FINCHAMPSTEAD Cricket Club members are mourning the death of Peter Lewington, who lost his long battle against illness on Monday at the age of 67.

Born in the village in 1950, the off-spin bowler quickly made a big impact at the club and made his debut for the Berkshire county team at the age of 16.

After two seasons he was signed by Warwickshire and went on to claim more than 190 first-class wickets, taking five or more in a game on six occasions.

He started playing again for Berkshire in 1977, and in total took over 600 wickets for his home county. He also played for the MCC and Minor Counties representative teams.

Lewington later became the cricket professional at Wellington College, spending 32 years there before retiring.

Berkshire chairman Neil Doody said: “We have lost one of our all-time greatest players.”