John Phillips, our former opening bowler, president, secretary and friend passed away on Wednesday (18/10/17) one month short of his 84th birthday.
John was a talented and well-liked man, who graduated from Oxford University and was awarded his blue for Cricket in the mid-1950s. He played 32 first class matches in all for OUCC and Kent. A tall opening bowler who was able to find bounce and seam movement he took 72 first class wickets including a five-wicket haul for Kent in the county championship.
Arguably his most notable performance came in his University days, where under the captaincy of MJK Smith he took 4-69 and scored 25 against the touring Australians. John was a modest man who spoke little of his sporting success, but runs against Richie Benaud and claiming the wicket of Keith Miller must have lived long in the memory.
John moved to Banbury when in his mid-late 30s, but his sporting prowess was clear. A lock forward, he captained Banbury Rugby Club as well as opening the bowling for Banbury Cricket Club.
Those who knew John, knew a kind and friendly man with a great sense of fun, he must have been well suited to his role as Personnel Director of ‘The Alcan’, a successful Aluminium plant in Banbury.
Away from work John and his wife Jean, were keen supporters of the local community. John was our president in our last year at our ground at Grange Road. He was also a past president of Banbury Rotary Club, and as a member involved in supporting and raising money for numerous good causes. He stood on the committee of Bloxham Museum and took over from Andrew Smith as cricket club secretary. He served for around 20 years in the role.
Jean would like to invite John’s friends from Banbury Cricket Club to a public service of memorial at 2.30pm, Wednesday 1st November at Bloxham Church and afterwards at the Cricket Club. Donations can be made on the day, or via Humphries funeral services and will be split between Katherine House Hospice and St Mary’s Church Bloxham.