Stanmore Cricket Club is saddened to announce the death of Graham Pauncefort
Graham is undoubtedly one of the most important figures and greatest characters in Stanmore’s history. He captained Stanmore CC between 1973 and 1992, and led the Club to what still remains it’s finest moment – winning the Middlesex County Cricket League in 1983.
It is hard to believe anyone has more proudly wore the colours of Stanmore CC than Graham. He made every game he captained feel like a Test match and winning - along with avoiding defeat - was his main ambition for the club every week. Graham was a classical right-handed batsman and leg-spin bowler, and most weeks he selflessly reduced his direct involvement in matches so that others had a bat or bowl, or the team won. Outside captaining the team his biggest involvement was often fearlessly taking catches whilst fielding at short-leg.
Yet Graham will be remembered for his off-field contributions to Stanmore CC as much as those on it. During his time as captain he ensured the Club and The Common were kept in impeccable condition. As well as being Club Captain Graham performed the tasks of Groundsman and Pavilion Manager. Very few of the things done at Stanmore during this period did not have Graham’s fingerprints all over them.
During his time as Stanmore captain Graham oversaw the development of a number of cricketers who went on to play county cricket for Middlesex County Cricket Club, Surrey CCC and England. The list includes Andy Needham, Richard Ellis, Andrew Miller, Angus Fraser, Alastair Fraser and Mark Ramprakash.
Graham also became a huge figure in the Middlesex County Cricket League, and his work as an administrator is recognised by him being President of the League until his passing.
Graham and his family – wife Nicky and children Thomas and Emma – moved to Cornwall shortly after he stood down as Stanmore captain. Despite moving his friendship with many figures in Middlesex Cricket remained strong and he will be missed by all those that knew him.
Commenting on Graham’s death Stanmore CC Chair Angus Fraser said:
“Where do you start with Graham. He was a force of nature. It is hard to find words to represent the role he played in the Club’s history. During the time of his captaincy he was simply Mr Stanmore.
“Graham was like a 2nd father to me and I would not be sat where I am now, having achieved what I have achieved, without him. When I think of Graham I just smile. I think of all the fun we – myself, my brother Alastair, Michael Waite, Jon Turner, Peter Edwards, Andy Needham, Basher Barrett etc (apologies for those left out but the list is endless) – had. I think of all the stupid things we did, all the social games – TVG’s, October Wanders, Jimmy Hill XI etc – we travelled together to play in, the Jaguar car, the MCC cravat, always being late, all the sing-songs, the drinking games, the journeys home and the rollockings from my mother for getting home late on a Sunday evening when I had school the next day.
Weekends playing for Stanmore were just great fun. I looked forward to them immensely and much of this was down to Graham. His dismissive quotes to opposing clubs at away matches when they were looking to close the bar: ‘leave the keys, we’ll lock up’, ‘first to arrive, last to leave’ will live with me forever.
“Yes, he could and did from time to time stir the opposition up with his actions and words, but he did it primarily to protect and promote the things he loved most – the players in his team and Stanmore CC. Graham will be sadly missed but he leaves behind thousands of treasured memories.”
RIP GAP