It was five and a half years ago that the local cricket community was rocked by the news of the passing of former Calmore Sports and Paultons player Paul Newman, who tragically died back in March 2018 during a golf trip with friends in Portugal.

The hugely likeable player and friend across both local clubs passed aged just 38.

On Saturday 20th April 2024, the first of a yearly fixture between Calmore Sports and Paultons will be played at Whitemoor Lane as a pre-season clash between the two clubs’ first XI, but for the first time, to be played for the Paul Newman Memorial Shield.

Mark Lavelle of Calmore Sports and Rob Pike of Paultons have been in regular contact and, with the blessing of the family, have created this prestigious game in memory of Paul but also to raise the awareness of epilepsy, a condition which cruelly took him from us all.

The son of former Calmore Sports captain Michael Newman, he left behind a huge hole of joy, a gentle giant and a terrific club man across both clubs separated by just a single mile.

He is still very much missed across the board and this fixture, which will become an annual contest, will ensure his memory lives on as he continues to be remembered fondly.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to remember the much missed Paul,” commented Mark Lavelle.  “I spoke with Rob and he contacted the family to see whether they were happy to create this annual fixture.  We are all delighted that they have accepted and we look forward to locking horns with our old friends and rivals down the road, but in a very good cause.”

Paultons’ Rob Pike added, “it will be the first game with our new clubhouse and it’s a great way to start the 2024 season.

“It would be really good to see lots of people there to celebrate both the reopening but mostly to remember Paul, who was such a huge part of our club and I know very fondly remembered at Calmore too.”