Players from all the Kings Langley CC teams gathered at noon on Saturday May 10 for a minute's applause in memory of Dave Percy, who died in the field at the age of 50 playing for the second team in a Hertfordshire League match at The Common the previous weekend.

Opponents Rickmansworth II were facing defeat at eight wickets down in Division Six when Percy collapsed with a suspected heart attack as he turned to walk back to his mark, having already taken four wickets. The emergency services arrived after about 20 minutes, but he never regained consciousness. His wife Tanya and daughter Cassie were watching the game.

Percy, a formidable seam bowler at his peak, spent his playing career at Kings Langley, having joined as a junior. A high point was taking all 10 wickets against local rivals Langleybury. Mick Cooke, the club secretary, said: “It is very sad for the club, a great shock. Dave was a fine bowler and liked to win, but equally he was very sociable and friendly in the bar.”

The club website said: “Dave died doing what he loved, surrounded by his family and friends and, although cruel that he has been taken from us at such an early age, he leaves us with so many happy memories and with a fondness in our hearts.”

In announcing the funeral, held at West Herts Crematoriume, the club said that the wake at the clubhouse would start at about 3.45pm and “Tanya is very happy for this to go on late into the evening”. This was exactly what happened. A marathon. Dave Percy would have approved.