Somerset Cricket Club bid farewell to one of their longest-serving members who was laid to rest following a home-going service at St. James Church yesterday.

Words such as 'helpful, thoughtful and dedicated' were used to describe footballer, golfer and occasional cricketer Melvin (Melly) Brangman who died last week following a lengthy illness.

He was 70.

The taxi driver suited up for former powerhouse West End Rovers in the 1950s and carved a niche for himself as a tough and determined full back.

In the early 1960s, West End Rovers almagamated with Somerset Colts to become what is today known as Somerset Trojans who over the years have spawned the likes of Clyde (Bunny) Best, Randy Horton, Kenny Cann, Rudy Minors and George Brangman.

"Melly was a very funny and tough young man. He had a lot of determination and never gave up," recalled long -time friend Wendell (Pop) Cann.

"He played many years for West End Rovers and he also played a lot of golf all around Bermuda and abroad, several times in the US.

"We were really close friends . . . I was younger than him and so he was like a big brother to me.

"Somerset Cricket Club have lost a very devout member who you could call on at any time for anything."