Seasiders pay tribute to all-rounder Findlay

THE Seasiders must overturn a 27-point with just three games remaining after a seven-wicket defeat to Lanhydrock on an emotional day at Crooklets on Saturday.

Bude were once again missing key players for various reasons, but the events of recent days where it was announced that former bowling all-rounder James Findlay had passed away in Wales the previous weekend, at just 37, ensured a sombre afternoon.

Before the game there was a minute’s silence held, while black armbands were worn as a sign of respect to ‘Piggy’ as he was affectionately known as around the town.

A club statement read: “Piggy’s sudden passing has left everyone at Bude Cricket Club deeply heartbroken.

“A true clubman through and through, Piggy came through our junior system. A fierce competitor, his talent and love for the game carried him into the first team where he proudly represented the club for many years.

“Amongst his many achievements, he was an integral part of our Clive Rosevear Cup winning side in 2015.

“But beyond his 1000-plus runs and over 130 wickets, Piggy was a joy to have around, loved by team-mates, supporters and opponents alike. His absence will leave a void that will be felt for a long time to come.

“On behalf of everybody at Bude Cricket Club, we extend our deepest sympathies, thoughts and love to Piggy’s family during this incredibly painful time. Rest in peace!”

Once the action did get underway, mid-table Lanhydrock won the toss and chose to field, but it was the Seasiders that started well with Wayne Adams striking four glorious boundaries before he was adjudged lbw to the pacey Attfield with 34 on the board.

Surviving opener Matt Williams (6) played around a full ball from the same bowler before Attfield castled Matt Whitefield and Jack Miles in quick succession for three between them.

Juby Johnson (1) edged a catch to gully off Jacob Eldridge as they lost five wickets for just 10 runs (44-5).

Skipper Warren Rumble and Andrew De Rosa saw off the rest of Attfield’s first seven overs, but Rumble – having done the hard work to reach 16 – transpired to guide a Christian James’ first ball, a full-toss, to Jamie Eldridge at mid-on (86-6).

De Rosa looked good for his 24 before edging Reuben Turner behind, but David Sillifant and Derek Piper, with plenty of time to build a partnership, put on 79.

Sillifant rode his luck at times before catching up later on to go to his first league half century for the club, while Piper smacked 37 from just 25 balls with seven fours and a six.

They put on 79 before Piper edged the returning Jacob Eldridge (4-30) behind, which was soon followed in successive by Sillifant for 57 (81 balls, eight fours, one six) and Connor Vanstone.

Matthew Mansbridge dismissed James Maycock early via a superb one-handed catch from Adams running around from mid-off, but James (100 off 96) hammered the bowling to all parts in partnership with Josh Taylor (38).

Both men fell before the end to Piper and Williams respectively, but Aussie Sam Remedios walloped 33 not out from just 11 balls to secure a comfortable win.

Bude visit second-placed Callington Seconds on Saturday (1pm).