BRIGG SPORTSMAN'S TRIBUTE: BARRIE BRIGGS BY SIMON CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA

FROM SIMON CHURCH IN PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Barrie Briggs. I had the pleasure to play cricket under Barrie’s captaincy at Brigg Town Cricket Club when I was a young man.
Barrie was a people person, a team man and a great leader. He was an extremely fair captain who knew how to get the best out of all his players. Barrie gave everyone a fair go and made you feel part of his team;  he played cricket how cricket should be played.
Barrie was an inspiration to many of the young guys like myself who were just starting out on their adult cricket careers. Many young players in Brigg benefited tremendously from Barrie’s wise words and enthusiasm.
Barrie not only helped the young,  he also had the respect of the more ‘seasoned’ players and knew how to get the best out of them at that critical moment of the game.
Barrie was as popular off the field. I recall many a conversation over a post game beer when we would discuss the day's play.
Barrie always had an opinion and a wise word to say on what went right (or wrong) during the game.
Brigg Town CC holds a special place in my heart; the weekends spent during the summer with friends and family left many great memories. My late father (Alf) loved to sit in the pavilion and chat with Barrie, not only about cricket but life in general. Alf really respected Barrie as a friend, as we all did. 
It is special people that make special clubs. Barrie was a special person and we will miss him.
Our thoughts go out to Pat, Louise, Nige and family. God Bless Barrie - RIP.