FALMOUTH Cricket Club has this week been attempting to come to terms with the death of former chairman Terry Trezise who died aged 65 in the early hours of Monday morning, writes Leon Prynn.

"TT," as he was always referred to, had fought a valiant battle against cancer for some time, but when the umpire's finger went up for the final time on Monday it ended a brave struggle for a person regarded as the heart and soul of the club.

"TT" was known throughout the district for his unquenching thirst in not only always seeking to improve the material side of the club, but also the social impact that sport could bring to the table.

In recent years "TT" has been the heartbeat of the Trescobeas club and as project manager he masterminded the fundraising to turn the ground into one of the best not only in Cornwall, but the South West.

The facilities at Trescobeas have cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and much, if not all of that, is down to the huge amount of time that "TT" spent assembling the complex grant bids.

Although he gained a "Blue" for rugby at university and played a bit of golf, cricket and his family was the love of his life.

His career began at Gulval and from there he moved to Perranarworthal where he played much of his serious cricket. He was well known for his unruffled and patient style of play and in one 48-over match scored 48 not out. He was never one to easily give up his wicket and was renowned for being a modest runner between the wickets.

When he wasn't batting he could also bowl a bit, but in the same calm manner, with the ball taking an age to reach the other end of the wicket.

Eventually he moved to Falmouth, but little did he know then that it would become such an integral part of his life with the end result a wonderful legacy that would be benefit future club cricketers.

Despite his heavy workload "TT" still had time to work for charities and on five occasions took part in the London Marathon, raising thousands of pounds, and completing the course in around 3hrs 45mins.

Cricket club chairman, Mike Toy, said: "It will be difficult to envisage life at the cricket club without him, not seeing him come into the ground with a clipboard under his arm. He was an incredible person," said Mike. "His attention to detail and caring for others was everything to him and he did it in such an unofficious way. He was just great company to be in and set the standards for the future.

"The club will still be going on tour at the weekend, because he insisted it should. We had already called it the "TT" Tour 2007 and had our T-shirts printed. We were going to present him with one, but sadly we can't do that now.

"TT had great strength and was such an indomitable character. He was a great man and you don't meet very many like him. We were privileged to have him at the club."

The funeral takes place on Monday at All Saints Church, Falmouth, at 2.45 pm. Dress is optional. Because of limited parking, facilities are being made available to park at Falmouth Rugby Club.