A young Chetwyn Burnham
Former Maple captain Chetwyn Burnham dies at 76
Bridgetown, Barbados, February 25 – (www.barbadoscricket.org) – Former Maple captain and outstanding all-rounder Chetwyn Burnham, who played one first-class match for Barbados, has died at the age of 76.
And his former Maple teammate Erskine King has described Burnham, who was a solid batter and medium-pace bowler, as a “real Maple man, who contributed immensely to the club in many ways”.
Burnham represented Barbados against the International Cavaliers in 1965 (February 25-27) at Kensington Oval. The Barbados team was captained by Peter Lashley, who also played for West Indies, while the Cavaliers were led by Trevor Bailey, a former England player.
“I first met Chet when he captained the schoolboys team against a BCA team in the annual fixture at Kensington Oval,” King recalled.
“His performance in that match was nothing short of outstanding as he made a hundred in each innings and collected some wickets for good measure.
“I later joined Chet in the Maple team which was led by another stalwart of the club, Wycliffe Phillips, along with the likes of Graydon Nesfield, Artifus Cumberbatch, Irvine “Boo” Best, Malcolm Hall-Mckenzie, Glenroy Sealy, John Shepherd, Keith Boyce and many others.
“Chetwyn took over the captaincy of the team and gave real meaning to the term “leading from the front” for on so many occasions he did just that with bat and ball. In those days pitches were not covered and anytime it rained Chet was in his element.”
King, himself a former Maple captain and Barbados wicketkeeper, said Burnham’s contribution to the Trents, St. James club was truly remarkable.
“Chet or Gideon as we affectionately referred to him was a “real” Maple man and contributed immensely to the club in many ways, like providing lunch on Saturdays using his association with the Sandy Lane Hotel.
“He, along with another stalwart of the Maple club, Wayne Harris, conceptualized the after match limes at the homes of team members, which helped to cement the friendships within the club.
“The strength of the Barbados team in those days prevented Chet from representing the senior national team, but he was a regular in what was termed the “B” team.
“I have benefitted from the generosity of Gideon over the years and am saddened by his passing, but his significant contribution to cricket and the hospitality industry will live on.
“Sincere condolences to his immediate and extended family, including the Maple family. May he rest in peace,” King said.
One of Burnham’s proudest moments as the Maple captain was in 1980 when they captured the BCA limited overs Cup, beating Banks by three wickets in the Final at Kensington Oval.