Hampshire Cricket Board's Colin Savage Announces Retirement

After an innings spanning over 50 years loyal and unstinting devotion to the organisation and well being of recreational cricket in Hampshire, Colin Savage, probably the best known and most  experienced administrator in Hampshire cricket has taken the decision to retire.

He has finally relinquished his position with the  Hampshire Cricket Board based at the The Ageas Bowl, but will continue in the role of Company Secretary.

Previously he played significant roles with the Hampshire League, both as an administrator and Chairman of an organisation which is understood to be the biggest recreational competition of its type in the country.

A respected senior civil servant in his earlier professional life, alongside his family, sport has been Colin’s passion throughout his life. An enthusiastic cricketer, he played for many years for Alverstoke and Flamingo Cricket Clubs as a spin bowler & lower order batsman.

It is rumoured he would like the words “he was a useful cricketer” etched on his gravestone.

He is also a lifelong Saints supporter and season ticket holder, as well as being an avid ornithologist. His knowledge on all counts is encyclopaedic.

However, he is best known for his enormous contribution to the formation and running of the Hampshire League, which began in 1973. He devoted over 40 years of service to the wider cricket community in Hampshire through his involvement with the Hampshire League, firstly as a member of first Committee in 1973 and ultimately as Chairman.

Colin played a central role in establishing the link between the Hampshire and Southern Leagues in 1990, which forms the basis of the 'Hampshire Pyramid' for club cricket which is regarded as a model elsewhere.

In presenting him with a framed and autographed Hampshire shirt, HCB chairman John Wolfe said:

“Colin’s contribution to the Hampshire Cricket League and, more recently, to the Hampshire Board (since 2000) has been immense. His patience, unfailing courtesy, and willingness to listen to the points of view of others are qualities greatly valued by those who worked with him.

They have enabled him to help Clubs, the Leagues, and the Board to overcome numerous potential difficulties over the years, especially those arising at the time of the linkup between the Southern League and Hampshire League to form the 'pyramid' which we all now take for granted.”

In recognition of his services towards recreational cricket in Hampshire, Colin has also received a Hampshire life membership. A well deserved acknowledgment.