Cricketer dies during match

Dave Gooderham

A POPULAR cricketer collapsed and died in front of shocked friends and players as a league match turned into tragedy.

Cricketers from both sides frantically attempted to revive Peter Williamson after he fell to the ground while batting for Woolpit during a match at Lakenheath.

The 59-year-old, affectionately known as “Slim”, was a former cricketer with Bury before joining Woolpit where he was chairman as well as a player.

It was last night not known why he collapsed as he batted in the division one clash of the Hunts County Bats Suffolk League on Sunday .

Keith Starr, secretary of Lakenheath Cricket Club, said: “Many people at Lakenheath had known Slim for a long time.

“Before the game, he was talking to some of our players and it was nice to see him. We just saw him hit a ball and as he ran, he just went down. We quickly rushed to him and a couple of players tried to revive him before the ambulance was called.”

Mr Starr paid tribute to Mr Williamson adding: “We always enjoyed playing against him and he was a good person.

“Over the years, he would always play cricket with a smile on his face and be very sporting, on and off the pitch.”

Mr Williamson, a father-of-three, was also well-known in his role as chairman of Inspirit Brands, a drinks marketing and brand development agency.

His family were unavailable for comment last night.