Tragic end to cup final as cricketer collapses and later dies in hospital

The sudden and unexpected death of Phil Gillett while playing for the Cambs & Hunts Over 60s side on September 22 at Fitzwilliam College Ground in Cambridge has left Waresley Cricket Club, where he was vice chairman and played his club cricket, in shock.

Phil, who only turned 60 in July, was preparing himself to open the bowling against Essex Over 60s in the Eastern Counties Cup Final having batted for the final few overs.

He had complained to skipper Nick Andrews of not feeling well during the lunch break but then declared himself fit.

After collapsing, Phil was treated immediately by Peterborough GP Dr Sajid Shirazi, who had only just turned up to support the side, and then by a team of paramedics before being taken to Addenbrookes Hospital.

Phil had played over 50 matches for Hunts Over 50s, before making his debut as an under-aged player for the Over 60s last season.

Paying tribute to Phil, Nick said: "Phil was not just a lovely bloke, he was someone you'd want alongside you in the trenches when you were up against it.

"Batting, bowling or fielding he always gave 100 per cent. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Phil will leave a massive hole in a side he had only recently joined and will be deeply missed by all his cricket mates in the Over 60s."

Phil lived in Hail Weston, previously living in Gamlingay, and before that Little Gransden, where he grew up.

He first played for Waresley in 1974 when he was 14 and holds the record for playing the most consecutive seasons for the club – 47.

Despite playing a few years at St Neots, he always made sure he came back for a few games at Waresley and his last appearance was in July this year.

He also represented the full Huntingdonshire side on seven occasions, made more than 50 appearances for the Hunts Over 50s and was in his second season with the Cambs & Hunts over 60s.

In 1978, he made an appearance for Northamptonshire 2nd XI against Essex 2nd XI where he came up against legendary England batsman Graham Gooch.

Always an active and outdoor man, Phil played hockey in the winter, was an enthusiastic member of Gamlingay Young Farmers and had recently discovered the joys of caravanning. His jobs included working in a bakery, for York House, J P Walker & Sons and at Waresley Park.

He captained the Waresley 1st XI for six seasons and the 2nd XI for a year too, was on the committee for 40 years, acted as treasurer in the early 90s and had been vice-chairman in recent years as well as ensuring the bar was kept well stocked.

A Waresley CC spokeman said: "His playing record speaks for itself – he was a fine medium fast bowler with a unique action, an attacking batsman and excellent in the field – in more than 1,000 recorded appearances for the club, he scored 17,471 runs with three centuries and 68 fifties (highest score of 139 v Camden in 1997). He took an amazing 1,297 wickets with 23 five wicket hauls and a career best of 8-26 v Eltisley 1977 when he was just 17.

"He won the batting averages once, the bowling averages three times, most catches trophy five times, best 1st XI performance six times, best 2nd XI performance three times, most improved player twice (in consecutive seasons!) and shared the Lyndon Price Champagne Moment Trophy with Kevin Cole for the epic 9th wicket match winning partnership against Hemingford in 2000.

"Our president Gareth Thomas recalled that the best all-round performance he had ever seen for the club was by Phillip against Ampthill in 1982 when he scored 70 out of 140 and then proceeded to take 7-35 to win the game – positively 'Bothamesque' as it was described at the time!

"But more importantly than all this, he was a thoroughly honest and decent chap who always had time, a smile and a witty comment for you – was great fun off the pitch and he'll be missed more than we can say and will cherish our memories of him forever."