Yesterday, the funeral of Alan "Frinty" Griffiths took place at Bradwell Crematorium. For those who could not attend to pay their respects, below is the eulogy given by former Audley CC player, ex-captain, and someone who was mentored by Frinty, "David Fairbanks" -

I am deeply humbled to be asked by Frints' family to speak today. My love and sincerest condolences go to Sue, Jayne, Sal, Fred and Givalry, and all the family. It’s such a huge honour to pay tribute to a man who had such a huge impact in a small village in North Staffordshire. I just hope I can do him justice,

Genius, leader, figurehead, frontman, pioneer, developer, deliverer, fundraiser, MC, conductor, guardian, custodian, WINNER

In the eyes of Audley Cricket club - he was simply: OUR CAPTAIN

I know I’m being biased by saying he was the greatest of them of all but this will probably be concurred by you all here today. To quote an opposing captain “he was the skipper we all aspired to be”

He wasn’t just astute tactically, winning games on his own from nowhere. It was his other qualities, guidance, and sheer presence that made me have so much respect for him.

He was partial to dishing out some b*llockings here and there. And I bared the brunt of many. But only did I realise with time that he wanted the best for us all.

His humour, one-liners and inverted commas “Frintyisms” went under the radar because his game face and teapot stance took over the second he crossed the boundary rope.

Frint never courted or wanted attention but everyone wanted to speak to him and when he spoke we all sat and listened in awe. His spirit will be forever present at Kent hills as players, spectators, scorers, and tea ladies will have an anecdote or 3 to share. Guaranteed to start with the 3 words:

The Greatest Captain……..

I am about to become a father next month for the first time. On hearing the news from Amy last year. I wanted 4 people to know. My parents, my best mate, and Frint.
For some reason, I wanted the recognition and some sort of commendation from the great man and I kinda compared it to: Seeing it through batting second. Waiting for that nod of approval without saying a word, FRINT waiting at the bottom of the steps. You just knew you’d done him proud.

I exchanged messages with Sal like we do putting the world to rights and reiterated to make sure she told him the good news. Within ten minutes I’d received a message back.

It read: “Congratulations to Amy and yourself on your great news. Hope you are both well and excited about becoming a mum and dad to your special impending newborn. About time you performed Fairy”
“Thanks very much skip. Means so much from a great mentor. Genuinely didn’t know I had it in me. Time to grow up I guess” I replied.
"65 yesterday and still haven't grown up". he said. "Best feeling in the world to become a mum and dad. I know that you will be great parents"

If by chance or luck, my child has any aspirations to play the game we all love - I will make it my vow to instill his qualities and attributes with a few “Frintyisms with sniffs” thrown in.

The Frinty sniff is defined as: to draw up air audibly to express contempt, disapproval, or in his words bullsh*t.
They are:
- Always look professional - never toss-up in painted dungarees. Sniff.
- Trenches - see it through - even if it means having your front teeth knocked out. And a visit to the hospital. Come back and win the game - Frint did. He had zero time for anyone with a heart the size of a pea. Often referring to players as pea hearts.
- Vacate the Captain's corner. Especially when the sh*t hits the fan. It’s his throne! I learned the hard way. Sniff
- Play firm but fair (mostly fair). Just going down that one Gerald. Sniff!!!
- AND LASTLY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY ALWAYS BAT FIRST. Big Sniff!!!

“You know what they say is true
The boys will love you, always!”

Rest in peace skip.