James Corfield: Players’ tribute to a talented cricketer
Cricketers across Shropshire remembered one of the league’s most talented players with a tribute to James Corfield before their games this weekend.
The 19-year old from Montgomery went missing on a night out at the Royal Welsh Show, in the early hours of July 25, his body found in the River Wye in Builth Wells five days later.
His death has shocked both the local farming and sporting communites. Montgomery Show has cancelled its carnival parade, due to be held on August 19, although the show itself will still go ahead.
On Saturday teams from the Shropshire County Cricket League, in which Montgomery Cricket Club plays, held a minute of clapping in memory of James, before their matches.
The teenager was a talented player and had been a member of the Montgomery club since the age of nine.Team mates wore special armbands with the name Jimmy on them and many shed tears after the minute of clapping on the pitch. David Thomas, club secretary, said: “James’s family are at the heart of Montgomery Cricket Club and his loss is being felt very deeply. We’ve lost a player with huge potential that was only beginning to be realised, and we’ve also lost a great club member and friend.”
“The help and support shown by the league, clubs and individuals has been fantastic and much appreciated by the family and club. I know that the messages on Facebook, Twitter, and in e-mails have been read by his family and club members, and it means a lot to know that James was so well liked, respected and admired as a person and a cricketer across Shropshire, Montgomeryshire and beyond.”
Forden athlete Andrew Davies dedicated his marathon run at the World Athletics Championships in London to the cricketer.
The GB team member, who finished 31st in the race in just under two hours and 18 minutes, posted on Twitter before the race that he was running for James Corfield. He ran with a blue heart, a symbol that has been taken up by James’ friends, on his arm. The decision to cancel the carnival procession was made out of respect for the Corfield family. James’ mother, Louise is leading member of the show.
A statement reads: “Everybody in and around Montgomery are well aware of the recent sad events which have surrounded Louise Corfield and her family. Louise has for many years been the driving force behind The Carnival and Parade which precedes the main show.
“In view of these events and as a mark of respect it has been decided to cancel this years Carnival and Parade through the streets. This means there will be no floats and no activities in the Broad Street areas. Resultantly there will be no new Carnival Queen for 2017.”
The Show will now commence on the show ground at Lymore Park at 1pm on August 19.
