I'm sad to report that erstwhile Petersfield cricketer, Codge Greetham passed away recently following a lengthy illness. There is to be a celebration of his life at Harting Congregational Church on Monday 8th December at 1:30 followed by a wake at The Half Moon.

Colin played for Petersfield from 1965 until the late 1980s, mainly as a wicketkeeper, initially for the 1st XI and later, with the advent of the Southern League, for the 2nd XI. He was also a regular player on Sundays and played in most mid-week matches in the local cup competitions as well as against touring teams.

Codge’s service to the club extended way beyond playing. He was groundsman for many years in the 1980s which was no mean feat for someone fully employed, fortunately his flexible shifts as a postman made this possible. He was also a key figure in many of the social evenings that the Club organised and he and his wife Jackie regularly made curries and chillies after matches which tempted players to stay in the pavilion till late into the night.

Codge eventually retired from the game in his late 70s when he was playing for the Hampshire Seniors. Over a cricketing career of over 50 years he played for a number of other local clubs at various times including both Harting and Steep. He was also a founding member of the Hampshire Stragglers, a touring team which visit Kent annually. In all, he toured for nearly 60 years.

Codge was also a keen footballer, playing in goal for a number of sides in the Portsmouth area, including Petersfield Utd. He first started playing in 1954, eventually hanging up his boots in the 70's. He played regularly, three times a week at a good standard, including playing for Waterlooville and Alton.

Last summer he came down to the Heath with Jackie and his son David (another ex-Petersfield player) to watch league matches on Saturdays but eventually needed a wheelchair. Codge was definitely a local legend, known by many sportsmen in the area and also by dint of his work as a postman, by many in Petersfield. He was also very cheery, seldom getting upset by events on the field and usually had something amusing to say. He leaves Jackie, David (son) and Barbara (daughter) – all of whom have a long connection with PCC.

Our hearts go out to his family at this time.