08/06/2026
🖤 We are saddened to hear of the passing of one of our former junior and senior players Matthew Hunt, who passed away unexpectedly at the end of May, age 29.
🏏 Matt joined us at age five and later progressed to become a junior player. We have many fond memories of our time with Matt, most notably his positive and cheerful nature, the respect he showed to his coaches and teammates, and his eagerness to learn. He was a true team player, a quality that shone through both on and off the cricket field.
More than that, anyone who knew Matt will tell you that he was simply a joy to be around. He had a kind heart and was incredibly loyal and supportive of his teammates, the club, and everyone who was part of it.
❤️ What made Matt stand out? There were many things. It was his generosity with his time. As a volunteer, he devoted countless hours over several years helping our coaches inspire the next generation of cricketers through our Kwik Cricket and All Stars Cricket programmes. He was always among the first to put his hand up to help at club fundraisers too. Many of us will remember his trademark blend of cheeky encouragement and wit, delivered with sincerity and a smile, which brought out the best in everyone around him.
🏆 Matt was a true club man, and his dedication was recognised when he received the St Annes CC Junior Clubman of the Year Award before leaving to begin an exciting new adventure at university.
Above all, Matt was honourable, thoughtful, and ever the gentleman. He will always remain a cherished member of our cricket family.
Chris and Sharon, Matt was a credit to you both, and we will remember him with great affection and pride.
Matt’s Dad Chris wishes to say:
“St Annes Cricket Club was a place that Matt loved being part of from around 5 years of age, all through to him leaving St Annes for uni and work. He loved the cricket and the friendship he had there and he loved when he could help out with the coaching of the youngsters as he got older.
He did of course enjoy the social side once he was older and the times when he visited home and could have a pint and a chat. He had a great rapport with everyone there and he loved doing the DJ'ing at the functions.
I want to thank the cricket club and several volunteers/coaches - Neil, Bernie and Russ - for helping Matt learn about being part of a team and camaraderie, and hopefully he gave as much back in making the cricket club such a good place especially for the youngsters playing the game.
Thanks,
Chris x”
Our Club Chairman John Cotton commented:
“Matthew was a wonderful caring person who was so willing to help anyone in the club to ensure everything went smoothly.
I personally had known Matthew for many years and had engaged in some great conversations, and had the opportunity to be part of his life and enjoy good times and memories of him that I will cherish for ever. One of life’s true legends and one I will never forget.”
❤️ On behalf of us all at St Annes CC, we extend our sincere condolences to Matt’s parents Chris and Sharon, and his family, friends & former team mates at this time.
Details of Matt’s funeral will follow, once they become available.
