Devon Cricket Board - Barton stalwart Bernie dies aged 74

Barton stalwart Bernie dies aged 74

ONE of the cricketers who helped turn Barton into a force in Devon cricket has died aged 74.

Bernie Pugh, who lived in Paignton, died last weekend after a lengthy battle against ill-health.

Pugh (fourth from left in the photo on the right) was one of four brothers from Abbotskerswell who made names for themselves in local cricket.

Older brother John stayed with Abbotskerswell, so did Robin, while younger brother Dave moved around a bit, playing for Ipplepen and also Barton as well as Abbots.

Bernie Pugh followed fellow villagers Bill Cassells and his son Peter to Barton in the 50s. Over the next 30 years they helped Barton from a junior side to one meeting and beating the best in the county.

By the time Barton won the Devon League for the first time in 1983 Pugh had just about retired from 1st XI cricket.

Without his contribution the team that did – and went on to win three more titles in 1984, 1987 and 1989 – would not have been assembled.

Dave Morgan, who kept wicket to Pugh over two decades, remembers his old team-mate fondly.

“He was a very lively bowler who bowled straight and if you missed he hit the stumps,” said Morgan.

“There was none of that sledging you get now from Bernie. If you were out he would point to the dressing room and that was about it.

“He was also a useful batsman in the middle order, known for what we called the Abbotskerswell drache, when he hit it over mid-wicket.

“In later years he helped run the colts and successful players such as Andy Hele, Howard Carter, Gary Spencer and his own son Andy followed him into the team.”

Andy Pugh was good enough to earn a traineeship with Sussex as a teenager. Although things didn’t work out at Hove he went on to have a long career with Devon and in the England Board XI for recreational players.

“My brother was very proud of Andy’s achievements and because he worked as a sub-contractor in the building trade was able to take time off in the summer to follow him all over the country,” said Dave Pugh.

Bernie Pugh held the Barton batting record for many years for a score of 146 made on tour against the Westminster Bank.

He also achieved every bowler’s dream by dismissing a touring side single handed.

“They were called Pegasus from Wales and Bernie took all ten wickets,” said Dave.

“The ball was mounted and presented to him. He kept it on the shelf at home for years.”

Bernie Pugh, who had three sisters as well as three brothers, went to Abbotskerswell Primary School then Highweek Secondary Modern School for Boys in Newton Abbot.

After leaving school at 15 he had a variety of jobs, including a stint working for British Rail.

Following National Service in the Army and a posting in the Far East, Bernie started working in the building trade.

He remained a builder until retiring in his early 60s.

Away from the cricket field he was a handy soccer player, turning out for Ipplepen Athletic, Bovey Tracey, Broadhemspston and Brixham United.

“Bernie was a good footballer, but cricket was always his favourite game,” said Dave.

“In the last few years he didn’t get out much, but with rugby, cricket and football to watch on TV at home he was happy there.”

Bernie Pugh was married to Doreen for around 30 years. His wife used to turn up at grounds on a motor scooter to watch son Andrew play – and was never short of an opinion on the state of the game.

Dorren died in the late 1990s.

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