Marcus third from left in the middle row – John on the extreme right.
Sad news of the passing of Marcus Soar this week. I first met him back in 1973 when I was a Police Cadet at Carmarthen HQ when he was the DS in Cardigan. I moved to Llanelli and Marcus got promoted to Inspector on my shift.
In 1983, Marcus asked me to join him at Dafen Welfare Cricket Club and umpire for the 2nd XI where he was the captain. We won the Championship that year and again in 1985. In 1993 he asked me to score for Wales Over 50s Cricket which I did for 2 years. Not only was Marcus a great cricketer he was also a great boss, with a great sense of humour.
During a 2nd XI match at St Helens, Dafen had bowled Swansea out for 90 odd and were cruising the game. A wicket fell and he came in to bat. Stuart Owen was bowling and first ball hit him on the pads. The appeal came and up my finger went – out LBW first ball.
He never forgot it, reminding me whenever we met, The week after the game I received a letter from Ollie Stephens Opticians asking me to make an urgent appointment as it had been brought to their attention that my eyesight was deteriorating rapidly.
Condolences to Euan Soar and family at this difficult time. Marcus will be missed by family, friends and the cricket family.
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