Devon Cricket Board - Tributes being paid to Mark Jasper

Tributes being paid to Mark Jasper

A SELECTION OF TRIBUTES TO MARK JASPER

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FOR those of us at Exmouth who knew Mark, he was a greatly respected opponent. Hard, competitive, but fair on the field, relaxed,friendly company off it.

Many felt he was one of the best if not the best bowler they faced in second-team cricket, and it was a measure of the strength at Sidmouth that he wasn't a first team regular. A sad loss, our thoughts go to Karen, Max, family and team-mates.

Julian Page
Exmouth CC

I wanted to pass on the condolences of all players and committee members from Oddballs CC in Plymouth. The story on the website is a tragic but familiar one as we lost a beloved player in his prime to cancer several years ago.

Our thoughts go to his family and team-mates.

Ryan Hewitt
Oddballs CC

My thoughts and sympathies are with Karen and Max at this difficult time and I'm sure I won't be the only one to say that we have lost a fierce competitor on the field but more importantly a true gentleman off it.

I will miss the challenge as John Goodwin has said, Mark posed to us batsman, but more so an opponent who I could have a drink and a chat with once the cricket was over.

Richard Nelsey
Exeter CC

I am greatly saddened to hear the news about Mark. His determination to fight his illness over the last two or three years, seeking treatments, wherever there was hope, and to carry on day to day life as much as it was possible was an immense credit to him and his family.

I first met Mark during a midweek game, his first for the club. Typically Mark did not boast about his talents beforehand but it was immediately clear after bowling a few balls that we had a proper cricketer here and until last season, now under much discomfort, he continued to give everything.

I also remember his last match, the last league game last September, going out to bat and saving the game. He could not let his mates down.

Mark was one of the good guys, genuine and always happy to talk and help and a family man too. We will all miss him as a friend foremost.

Our thoughts are with Karen, Max and family at this sad time.

Tom Overthrow
Sidmouth CC chairman 2005-2011

SOME lovely memories at this sad time. One of my favourite memories is when Mark played for the 3rds at North Devon (my God the 2nds must have been strong that day! Our 'youth policy' in full force I guess).

On a quick track he bowled beautifully taking the edge on a number of occasions with the ball frequently thudding against the chest of Tom Overthrow at slip and dropping to the ground! (sorry Tom I'd have dropped them as well)

Right up there with the best 2nd XI seam bowlers we have had in the past 25 years if not the best.

One of the last times I saw him he was in the White Horse cafe with Karen eating chips. So good that he was still enjoying the finer things in life! God bless you mate. We'll miss you.

Mike Dibble
Sidmouth chairman

I only met Mark on a couple of occasions but was taken by his warmth, honesty and enthusiasm and I was very sad to see he had lost his fight. I am sure I can speak for all at Bradninch CC when I say my thoughts are with you all.

Gary Newall
Bradninch CC

THE loss of Mark is a sad day for cricket as a whole. He epitomised the true cricketer; fearsome opponent on the pitch and a friendly, welcoming face in the bar afterwards, happy to talk cricket all night.

He was also a very talented player, able to move the ball both ways at pace. More than happy to show you afterwards how he did it. I promise I watched carefully, but next time we played I still had no idea.

To see him still performing at the level he did, right up to last summer was an inspiration to us all.

Sandford Cricket Club will miss the challenge and the banter. Our thoughts are with his family. We trust the knowledge that Mark was so widely admired in the cricketing family is some comfort to them.

Nigel Ashplant
Sandford and bemused batman

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