Tommy Barton batting for Ventnor II against Solent Rangers : Dave Reynolds pictue.
A prominent Isle of Wight cricketer, Tommy Barton has died following a suspected stabbing incident in Ryde early on Sunday morning. A murder investigation is underway with two island residents charged and in police custody.
Barton (30) hadn't played cricket for some time but returned to the local scene with Ventnor in April and played as recently as two weekends ago for the club's 2nd XI, scoring 60 in a Hampshire League match at Steephill.
A talented hard hitting batsman and seam bowler, he played Southern Premier League cricket for Lymington between 2007 and 2011, and spent the 2018 summer at the New Forest club. He was man of the match when Lymington won the Southern Premier League T20 Cup in 2008.
Playing for Ryde Cavaliers several seasons ago, he struck a Hampshire League record 331* against Portchester 3rd XI at Smallbrook.
Ventnor Cricket Club put out a short statement on their Facebook page : "The club is deeply shocked and saddened to have learnt about the death of one of our players, Tommy Barton. The thoughts of everyone connected with VCC are with his family at this time."
Ryde and Shanklin & Godshill CCs put out their own tributes to the former Lymington player.
On behalf of Ryde, Simon Wratten posted: "It is always sad when the cricket community lose one of their own, but the tragic and senseless loss of Tommy Barton this week is particularly sad. Tommy was one of the very best cricketers to play on the Isle of Wight.
Exceptional talent
"In 2006, at the age of just 13, Tommy played in the Isle of Wight Cup final for Ryde Cavaliers, and a year later, was playing Southern Premier League cricket for Lymington 1st XI.
"At 16 he won the man of the match award in the final of the Southern Premier T20 competition at the Ageas Bowl, scoring 35 vital runs as Lymington beat Ventnor.
"In that same season, a three-wicket spell in a match against the Hampshire Academy included the scalp of Hampshire captain, James Vince.
"After a break, Tommy returned to cricket to play for fun, with his mates, at Ryde Cavaliers.
"Playing at a lower level was no real challenge for Tommy’s exceptional talents and he scored runs with ease. Following another break away from cricket, Tommy returned this season to play for Ventnor. His final innings saw him score 60 not out in a ten-wicket win.
"The following week, Tommy was in the firsts to play at a standard far more suited to his ability. This, unfortunately, was to be his last game. Our thoughts are with the family at this time."
Shanklin Cricket Club also posted their own tribute : ""Everyone connected with Shanklin and Godshill Cricket Club are particularly saddened and shocked to hear of the death of Island cricketer, Tommy Barton. Many of our players shared some excellent battles with and against Tommy on the cricket field, and he will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences go to the Barton family at this time."
Barton (30) hadn't played cricket for some time but returned to the local scene with Ventnor in April and played as recently as two weekends ago for the club's 2nd XI, scoring 60 in a Hampshire League match at Steephill.
A talented hard hitting batsman and seam bowler, he played Southern Premier League cricket for Lymington between 2007 and 2011, and spent the 2018 summer at the New Forest club. He was man of the match when Lymington won the Southern Premier League T20 Cup in 2008.
Playing for Ryde Cavaliers several seasons ago, he struck a Hampshire League record 331* against Portchester 3rd XI at Smallbrook.
Ventnor Cricket Club put out a short statement on their Facebook page : "The club is deeply shocked and saddened to have learnt about the death of one of our players, Tommy Barton. The thoughts of everyone connected with VCC are with his family at this time."
Ryde and Shanklin & Godshill CCs put out their own tributes to the former Lymington player.
On behalf of Ryde, Simon Wratten posted: "It is always sad when the cricket community lose one of their own, but the tragic and senseless loss of Tommy Barton this week is particularly sad. Tommy was one of the very best cricketers to play on the Isle of Wight.
Exceptional talent
"In 2006, at the age of just 13, Tommy played in the Isle of Wight Cup final for Ryde Cavaliers, and a year later, was playing Southern Premier League cricket for Lymington 1st XI.
"At 16 he won the man of the match award in the final of the Southern Premier T20 competition at the Ageas Bowl, scoring 35 vital runs as Lymington beat Ventnor.
"In that same season, a three-wicket spell in a match against the Hampshire Academy included the scalp of Hampshire captain, James Vince.
"After a break, Tommy returned to cricket to play for fun, with his mates, at Ryde Cavaliers.
"Playing at a lower level was no real challenge for Tommy’s exceptional talents and he scored runs with ease. Following another break away from cricket, Tommy returned this season to play for Ventnor. His final innings saw him score 60 not out in a ten-wicket win.
"The following week, Tommy was in the firsts to play at a standard far more suited to his ability. This, unfortunately, was to be his last game. Our thoughts are with the family at this time."
Shanklin Cricket Club also posted their own tribute : ""Everyone connected with Shanklin and Godshill Cricket Club are particularly saddened and shocked to hear of the death of Island cricketer, Tommy Barton. Many of our players shared some excellent battles with and against Tommy on the cricket field, and he will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences go to the Barton family at this time."
