J.J Jack SMITH

One of the most likeable characters ever to have been associated with Hythe & Dibden Cricket Club

Jack played cricket for Hythe Second XI for many seasons on and off during the sixties and seventies and in his prime became a useful medium paced bowler taking 65 wickets at an average of 13.50. He was also a top club servant giving up many hours keeping the club up together.

Jack's love for the club was clear for all to see and he was chuffed to bits when he introduced both his two sons Barry and Kevin to cricket. He then went onto become Chairman of the club for 6 years between 1970 & 1975 and he was often called out if there was a problem at the club because living next door to Ken Munday he only had to walk out of his back garden.

But it was Jacks humour made him so likeable. As a young colt whilst a lot of the senior players were daunting and had no time for the youngsters, Jack would always speak to them, ask if you were playing and enjoying your cricket, and he would even go out of his way to find you some gear to practice with.

Even in his later years Jack would often wonder down to find out who we were playing and have an old tail from the past.

Every club needs a Jack to prove at the end of the day everyone is there to enjoy themselves and winning isn't everything.

Jacks best year for the club was 1970 when he took five wickets on three seperate occasions. That year he took 39 wickets @ 8.60 including 5-18 v Beaulieu and 5-48 v Hursley Park.

Sadly Jack passed away during 2007 but he'll be remembered to those who knew him as smiling JJ.Jack Smith