TRIBUTES have been paid to Lechlade Cricket Club’s ‘larger than life’ chairman Paul Rowley, who died last week.

Known universally as “Rolls”, the 48-year-old father-of-one died at his home in Cirencester last Tuesday, with an inquest being opened to determine the cause.

Rowley was instrumental in the formation of the club’s junior section in 2006, helping to raise £27,000 to build new nets in 2012 and set-up a third XI in 2013.

Club committee member and groundsman Nigel Pearce met Rowley in 1983 when he first joined the cricket club with his brother Andy and said: “No-one who knew Rolls will ever forget him.

“The man was a colossus - generous, inspiring, imaginative, heroic and hilarious are the words that immediately spring to mind.

“The death of someone so huge in all senses of the word is unimaginable.

“He also cared passionately about Lechlade, its community and its cricket and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. To use his own words – Paul was a legend.”

Rowley captained Lechlade for 20 years, leading the team into the last 32 of the Npower National Village Knockout Cup in 2005 and winning the West of England Premier League’s Wiltshire Division in 2008.

His last appearance came in their 2013 County Cup win over Bedminster when he came on for an injured fielder to share in the historic victory.

He also presided over a revolution that saw Lechlade reach new heights with the first team’s promotion to Premier Two of WEPL in 2014, while his efforts off the cricket square saw him win a NatWest OSCA (Outstanding Services to Cricket Award) in 2011.

His friend and former team mate Richard Evans said: “A flamboyant player on the field, he was always the centre of attention on the social side of things.

“Once you became friends with him he was a very loyal person and would do anything for you.”

Rowley is survived by his daughter Darcie, mother Daphne, brothers Ian and Andy and Andy’s family, Chris, Ellen, George, Oscar and Alfie.

“He will be sorely missed by his family and friends but, in time, the sadness we all feel will be replaced only by fond memories,” said Andy.

There will be a private family funeral, followed by a public service of thanksgiving at St Lawrence Church, Lechlade, at 2.30pm, on Monday, October 20.

After the service light refreshments will be served in the Whimbrel Marquee at The Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel, South Cerney.

Those wishing to attend either the service or the wake should email lechladecc@hotmail.com. A collection will be made on behalf of Dementia UK in lieu of flowers.