CALDY Cricket Club have paid tribute to stalwart Billy Wright who has sadly passed away. 

A statement from the club said: "It is with deep regret that we have to bring the news that Billy Wright sadly passed away on Wednesday, February 21.

"Whilst Billy had been unwell there was no anticipation of this news and the whole club is rocked by this extremely tragic news.

"Billy has been at the heart of the club, player, captain, committee member, Chairman of Selection and head of grounds, giving his time selflessly in all departments.

"As a player Billy was a championship winner with the second team and then captained one of the third teams.

"We all know Billy would bowl all day if he could, but a testament to the man was when a strong age group was coming through into senior cricket Billy was all too willing to let the younger lads have overs and reduce his own spells to enable their development and learning. Not only did he do this, he encouraged them enormously and taught them how to behave on a cricket field.

"Everyone at the club will remember him as an engaging, generous and loveable person. On and off the pitch Billy was fun to be around and you could tell he loved his sport, his cricket, the club and the mates he had there."