CRG Paul

The club is very sad to report the death of Life Member Chris Paul.  Chris was best known as scorer and had a well-earned reputation for keeping immaculate scoresheets.  Between the years 1964 and 1999 he scored 526 matches for the 1st XI.  He applied the same attention to detail to every match he scored, be it League, Cup or Sunday friendly.  His scoresheets are clear, consistent with every relevant detail precisely noted.   Neil Leitch, Scotland scorer and historian described Chris as “the best scorer I have ever seen” – high praise indeed from someone who has scored against all 18 county sides and all Test playing nations.

Alun Davies once recounted how he, as 1st XI captain early in his reign, asked Chris to produce a scoring chart for each bowler, which Chris dutifully did.  Alun could then determine exactly where he should position his fielders for each bowler.  The modern, computerised systems for analysing this information are nothing new – Chris could accomplish this on a paper chart and produce an immaculate scoresheet at the same time.

Chris did much more than just score.  He was Honorary Treasurer from 1997 to 1999, when his wife Marjory was Honorary Secretary.  For many years he cut the outfield, using the old grey Ferguson tractor and gang mowers.  He also helped design the scorebox at Grange Loan, which was first used in 1968.  It is no surprise that Chris’s attention to detail extended to that project which resulted in a comfortable scoring location with plenty of desk room and an ideal view of the ground.

Although he has not been around the club for some years, he kept a watchful eye on the ground from his house at the bottom of the ground.  He was still watching live streams of Carlton games up to a couple of weeks ago.  He will be sadly missed.