Dear all members of the “Cobra” family and friends,
It is with a heavy heart that the Committee of the Boroondara Cricket Club informs you of the terribly sad news that one of our loyal and devoted Cobra family, Andrew Francis, passed away last Friday, 27 September 2019, after a really tough battle with cancer.
Many of you knew Andrew well. He was an integral part of our 12A’s premiership season in 2016/17 playing the role of deputy, assistant and confidante to the coach. After having already played two seasons of senior cricket with the club from 2015/16, Andrew became an active and enthusiastic member of the father / son Cobras teams in 2017/18 + 2018/19 which enabled him to have the opportunity to play cricket with his son, Murray.
He was an enthusiastic supporter of Muzz’s cricket and took great joy in watching him play whether in the Under 14A’s or with the seniors or with the ECA Representative side last summer. Andrew enjoyed playing cricket and he enthusiastically deployed his favourite hook shot for 6 through backward square leg even when the ball had pitched a foot outside off stump – bringing wild applause and cheers from the players in the “One Day Firsts” (as he liked to call the team) on the boundary and bemusement on the opponents’ faces. He was a very handy medium pace bowler as well.
When the Club needed someone to step up & help co-ordinate the junior section of the Club, it was Andrew who took on the role of Junior Manager last season for 2018/19 with great aplomb assisting, organising and arranging the successful operation of our 20 odd junior teams including the Club”s new girls section.
His enthusiasm, professionalism, leadership and commitment to the role of Junior Manager was a pleasure to watch & from my own personal perspective, the support he gave me was nothing short of fantastic & I greatly appreciated his advice & friendship; as I know many of you did.
And his love for his family shone through. He was clearly devoted to his wife Mariko, daughter Rei, and his son Murray.
Vale Andrew Francis – A son, brother, husband, father, friend, colleague, coach, administrator, cricket tragic.
So loved, So missed, Much given and still much to give.
Andrew will be sadly missed at the Cobras and we extend our sincere sympathies and condolences to Mariko, Murray and Rei.
Rest In Peace
Regards
Michael Bingley
President
Boroondara Cricket Club