Cricketer whose kit caught fire remembered by team-mate

Plymstock in the 60s – Peter Bennett is at the rear. Back (l/r): Gerald Jamieson, John Martin, Hadyn Chick, Bob Dowding, Bennett, Mike Callan. Front: Brian Lambert, Richard Mainwaring, Colin Gill, Dave Lakey, Adrian Pate

A member of Plymstock’s title-winning team in 1973 who hit the headlines when his kit caught fire has died aged 76.

Peter Bennett, a wicketkeeper batsman, played cricket for Plymstock between 1955-1979.

When Plymstock won the Devon League title for the first and only time so far in 1973, Bennett was behind the stumps.

Bennett could bat a bit too, scoring more than 1,100 league runs between 1972-79 when he retired. His best season was 1975 when he mad 326 runs at an average of 24.

Bennett signed out on a high note as a member of the Plymstock side that defeated Exeter at Plymouth CC in the 1979 Devon Cup final.

Bennett’s moment of fame came when his pads caught fire in a match.

Long-time team-mate Colin Gill, also a member of the 1973-title winning side, said: “The story made the national Sunday papers as ‘cricketer caught fire stopped play.

“An unfinished cigarette end had been discarded by Plymstock umpire Graham Light - and unknowingly lodged in Peter's pad.

“Billows of smoke were produced, followed by hasty rescue operation.”

Barrett was a local footballer with Plymstock, who was talent spotted by Exeter City as a teenager and signed for them in 1959.

He played six games in the Football League between 1959-61, scoring five goals, which is an impressive strike rate.

After leaving City he played South Western League football with Falmouth Town, then joined ambitious Western League club Bideford Town.

Bennett was part of the Bideford team that clambered up the ladder before reaching the old Southern League, just below Division Four.

He finished his football career with the now-defunct Plymouth City at Pennycross.

Peter worked for Sutton Joinery (Wood Merchants) with his father Owen before taking over the business himself.

He was divorced from Helen. The couple had two daughters, Lisa and Joanne.