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Calmore Sports stalwart Martin Killin dies after short illness
Richard Isaacs - 21 April 2002
Just two weeks ahead of the new season, Southern Premier League Division One side Calmore Sports have been dealt a massive blow by the sudden death of their much-respected scorer and statistician Martin Killin, who died following a short illness last Monday.
Mr Killin, 56, was one of the most accomplished scorers in the league, to the point of being requesting to take up the pen and score sheet for the Southern League representative XI and Club Cricket Conference on many occasions.
Educated at Hedge End Secondary School, Killin played for well over 25 years as a batsman and excellent slip fielder at Curdridge, Hedge End, District Colts, Southampton and Krakatoa before moving to the Totton club in 1987. On his playing retirement, he stood as umpire before switching to the score box, where he excelled in his field as scorer and statistician.
A shop steward at the Ford Motor Company in Swaythling for most of this working life, Killin will be most remember for his love of the summer game.
John Ruppersbery, a school friend of 43 years standing, who joined him at Loperwood Park as ground curator, was full of praise for his childhood pal. "Martin was a wonderful man and a great friend," he said.
"He had the knack that if something interested him, he would put his full effort into it efficiently and diligently. And he still had many years to enjoy the things he liked.
"All his friends in cricket are going to miss his desperately. Martin has tragically gone before his time."
Former Calmore Sports all-rounder Paul Draper, who was an integral part of the first XI setup alongside Killin was shocked. "This will hit Calmore Sports very hard. They have lost a dedicated member in very sad circumstances.
"He was committed the team and only missed three games in all the years he officiated for the club. Martin always had a view but never got involved in team affairs, that was the kind of man he was - efficient, hard-working and totally committed to his role."
On replacing myself as match secretary four years ago, Killin continued his long association on the clubs' committee, and it was he who was influential in the improvements that led Calmore Sports to the head of the local cricket scene.
"He was a very valued club member," lamented Steve Brandes, the Calmore club stalwart. "He was much respected throughout the county as one of the most efficient scorers in Hampshire.
"Martin's passing will leave a huge gap at Calmore Sports."
His funeral is on Thursday April 25 at 1.40pm at the Southampton Crematorium.
© SPCL / Daily Echo
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