Tribute to DON FRIAR

Date: 15th January 2021

St Helens stalwart recently passed away.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of former St Helens Cricket Club 1st XI scorer Don Friar, father to Adam Friar, currently playing at Ainsdale CC, Grandfather to Paul Booth, former player at St Helens CC and Great Grandfather to Harry Friar, who is starting his cricketing journey at Rainhill CC

Don's early sporting life was focused on athletics. He was by all accounts a very good long-distance runner, who represented the local athletics clubs, which is where he met his wife, Elsie, who many will remember for her magnificent cricket teas at St Helens CC and her persuasive skills at selling raffle tickets on match days.

Don's interest in cricket commenced when Adam commenced paying junior cricket at St Helens Recs Cricket Club. Along with Elsie, they would attend games offering their vociferous support to the team and ferrying team members to club and district games.

In 1989, Adam made the short journey across Dentons Green Lane to St Helens CC and it was not long after, that Don took up the reins of 1st XI scorer, fulfilling this role for near 20 years to a high standard, accepting nothing more than a couple of pints after the game, whilst deep in conversation with friends and colleagues.

It was during this time he was able to share in the success of an emerging young team that regularly challenged for honours in the Manchester Association in the mid 1990's. One of the highlights for Don was scoring at Old Trafford as the first XI took on Bolton in the cup final, which coincided with the clubs 150 year anniversary. Don is there, proud as can be, on the team photo outside the grand pavilion.

Cricket clubs rely on the goodwill and selfless support of volunteers and Don, along with Elsie, were two of the very best. When I took over the first team captaincy in 2001 for the first time, their unwavering support allowed me to focus on the cricket field, rather than all the off-field duties that go with the job. I will be forever thankful to them both.

On behalf of all those former players and members at St Helens CC, Adam's teammates, and friends at Ainsdale CC, we offer our condolences to Don's family and friends at this sad time and at least take some comfort that Don and Elsie are now reunited.

Darren Tyms