Hawes vs Cassidy XI Memorial Cricket Match

 BACK in January, Thame.Net carried a tribute to outstanding, local sporting legend, Ray Hawes, who died in the United States, where he had moved to, and about a tribute cricket match to be played in his memory, this summer.

The late Ray Hawes

The cricket match took place at the end of June, at Thame Town Cricket Club, watched by over 100 of Ray’s old friends, and the Hawes family have written to Barry Yates, who helped organise the match, thanking everyone who helped arrange it – a match also intended as a tribute to another well-known sportsman and friend of Ray’s, Nigel Cassidy.

The letter and match report from family members –  Ray’s son Geoff played, together with his nephews Mike White, Steve & Simon Cooley. Nigel’s son Darren captained the opposition. Ray’s widow, Maureen had flown in from USA with her son and grandchildren. Two of  Ray’s three daughters and their children there  too:

“The Hawes family would like to thank Thame Cricket Club, everyone that helped arrange this cricket match and all those who came out to watch this memorial game to remember two great sportsman, Ray Hawes and Nigel Cassidy. A special thanks to Steve Cooley, Darren Cassidy, Mike Beaumont and Barry Yates.

“This was a great day. With many family and friends showing up at the Thame cricket ground, many of whom had not seen one another in years. Thanks to Richard Pineo (long time family friend) for a fine tea time speech.

L to R – Geoff Hawes, Mike Beaumont, Steve Cooley and Mervyn Ramsey

“It was fitting that this game was played in the town Ray Hawes started his cricketing career. Ray attended Lord Williams’s Grammar School breaking many cricketing records in Thame. He was married to Maureen King in Thame Church in 1958 (the Kings are a prominent Thame family. Maureen’s Father, Harold King, was a former Thame Mayor) and they remained married for 55 years and so, with the church in the background, it was an emotional return to this cricket ground. We all missed seeing the face of John Wrench behind the bar (Godfather to Geoff Hawes). The Wrench family, have done so much for Thame Cricket Club over the years.

“Peter Beard, Long time friend of Ray and former First Team Captain of Thame C C, told us that he would pick Ray up in Crendon as he was too young to drive at the time. Ray started as a middle order batsmen and fast bowler. Pete promoted Dad to open the batting with him in 1960. They opened the batting together for seven years, scored many runs and Pete talked of an unbelievable understanding they shared. He went on to tell us the same story that many people in future years found out, that Ray Hawes was not only an outstanding cricketer, but a true sportsman. Cricket to Ray was not just a game but a place to build life lasting friendships.

“This first memorial game was played on June 29th, 2014, and was won by the Cassidy XI thanks largely to a fine unbeaten 139 by Robbie Eason, with support from his brother Will Eason with 58 not out. Many of us remember their Granddad, who was the headmaster at Long Crendon Primary School for many years and their Father, Max Eason, who worked for Hawes Farm Buildings at Brill. Congratulations Robbie on a Ray Hawes-like winning innings.

“The Hawes XI batted first and started in fine style with a Century from Mike Beaumont, and 91 from Russell Hayes (both Mike & Russell played with Ray at Aylesbury for years).

“The Hawes XI captained by Steve Cooley (Cousin of Simon Cooley and former Aylesbury First Team Captain, who took over the captaincy from Ray). Steve declared on 254, but this proved to be not enough, although the batting effort of the Cassidy XI, was helped in part by some interesting fielding by an aged Hawes XI!

“This was a great day with many people showing up to watch a close game of cricket played in a fantastic sporting spirit. Thanks again to all involved in this event.
We hope this will develop into an annual match to celebrate and remember the extraordinary lives of Ray Hawes and Nigel Cassidy.
The Hawes family.”