WIDNES Cricket Club have paid tribute to their former player, coach and New Zealand Test legend Bob Blair.
Blair, who died on his 94th birthday on Tuesday, June 23, first joined Widnes in the mid-80s before rejoining the club for a second spell where he is credited with coaching and mentoring a generation of local cricketers.
A fast bowler of genuine pace and menace, Blair played 19 Tests for New Zealand between 1952 and 1964, taking 43 wickets at an average of 35.
He had a formidable domestic record with 330 wickets at a remarkable average of 15 in 59 first-class matches played predominantly for Wellington and one season for Central Districts.
In his best season, 1956-57, he captured 46 wickets at an average of 9, twice taking nine wickets in an innings.
But it was the bravery and resilience he and his teammates displayed on the 1953 tour of South Africa that etched Blair's name into New Zealand's sporting folklore.
Playing in the second Test against South Africa at Ellis Park, 21-year-old Blair received word in the early hours of the second morning that his fiancée, Nerissa Love, was one of the 151 killed in the Tangiwai rail disaster on Christmas Eve.
With his team in trouble and down to their last wicket on day two, Blair, who had initially stayed back at the team hotel to grieve, emerged from the players' tunnel at Ellis Park. He strode out to join a bloodied Bert Sutcliffe who had earlier been to hospital and back following numerous blows by the cricket ball while batting. The crowd of 23,000 fell silent. Players from both sides wept.
The pair added 33 for the last wicket, including a world record 25 off a single Hugh Tayfield over, before Blair was stumped. When they walked from the field, the Ellis Park crowd gave them a thunderous standing ovation.
Following the 1953 tour, Blair continued to play for New Zealand for another decade and finished his international career against South Africa in Auckland in 1964 where he claimed his best Test match figures, 7 for 142.
He never lost his love for the game, playing into his 60s and captaining the Lancashire Over-50s in a county competition, as part of more than 40 seasons playing cricket.
After his playing days, Blair threw himself into coaching, working with clubs and associations in Queensland, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Northern Ireland, and England.
Blair later settled in Collins Green, near Warrington, with his wife Barbara, whom he married in 1986.
His passing will be marked by the New Zealand Black Caps, who will wear black armbands in this week’s Test against England at Trent Bridge.
A spokesperson for Widnes Cricket Club said: "Everyone at Widnes Cricket Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Blair, a former player, coach, and one of New Zealand cricket’s most respected figures.
"Those fortunate enough to play alongside Bob, learn from him, or spend time in his company will remember not only his cricketing accomplishments but also his humility, warmth, and generosity.
"He inspired generations of cricketers and left a lasting impression on everyone connected with Widnes Cricket Club, leaving behind a wealth of cricketing wit and wisdom.
"Bob’s place in cricket history is secure, but here at Widnes CC, he will be remembered just as fondly as a teammate, coach, mentor, and friend.
"Our thoughts are with Bob’s wife Barbara, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and all within the cricketing community who had the privilege of Bob's company.
"Rest in peace, Bob."
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