James Corfield: Mid Wales community celebrate teenager's life at ceremony

James Corfield, 19, went missing at the Royal Welsh Showground in July prompting a large scale five-day search.

He was found in a deep pool in the River Wye and his home town of Montgomery has been in mourning ever since.

On Friday huge crowds gathered at Montgomery Cricket Club's Lymore Ground to pay their respects to a man described as a "star in the making."

Reporter Jonny Drury attended the ceremony

Town crier Sue Blower opened proceedings saying: "This is an extremely sad day.

"We are here to remember James William Bernard Corfield and celebrate his life, how much he is loved and how much he is in our hearts."

His older brother Tom, also a fellow farmer and team mate at Montgomery Cricket Club recalled memories of their time together.

He said: "He was a kind and generous person.

"From a young age he loved poultry and was building an empire with lots of chickens, and we would have to hide animals away at Christmas so he didn't find them as his Christmas presents.

"He as a keen football, cricket and tennis player and loved Tottenham Hotspur, to a point where he didn't watch them because he though he brought them bad luck.

"His main passion was cricket and we played anywhere, in the barns and in the house, where we would smash things such as windows and ornaments.

"He was a talented cricketer winning many awards and there was much more to come from him.

"He was my brother and also my best friend, goodbye James you were a genius."

Cousins, family members and friends read our emotional tributes to the young farmer throughout the hour long ceremony.

The rain began to come down but people stayed to hear memories and anecdotes from the teenagers life.

Club chairman John Barker told about how James, known to his team mates as Jimmy, rose from a six year old to one of the most talented cricketers the club had ever seen.

He said: "The club was his second home.

"He won many awards including the batting and bowling cup and last year was the young player and division player of the year.

"We remember him as a player and a person.

"He was competitive on the pitch but as polite and modest off it.

"After teas he would always go in to thank the tea ladies and would go around and talk to the supporters we had coming to watch us."

Mr Barker gave a speech from captain Sam Williams, who added: "He was a star in the making.

"He and the Corfields loved Montgomery Cricket Club and we loved him back.

"Thank you Jimmy for the time you spent with us."

A rendition of glory, glory Tottenham Hotspur was played before further speeches, watched by James' large family sat in the front row.

His cousin, Patrick Wilding added: "I didn't have a brother but James was like my brother.

"I was privileged to take the catch that got him his last wicket.

"He will forever be in my thoughts, and next to me when I walk on the pitch.

"Until next time, goodbye Jimmy."

The whole community of Montgomeryshire came together in the weeks after James' death, with the cricket community also paying their tributes in recent weeks.

The large scale crowds show much much the young cricketer meant to the community of Montgomery.

His younger sister Emma paid an emotional tribute to the man described as a genius.

She added: "You were a genius, so talented and everyone wanted to be as good as you.

"You spent so much time with me, playing, working and teaching me to improve at sports.

"I will remember our memories, rest in peace.

"They say the best die young, goodbye we love you."