Holly Ellie and Corrin,
brother Gary and extended family.
In a separate tribute, Hampshire Seniors president John Richard said: “I loved watching him bowl his left arm overs so accurate and successful.
“I remember an innings against Somerset a year or two ago which showed that could bat well. He was also an excellent golfer and staunch supporter of the Seniors’ group.
“Kevin played his cricket and golf seriously; he was rightly keen to win. For me he was a nice friendly colleague with a ripe sense of humour.
“He was extremely reliable; happy to be Captain of the 50 XI when asked. He was a really good example of Seniors’ cricket and golf."
