THE name of an Ipswich cricketer is to live on at his former club.Martin Hackney, who played for Ipswich Cricket Club, died in May after falling 30 foot from a balcony at his home in Norwich.
THE name of an Ipswich cricketer is to live on at his former club.
Martin Hackney, who played for Ipswich Cricket Club, died in May after falling 30 foot from a balcony at his home in Norwich.
Now the popular Australian is to have one of the pitches at the club's new ground named after him.
Chairman Graham Denny said that the club had received £2,000 in donations from Martin's family and friends and his parents had said the club should spend the money as they saw fit.
The club started playing on one of the pitches at their new Clay Hall ground at Copdock last season - and the second pitch should be in use next season.
The pitch will be known as 'Hacker's Field' in memory of the 31-year-old bowler who played at the club for several years.
Mr Denny said that the money raised in donations would go a long way to covering the cost of work, carried out by Sovereign Turf, on the new pitch.
He said it is planned to hold an opening ceremony on Saturday, November 26, when Martin's parents, Tim and Andrea, and possibly other members of his family, will be in attendance. An inquest into his death will be held the day before .
The club held an end-of-season Martin Hackey Memorial Match at Clay Hall when club members were joined by other players, including some from Frinton.
The day was organised by Tan Shahid, brother of former Essex and Surrey batsman Nadeem Shahid, and Martyn Kidd, the club's 1st XI captain.
Mr Denny, who took seven wickets for 24 runs, said: “We decided to make it a fun day and everyone entered into the spirit of the Australian theme. It was a great day and a fitting occasion in memory of Martin.”
He added that the club were now planning a Seniors match, to be held next May, in memory of former Browns and Ipswich stalwart Keith Croton, who died of a heart attack in the summer.
Ipswich CC was formed in 2004 following a merger between Browns and Tattingstone Cricket Clubs.
n. Did you know Martin? What do you think of this tribute to him? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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