Cricket match to celebrate late councillor's love of sport
Organisers of a cricket match being played in memory of a councillor who died earlier this year say the game will celebrate his life and love of the sport.
Walsall Labour group leader Tim Oliver passed away just days after the local elections in May at the age of 56.
Mr Oliver played for Walsall Health Cricket Club for more than 20 years.
The game between Walsall Health and Rushall will help to raise cash for three charities - Pancreatic Cancer UK, Macmillan Nurses and Amnesty International.
Mr Oliver's former teammates and current players will be taking to the field.
Steve Fell, a long-time team mate of Mr Oliver's, said: "Tim was a much-loved character on the local circuit with both players who played with and against him.
"As a result, a lot of players around the local circuit will be taking part in the match and it promises to be a great day.
"It might involve trips into the loft to retrieve kit and some sore Bank Holiday limbs for some of the older players, but it will all be worth it.
"The game will be a great opportunity to raise funds for Rushall and also for charity, in addition to celebrating Tim's life and his love of cricket."
Fellow team mate Rick Jarrams said: "On the field Tim was a colossus, amazing with both bat and ball and a reluctant but successful captain for several years.
"Tim will always be a true WHCC legend and will be sadly missed by your team mates past and present and also by many of our friendly opponents over the years."
The Birchills-Leamore councillor lost his battle with cancer. A multiple record holder for Walsall Health Cricket Club, he started playing for the club in the late 80s and soon took over as skipper, continuing to play right up until 2012.
Hundreds of mourners attended Mr Oliver's funeral last month.
Family and friends paid emotional tributes to the 56-year-old during the memorial service at Walsall Town Hall. He was described as determined and devoted with a wicked sense of humour and 'innate courage.'
Mr Oliver's coffin was decorated with red and white flowers.
He had been councillor for Birchills and Leamore ward for 18 years since 1996 and was director of Palfrey Community Association.
There will be a barbeque at the cricket match and disco and karaoke afterwards.
