Tributes paid to legendary Chesterfield cricketer

Friends of Chesterfield cricketing legend David Adams have paid tribute after hearing of the stalwart's tragic death.

Dave, who was 49 and affectionately known to many as ‘Grizz’, died suddenly this week.

Fellow cricketer and life-long friend Tim Kirk said Dave, who captained Chesterfield Cricket Club for several years, was held in high regard wherever he played.

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He added: “Dave led from the front. He was a very stylish, top-order batsman but he could be absolutely destructive also.

“He could hit a cricket ball almost as far as he could hit a golf ball but he was also a miserly slow, left-arm bowler.”

Dave, who latterly worked as sales director for iPro isotonic drinks, was involved in cricket for more than 40 years but started out playing as a youth for Staveley Welfare in the Bassetlaw League.

As well as playing for Rotherham in the Yorkshire League, Dave was a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owner of Lord’s Ground and the world’s most prestigious cricket club.

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He played almost 100 games for the club, touring Uganda, kenya, Namibia and the Channel Islands.

Tim added: “Dave’s family always came first but cricket and sport were his great pastimes.”

Mike Taylor, chairman of Chesterfield Cricket Club, said: “Everyone at the club is terribly sad to hear the news of Grizz’s death.

“He was a really forceful batsman who scored a lot of 100s and while he was captain he will be remembered for bringing the youngsters on.

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“It’s such a massive shock to the club - to think we will not be seeing him anymore.”

Dave’s brother, Chris, former England cricketer, tweeted: “My beautiful big bro gone, love you forever #grizzly. Thank you to everyone who has sent such lovely messages of condolence. My brother was a big character, much loved and will be so missed.”

The Professional Cricketers’ Association tweeted: “We are saddened to learn of death of @Grizzly2209 a great supporter of PCA for many years. Our thoughts are with @grizz598 (Chris Adams) and the family.”

Dave is also survived by his four children and wife, Laurie.

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