Rama Patel (2nd February 1967 – 13th July 2017)

A large number of Clive Vale players from current and past teams joined several hundred people on 21st July 2017 for the funeral of Rama Patel at Hastings Crematorium.

Rama joined the club in 1988 playing fairly regularly until family and work commitments meant that his appearances for the club became less as the years rolled but whenever he could, he would play. His two sons Jaynish and Krishan also started to make appearances for the team as they grew older. This was one of his proudest moments as he played with them for the first time in a game at Catsfield. Rama scored in excess of 1700 runs, took over 40 catches and 9 wickets across over 140 appearances for the club.

Within CVCC, it is not uncommon to pick up a nickname, we named him "Sachin" after the great Tendulkar. Predominantly a top order batsman, Rama often scored useful runs for the team and he was someone how could hit the ball as hard as the best of them.

He was a good slipper, taking some great reflex catches at first slip and he was also capable of turning his arm over whenever the captain needed him.

A nicer guy you could not meet. The attendance at his funeral was a testimony to how well he was respected. Jaynish and Krishan spoke very movingly about their father on the day. They remembered how he always encouraged them to be as good as they could be. This was a trait which was evident in his own approach to cricket. Rama would always ask others in the team on how he could improve his game and that knowledge would be passed onto others coming in. I first played with Rama in a game at Beckley back in 1992. As a nervous 16 year old, he was very supportive, gave me a lot of advice and had a very calming way about him.

He had a warm heart and a big smile. It was always a pleasure to play whenever he was in the team. Rama really enjoyed his cricket and that enthusiasm for being out there and playing rubbed off on all of us.

I can still hear him laughing now.

"Work hard, play hard and be happy."

RIP Rama.

Andy Hayes Fixture Secretary 31st July 2017