The Paul Newman Trophy memorial match between Paultons and Calmore Sports has a new date!
This much anticipated fixture to remember a great friend of both clubs will now take place on Sunday 8th September at Paultons, with a start time of 12.30pm.
It was some six years ago that the local cricket community was rocked by the news of the passing of former Calmore Sports and Paultons player Paul Newman, who tragically died back in March 2018 during a golf trip with friends in Portugal.
The hugely likeable player and friend across both local clubs passed aged just 38.
It was decided that, in his honour and playing for the Paul Newman Memorial Shield, a yearly fixture between the sides would take place but the original fixture on Saturday 20th April 2024 was postponed due to the awful early season weather.
Mark Lavelle of Calmore Sports and Rob Pike of Paultons have been in regular contact and, with the blessing of the family, have created this prestigious game in memory of Paul but also to raise the awareness of epilepsy, a condition which cruelly took him from us all.
The son of former Calmore Sports captain Michael Newman, he left behind a huge hole of joy, a gentle giant and a terrific club man across both clubs separated by just a single mile.
He is still very much missed across the board and this fixture, which will become an annual contest, will ensure his memory lives on as he continues to be remembered fondly.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to remember the much missed Paul,” commented Mark Lavelle. “I spoke with Rob and he contacted the family to see whether they were happy to create this annual fixture. We are all delighted that they have accepted and we look forward to locking horns with our old friends and rivals down the road, but in a very good cause.”
Paultons’ Rob Pike added, “It will bring the curtain down on the season and we are really looking forward to it – it gives us a chance to open the doors on our new clubhouse and it will be a great way to end the 2024 season, rather than start it!
“It would be really good to see lots of people there to remember Paul, who was such a huge part of our club and I know very fondly remembered at Calmore too.”
