Fair and honest
I have just returned from abroad and picked up my Sidmouth Herald to read of the sad and tragic death of Roger Simmonds.
I may be too late with my tribute, but nevertheless: I first came across Roger more than 30 years ago. He was wicketkeeper for Matravers School and Clyst St George Cricket Club and I opened batting for Tipton St John Cricket Club.
He loved his cricket and played it always in the right way – fair, honest and scrupulously, sportsmanlike and with fun and enjoyment.
We played against each other many, many times and Roger would be the first to applaud and congratulate a good shot or score.
Later, after we had both stopped playing, we would regularly bump into each other in a favourite coffee shop in Exmouth or in Sidmouth and we would have enjoyable chats about past matches and local characters in the game.
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It was an honour and a privilege to have known Roger and I counted on him as a friend.
The world is a sadder and lesser place without him.
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God bless you, Roger.
Mike Gilkerson
Sidford
