It is with great shock and sadness that Basingstoke and North Hants Cricket announce the untimely death of its former captain Lee Nurse. After fighting the Coronavirus bravely for nearly 3 weeks he finally succumbed to the illness on Thursday 9th April, he was just 43 years old. Our deepest sympathies go to Chris and Leon his parents, Dean his brotherand Rilee his son and the rest of the family. 

‘Nursey’ had played cricket for BNHCC for the vast majority of his playing career so we have lost an important member of our cricketing family but most of all we have all lost a dearfriend. 

The numbers speak for themselves, over 400 1st XI matches played, scoring 10,900 runs at an average of 30.4, scoring 18 hundreds and 56 half-centuries with a highest score of 157. What would have pleased him the most though would be the 50 wickets at 26.5 as he always felt he was a better bowler than we gave him credit for, add 127 catches and 3 stumping’s and you can see what a massive contribution he made to the team and the club.

But these statistics go no-where near showing what Lee brought to the Club and the matches he played in. He was always a joy to play with and with him in the team made playing the game so much more enjoyable, with his infectious character and the funny stories he shared whilst stood at slipor just while watching the game. Although a fierce competitor on the field, he always treated the opposition and officials with respect and I can never remember any cross words or incidents with anyone he was playing against, what happened on the pitch stayed on the pitch and he was always the first to mix and chat with the opposition in the bar after the game, win or lose.

We all have our own stories involving Lee and this is a time to remember these with the happiness they provide in these troubled times. There will be time when things get back to some sense of normality when we can get together and celebrate a wonderful life that brought joy into all the lives of the people who knew Lee.

Our thoughts must now be with the people who will miss him the most and support them in whatever way we can. Rest in peace our dear friend and buddy and there will always be a spare beer on the bar for you.