Last week saw the passing of a former prominent cricket and football campaigner from the east end of the country, St. David?s Islander Romeo (Mickey) Pitcher.

While proficient in both sports Pitcher, who was 70, was more recognised for his long-serving role as an all-rounder for St. David?s Cricket Club, one that team-mate Harold Millett describes as being ?quite exciting?.

In fact Millett, one of the club?s longest-serving opening batsmen, reckoned that Pitcher?s name will go down as being a part of a team that shared one of the best moments in the history of the club.

?That came back in the early 50s, if memory serves me correctly, when St. David?s had gone 19 years without a victory in the Eastern Counties Cup and we weren?t given a chance against Bailey?s Bay at Ducks Puddle,? recalled Millett who now heads the Eastern Counties as their president.

Against all odds, visiting St. David?s, playing three colts consisting of Romeo Pitcher, Shot Carlington and Roddy Foggo, pulled off what many described as being the most stunning victories of that time.

?It was a sensational triumph for us, certainly the most memorable occasion when we won the trophy. I think there was months of celebration that followed, celebrations that exceeded that of today?s standards,? pointed out Millett.

Before joining the ranks of the senior cricket team, Romeo Pitcher, according to Millett, was first active in both sports with Alexandra Sports Club, which was formed by Hilton Richardson and Grover Lambe.

That club was basically organised for young boys in the area, something that was needed since the St. David?s Cricket Club seemed to cater to just the senior players at that time.

It was with Alexandra that Romeo Pitcher, and subsequently several others who went on to establish themselves at a senior level in both sports later, got their baptism.

?Romeo was certainly was one of the early stalwarts and he went on to do well playing football for Wellington Rovers and of course cricket for St. David?s,? said Millett.

?As a cricketer he did it all, making a vast contribution from the 50s to just beyond the mid 70s. I recall St. David?s were struggling at a time we were going into the Eastern Counties against Flatts while Romeo and Sidney (Cowboy) Hall were touring the Caribbean with Pond Hill Stars.

?Fortunately for us they returned just in time for the game and it was with their great help that we were able to beat our opponents.

?Travelling with Stars helped improved his game a lot, he was a great all-rounder, good right-arm spin bowler and solid early order batsman. In fact one of the shots he did develop was the on-drive, it was his run maker and something I believed he developed during one of his tours to the Caribbean with Pond Hill Stars.?

Millett and many others in the sporting world no doubt have nothing but fond memories of Romeo (Mickey) Pitcher who will be a big loss to the St. David?s? community.