Dorset cricket is mourning the loss of retired Bournemouth opening batsman and, more recently, prominent umpire Merrick Wilkinson, who died recently, believed to be in his mid-Seventies.
Cricket was Merrick’s life, initially playing in Middlesex and then, when his professional career as a financial adviser lured him south, spending many a happy Saturday playing for Bournemouth’s successful 2nd XI in the old Southern League Second XI Championship.
A Bournemouth man through and through, and immaculately attired, he was almost an ever present for the Wanderers on Sundays and was a prominent member of the Dorset Over-50s side for several seasons.
“His obstinate retention of his wicket under all circumstances did not do justice to the fine array of shots that he had at his disposal, and he was an excellent team member of Bournemouth Sports Club, where he also played and subsequently umpired hockey,” recalled long-time team-mate Keith Balmer.
“He and I opened the batting for Dorset Over 50’s on numerous occasions, and his debut away against Cornwall resulted in a ten-wicket win for us, with both Merrick and I undefeated in chasing down 178.
“He was sadly unwell on that historic day in 1990 when Bournemouth seconds bowled their Alton counterparts out for nought. He watched it all unfold from the other side of the boundary rope.”
Merrick’s love of cricket and his meticulous way of doing things benefitted the umpiring fraternity when he finally retired from playing and left the crease in 2010.
He chaired the Dorset Association of Cricket Umpires & Scorers for four years, driving the organization forward. Hugely respected, he umpired in the Dorset League and officiated in county age group matches.
Merrick will always be remembered for his professionalism as an umpire, excellent feedback and support he would provide on match days, and his overall dedication to cricket.
The past summer season has been particularly testing for umpires, with appointed officials having to ensure Covid 19 restrictions were strictly adhered to, particularly at schools matches such at Canford, where Wilkinson enjoyed officiating.
Merrick’s meticulous approach in this direction ensured matches went off without a hitch and, both on and off the field, he was always happy to provide feedback and offer advice.
Poole Town CC, with whom he had close ties socially, described Merrick as “one of the best, a gentleman and an umpire who earned the respect of everyone on the field.”
Merrick Wilkinson’s funeral is at Harbour View, Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6AN, on Thursday October 21 and 2.30pm. The service will be open to all. Photo James Robinson.
Cricket was Merrick’s life, initially playing in Middlesex and then, when his professional career as a financial adviser lured him south, spending many a happy Saturday playing for Bournemouth’s successful 2nd XI in the old Southern League Second XI Championship.
A Bournemouth man through and through, and immaculately attired, he was almost an ever present for the Wanderers on Sundays and was a prominent member of the Dorset Over-50s side for several seasons.
“His obstinate retention of his wicket under all circumstances did not do justice to the fine array of shots that he had at his disposal, and he was an excellent team member of Bournemouth Sports Club, where he also played and subsequently umpired hockey,” recalled long-time team-mate Keith Balmer.
“He and I opened the batting for Dorset Over 50’s on numerous occasions, and his debut away against Cornwall resulted in a ten-wicket win for us, with both Merrick and I undefeated in chasing down 178.
“He was sadly unwell on that historic day in 1990 when Bournemouth seconds bowled their Alton counterparts out for nought. He watched it all unfold from the other side of the boundary rope.”
Merrick’s love of cricket and his meticulous way of doing things benefitted the umpiring fraternity when he finally retired from playing and left the crease in 2010.
He chaired the Dorset Association of Cricket Umpires & Scorers for four years, driving the organization forward. Hugely respected, he umpired in the Dorset League and officiated in county age group matches.
Merrick will always be remembered for his professionalism as an umpire, excellent feedback and support he would provide on match days, and his overall dedication to cricket.
The past summer season has been particularly testing for umpires, with appointed officials having to ensure Covid 19 restrictions were strictly adhered to, particularly at schools matches such at Canford, where Wilkinson enjoyed officiating.
Merrick’s meticulous approach in this direction ensured matches went off without a hitch and, both on and off the field, he was always happy to provide feedback and offer advice.
Poole Town CC, with whom he had close ties socially, described Merrick as “one of the best, a gentleman and an umpire who earned the respect of everyone on the field.”
Merrick Wilkinson’s funeral is at Harbour View, Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6AN, on Thursday October 21 and 2.30pm. The service will be open to all. Photo James Robinson.
