LOCAL cricket lost one of its finest servants when Colin Vile passed away on February 2, aged 72, after a long illness.

Colin was best known for his involvement with Taunton Outcasts, who he joined in 1958.

He was a fine, hard-hitting batsman in the club’s hey day of the 1960s and ’70s when the side also included the likes of Terry Mockridge, Harold ‘Scamp’ Denslow, Randy Reed, Alan Stone and Cyril Davis.

They were one of the top sides in the region and won numerous competitions, including the Somerset Cup and Herbert Baker Memorial Cup.

Colin’s tireless contribution to the club continued after his playing days ended in 1985.

He became grounds chairman of the Civil Service Club, where Outcasts began playing matches in 1977, and continued preparing wickets right up until last season.

Colin would also umpire matches at the Civil Service and one of his lasting legacies was to set up the club’s youth section, which has developed into one of the strongest in the town.

Over the years, Colin has held a number of official posts with Outcasts, who amalgamated with Taunton Radiac in 1997, holding the position of secretary for 22 years, and was club president at the time of his death.

In 2002, Colin was among 50 unsung heroes to receive the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for their outstanding contribution to cricket in the county.

He received his medal on the pitch at the County Ground during the tea interval of that day’s match.

While cricket was undoubtedly Colin’s first sport, he also found success playing football and helped form the Penguins Hockey Club in Taunton.

Colin, who lived in Sherford, Taunton, was also a keen skittler and played for the Wyvern Wooods side, until recently, for many years.

He was a long serving member of the Civil Service Sports Club Committee and was also heavily involved with the Wyvern Club in Taunton.

Colin leaves two daughters, Caroline and Alison, and three grandchildren.

His funeral takes place at Taunton Crematorium on Friday, February 19, at 12pm.

Colin’s family are planning to set up a fund in his name to benefit the development of youth cricket in the area – a cause close to Colin’s heart.