Mackih McGowan has paid a heart-warming tribute to his grandmother after she passed away recently at the age of 98.

Roseclair McGowan, who was one of the Cleveland County captain’s biggest supporters and had a profound influence on his cricket career, died just weeks after the Harris Bay club fulfilled her wish of regaining the coveted Eastern Counties Cup.

“I want to honour the life of my Ma, Roseclair McGowan, who blessed this world for 98 amazing years,” McGowan told The Royal Gazette.

“She was the quiet strength behind our family. Her hugs, her wisdom and her prayers shaped who I am and kept our family grounded.

“She always believed in me and in the Cleveland team, supporting me through every step of my cricket journey.”

Cleveland dethroned Bailey’s Bay in the second round of the competition at Lord’s this year to wrestle back the cup.

With the trophy in hand, McGowan, wife Latonae and children Mhavi and Mhaven visited the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility to celebrate his team’s famous victory with his bedridden grandmother, an avid cricket fan.

“Stepping on to the field for this year’s County Cup series and being able to win it with my team and then dedicate that cup to her meant everything,” McGowan said. “

“Not just for me, but for my family and the whole community.

“I carry her with me every time I play; in every run, every wicket, every moment. She was my inspiration, along with my Pa, Edwin McGowan, and my granny, Ada Turini, whose names I write on my sleeve every time I step on to the field.

“Rest easy, Grandma. Your legacy lives on in me and in every match I play.”

The former St George’s Cup Match player is the son of former Cleveland captain McNeil McGowan, who also led the Harris Bay club to Eastern Counties glory in the 1980s.