Richard Pollitt

Richard Pollitt batting against the Old Ardinians in 1990

It is with great sadness we have to report that Richard 'Bunny' Pollitt lost his long battle with lung cancer on September 22. He was 51.

Richard, although clearly unwell, turned up to see his son Kieran play for Headley against the OCCC in June and chatted at length with a number of contemporaries in the old-timers OC XI.

Richard Akers, who was at Cranleigh with Richard, writes: “Richard was diagnosed in the autumn of 2010 and was given just a few months to live. He was incredibly fit and a very proficient long distance runner, sadly and ironically something that helped to mask the symptoms and contribute to the late diagnosis.

“At school, Richard had a thirst for knowledge, particularly in the sciences, and a passion for sport. He combined these interests through cricket where his enjoyment through playing was matched by his love of statistics. He headed the bowling averages for the school. As a member of the MCC, he enjoyed his visits to Lords, the last of which was for the one day international against Australia in June which England won by 15 runs.

“Richard's depth of interest in sport led him to Fives where at school he was part of a West House team which was unbeaten whilst he was playing. Under the wise guidance of Geoffrey Bolt we were occasionally transported back to the 19th century to play against Eton or Highgate! Before his death, Richard also recalled the incredible enthusiasm of Housemaster, Tim Gregson for all sports and generally for the well-being of those in his care.

“After leaving school, Richard studied Maths with statistics, metallurgy, and chemistry at Newcastle University and after a number of different careers, including one in the City as a broker, he settled down to work for Pfizer, the giant pharmaceutical firm. Richard leaves a wife Heather and son Kieran and his numerous friends from Cranleigh and elsewhere who will remember him as a loyal friend and a naturally and delightfully unconventional enthusiast.”

Richard made his debut for the OCCC in 1977 while still at School and played 30 matches, his last appearance coming in 2005. He scored 304 runs at 27.64 and took 20 wickets at 33.20.