Monmouth Cricket Club are having an excellent season - with the first team currently riding high at the top of the South-East Wales League Division 7.

But there is one familiar face missing this summer, who would have enjoyed the club’s resurgence.

David ‘Dai’ Williams, a club stalwart of more than 50 years, died in the autumn after a short illness.

“Dai was as a much-loved former treasurer, secretary, vice-chairman, committee member, umpire and player at Monmouth Cricket Club for more than half-a-century,” said friend and former vice-chairman, Ian Morgan.

“When Dai umpired in Monmouth’s matches you knew he would be decisive in his decisions. There was never a hint of bias towards us, as Monmouth players, when Dai was in the middle.

In fact, Dai was probably a lot harsher on our batters and bowlers than he was with the opposition.”

Dai deservedly received life-membership from the club, alongside Rob Pendleton, with whom he travelled to many second team away matches, and current club president, Gordon Grey, in September 2023.

Dai was also a former cricket club representative on the Monmouth Sports Association.

“Despite not being able to drive, Dai officiated as a qualified umpire, for a time, in the Marches Cricket League in Herefordshire and would travel and from venues on public transport,” recalled Ian.

Dai was a familiar figure around the town, too, and a friend of former player and ex club president John Wigmore, who celebrated his 92nd birthday on Saturday 5 July.

Ian added: “A gentle, kind and private person, Dai disliked being in the limelight. He was a good, honest man, who worked for many years as the caretaker of Osbaston Infants School, where he rode to and from on his bike.”

Former player Rick Parkes recalled:

“We had many happy days with Dai around, on Sundays especially, when we ran the thriving Sunday friendly team at Monmouth. He really enjoyed tucking into the teas and I think he must have given me out lbw about half a dozen times; great memories.”

And former club chairman Chris Brooks said: “Dai was a tremendous character - his dedication to the cricket club over such a long period of time was top notch and unrivalled.

“We all have great memories of Dai and I know he will be fondly remembered by so many current and past players. RIP Dai.”