Shifnal CC legend Brian Foulkes dies aged 86

Foulkes has passed away, aged 86, following a recent illness.

He spent over 70 years as a player, captain, coach and committee member at the Priorslee Road club.

He also worked for the Shropshire Cricket Board and with Cricket Shropshire's county age group programme and was regarded as an outstanding coach with his skills recognised in 2008 when he received the ECB Coaches Associations Outstanding Services to Cricket award.

Foulkes, a fine fast bowler during his playing days, was also the inspiration behind the club's thriving youth section.

Shifnal first team skipper Chris Murrall led the tributes to the club legend.

"Brian lived and breathed Shifnal," said Murrall "I have played here for nearly 20 years and I don't think I have ever been down there on a Saturday when he hasn't been sat in his spot by the scorebox, whether it be a first team game or a second team game.

"We used to refer to it as Foulkesy's corner. It will be very, very strange next season without him there.

"Everybody you speak to says what a fantastic bowler he was and what a fantastic captain he was as well, and just ultimately what a great clubman he was.

"As I say he just lived and breathed Shifnal. It meant the world to him when we won and there were perhaps times when you tried to win for him.

"You only have to see some of the messages that have been sent and it makes you realise just how many people he impacted and how much time he gave for the club.

"The junior section at Shifnal wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Brian. It wouldn't be what it is without Brian. He literally built that from scratch.

"He was a brilliant, brilliant clubman. I can't speak highly enough of him and our condolences to his wife Judith and his son Robin and daughter Ruth. He will be greatly missed."