The Harris Bay and Somerset Old Boys charity are mourning the death of former executive member Darnley Smith.

Smith served for nearly a decade as the secretary of the organisation that raised thousands of dollars for charity from an annual cricket match featuring many former greats from both ends of the island.

“Darnley loved cricket and loved to organise the Harris Bay and Somerset Old Boys match,” Kevin Saunders, the former Somerset Old Boys captain, said.

“He was quite a fellow and is going to be missed.”

The Harris Bay and Somerset Old Boys charity was formed by Harrington Zuill and Frederick Tucker, father of former Somerset Cup Match all-rounder Reggie Tucker, in 1953.

“The Old Boys game is very unique in that each player must pay to play, and this goes a long way to help defray expenses,” the late Smith said in a 2008 interview with The Royal Gazette. “We also depend on the generosity of our ardent supporters and fans that have made this yearly event a success.”

The once popular Harris Bay and Somerset Old Boys cricket match used to be held on the first Thursday in September, with the venue alternating each year between Somerset Cricket Club and Harris Bay Field in Smith’s Parish.

“It used to be like a mini Cup Match and the spectators really enjoyed it,” Saunders, who also played for Somerset in Cup Match, added.

“You always had lots of people that came out for just that one day of cricket and they would be there as early as 8am.”

Smith was also an honorary member of Somerset Cricket Club and a member of the West End Sail Boat Club.

He taught at the former Central School (Victor Scott Primary) and was also a custodian at Dalton E Tucker Primary School (formerly Southampton Glebe) in his later years.

The late Somerset resident passed away in his 77th year and will be laid to rest today following a home-going service at Allen Temple AME Church.