DAVID ‘SYD’, LAWRENCE

We wish to join the cricketing community in expressing our most sincere condolences to Syd’s family on the news of his passing on Sunday.     His life was a shining example of ‘what is possible’ if one is prepared to be committed and resolute when confronted with obstacles.

My first memory of Syd was picking him up in Eastern Avenue for early season Bristol nets; he was very keen and kept asking if he would be bowling against the 1st team – I nervously indicated that I fully expected he would do that but what I did not foresee was that after five deliveries he would be banned from activity with the 1st team because he was too erratic but more relevantly  at that stage, much too fast !!!!

He played with dignity at all levels of our game and was so humble when asked to be President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club; a most befitting honour for the young lad from Gloucester City.

There was never any doubt that Syd would not push all boundaries in his quest to achieve; he unequivocally made known his intent to live every day as if it would be his last which sadly for us all came too soon.

David Partridge

Chairman, Cheltenham Cricket Club