'Absolute legend' - Family and cricket clubs in Sussex pay tribute to hugely popular umpire and former player Mike Newcombe

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Family, friends, colleagues and cricketers have paid tribute to Mike Newcombe, who died this week.

The Sussex Cricket League panel umpire and administrator was a hugely popular member of the cricketing community in the county.

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He played for Lindfield Cricket club for many years before becoming an umpire and was in charge of player registrations for the league.

But after illness in the summer, Mike sadly passed away this week. And a wave of emotional tributes were paid to him on social media with one cricket club saying: “another local cricket legend gone too early.”

Mike’s mum Gwen told us: “Mike was certainly born in to a sports loving family - in particular his Dad Brian and also his Grandad and all of his family. I remember when Mike was always playing with a cricket bat in the garden and the lawn was covered in worn patches for a wicket.

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“Mike was delighted when he could go out on the common to join Lindfield Cricket Club Juniors and training at the weekends and from then on he progressed through the ranks to play in the First XI.

“In later years he moved on to umpiring which he absolutely loved. I was such a very proud Mum when a member of the ECB told me that Mike was the best umpire in Sussex - Wow - what an achievement.

“In later years I loved to sit on Mike's Dad's memorial seat on the common - which is at a position where I had sat and watched cricket for all the 88 years of my life - and we would chew over some team or other or just old memories. Since Mike passed away I have been and sat on the seat - shed many tears - and thought what an amazing son I had.”

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Mike Newcombe was an umpire on the Sussex Cricket League panelMike Newcombe was an umpire on the Sussex Cricket League panel
Mike Newcombe was an umpire on the Sussex Cricket League panel

Mike’s wife Lin and two children Amy and Joe also have been ‘amazed’ by all the tributes they have seen. They said: “We are so amazed at all the lovely comments we’ve read since the passing of our lovely husband/dad. We knew how special he was and to read all of these lovely tributes to him has been very moving and bought a lot of comfort to us.

“While he was in hospital, we passed on everyone’s good wishes for him to get well soon which he and us were so very grateful for.”

Lindfield Cricket Club posted on their Facebook page: “It is with deep sadness that the Club has learned that our friend and Life Member, Mike Newcombe, passed away yesterday.

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“Mike was a playing member of Lindfield CC for over 50 years and in recent years a well respected Sussex Cricket League umpire and League Registration Officer.

“Mike was a friend of so many both at our club and across Sussex. Our love and thoughts go to his family and loved ones at this deeply sad time.”

Ben Hopkins said: “Terrible news! Absolute legend as a player and umpire.”

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Haywards Heath Cricket Club said: “This is such sad news and we send our condolences and thoughts to Mike’s family, friends and LCC.

“Newks will be sorely missed by all and another local cricket legend gone too early. RIP”

Ansty Cricket Club said: “Deeply sad news. Mike will be sorely missed by all who are involved in Sussex cricket. Our sympathies go to his family.”

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St Andrews Cricket Club ·said: “Passing on the best wishes of everyone at St Andrews to Mike's family and everyone at Lindfield CC - really sorry to hear this.

“Mike was a lovely man on and off the field and someone who cared deeply about the success of the game here in Sussex. He'll be much missed.”

Paul Elphick said: “Devastated to hear this awful news. A truly wonderful man, gritty cricketer and top class umpire. Enjoyed my battles with Newks on the pitch and our conversations off it. A truly terrible loss to Sussex cricket.”

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Greg Field said: “Very sad news. I'm fairly certain Mike oversaw my Dad's Sussex cricket coaching course back in the 90s. That I remember this, probably means my Dad spoke about him and his knowledge of the game a lot. Many generations of Sussex cricket benefited from his influence and my thoughts are with all that knew him.”

East Grinstead and former Sussex bowler Lewis Hatchett posted on X: “Extremely saddened to hear the passing of Mike Newcombe. We was one of the good guys in the @SussexCricketLg and he will be sorely missed.”

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