Team-mates and former opponents remember Dave Smale | 'He was a good bowler who knew what he was doing' – Tony Allin

CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING

TEAM-mates and former rivals have been remembering Bideford cricketer and umpire Dave Smale, who died recently. He was 72.

Smale played for a number of clubs in the North Devon area, among them the old Littleham Village CC, where future Glamorgan and Devon left-arm spinner Tony Allin was a team-mates.

“I enjoyed played with Dave in the late 1960s with Littleham – before the merger with Bideford – and also indoor cricket for Clovelly,” said Allin.

“He was a good bowler who knew what he was doing and, a bit like me, liked to think he could bat. But it never really happened!

“Dave worked on the ground at Bideford and took up umpiring when he finished as a player.

“He was a good all-round guy on and off the field.”

Braunton’s Steve Moore, who over four decades in local cricket encountered Smale numerous times, paid him a simple tribute.

“Dave was an underrated left-arm spin bowler, who was also very competitive, and a lovely person off the pitch,” said Moore.

Tom Stanton, who skippered Smale at Bideford and North Devon CCs, recalled his old team-mates great strength in short-format games.

“In the old cup matches we played up to the 70s and 80s – 18 eight-ball overs – Dave was a very effective bowler,” said Stanton.

Andy Davies, another former team-mate said an example of Smale’s bowling at its best was a match in which he took nine wickets for 35 runs.

Ian Hayter, Bideford and Devon Seniors clubmate of Smale’s, said his friend put a huge amount of time and energy into the club.

“Dave helped with the refurbishment of the pavilion, when we enclosed the existing veranda, so players and spectators alike could enjoy watching the games without the chill from the cool, sea wind that so often permeates across our ground. 

“He umpired matches firmly but fairly at Westward Ho! until the end of last season – and would come down to watch and give advice to the youngsters along the way in his own inimitable way.

“Friendly, approachable and knowledgeable on our game, chatting cricket over a pint was always a pleasure with Dave.”

Smale was a member of the Bideford side that won the North Devon League title in 2011. He went on to play 22 times for Devon Seniors, during which he took 26 wickets.

Smale spent most of his working life as a bricklayer in the building trade. After leaving the building site he worked as a school caretaker.

Dave Smale was married and divorced three times. He is survived by his children: two boys and a girl.