Tributes to Hastings ex-cricketer

Brian Scollay, who played for Sussex Seniors for many years, died on October 15, aged 80.

Hugh Milner, director of Sussex Seniors Cricket, said: “Brian was a lovely man and a friend who will be dearly missed. He was a man that you could so easily get on with; always willing to offer help and advice.”

Brian started playing for the Sussex Over 50s in 1990 and continued to play at all levels through the 50+, 60+ and 70+ teams and had in excess of 220 championship matches.

He scored more than 2,600 runs and his left-arm seam bowling rewarded him with more than 210 wickets. He also took 35 catches.

He captained the Sussex 50+ 2nd XI from 2001 to 2004 and led the side to win the Championship in 2003.

Brian was a member of the 60+ 1st XI that won the Over 60s Championship in 2006 and 2007.

He also captained the Sussex Over 70s from 2013 to 2015, winning the 70+ Championship on two occasions.

Hugh said: “Brian’s all-round ability was invaluable for all the teams that he played in. He topped score with a 100 against Norfolk 70+ in July 2011 and his best bowling was 5 for 28 against Hertfordshire for the 50+ 2nds in August 2003. He represented England Over 70s in the winning series against the Australians in 2013.

“When he decided to give up playing cricket he matured into a very fine and well-respected umpire both in the Sussex League and for the Seniors. An enthusiastic tourist, he played for the Seniors and other Sussex teams in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, The Gambia, the West Indies and around the Mediterranean.

“His legacy for the Seniors is not only the enthusiasm and commitment that he gave in every team that he played but also how he was one of the few who played at all age levels and helped set the foundation of the Sussex Seniors in the formative years of each age group. I am sure all the Sussex Seniors and his friends from other counties who remember Brian would wish me to convey their sympathies and condolences to his wife, Gillian, at this very sad time.”

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