Alan James RIP
The funeral of Praze Cricket Club stalwart Alan James (aged 81) took place at Crowan Parish Church on Saturday 15th February 2025 at 11.00 am.
The hamlet's ancient Parish Church was full to the rafters on a chill February Saturday morning to give a fitting send-off.
Alan was born across the road in the shadow of Crowan Church in the summer of 1943 and lived locally throughout his life.
Interment at Crowan was followed by a wake at the Shire Inn, Pendarves, Camborne.
The Rev Mark Richards, who played cricket for Praze, conducted the service.
Alan's cousin Geoffrey James, a former renowned batter/wicketkeeper for Praze and Troon, gave the eulogy.
The Sporting hymn "Abide with Me" and, fittingly, "Cornwall My Home " written by a son of Praze-an-Beeble, Harry Glasson were sung.
Alan was a one-club man following his father Arthur and uncles into the Praze team at the age of 15.
In a remarkable 45-year career, he was still playing for the village club’s second eleven into his sixties.
He was an all-rounder and regularly took over 50 wickets in a season opening the bowling with his medium pace.
He is recorded as the second leading wicket-taker in the Cornwall Cricket League with over 1700 wickets at an average of 13.
He was a most respected bowler in the old Senior Division 2 in the 60s, 70s & 80s.
He took all ten wickets for 29 runs in the Senior 2 West game at Constantine in 1969.
He was the leading wicket-taker in the division in 1978 taking 71 wickets at 10.55 apiece.
His batting should not be forgotten either hitting a top-score of 120.
In 1977, Alan finished 9th in the Senior 2 West bowling averages, with 52 wickets at 11 apiece, but 3rd in the batting, with 478 runs at an average of 34.
Alan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sally.
