A DISTINGUISHED sportsman, who was captain at both Beaconsfield cricket and golf club, has died aged 93.

George Irving, who lived in Penn Road, Beaconsfield passed away on January 18 after a long illness.

He was a keen sportsman who loved to play cricket, golf and football. He uniquely held the position of captain at both Beaconsfield Cricket Club and Beaconsfield Golf Club.

Mr Irving came down to Bucks in the early 50s from Peebles in Scotland with his wife, Gwen, and his two children, Richard, now 66, and Ross, 62. Richard has two children- Alex, 32 and Alisdair, 28. Richard, who lives in Hazlemere, said: "Whatever he did he put 110 per cent into it, especially cricket, football and golf.

"He loved sport. He was a very positive man."

Mr Irving started work as a salesman at Cavenham Food, owned by James Goldsmith.

He worked his way up to general manager at one of Sir James' companies. He later went on to work at a media company in Berkhamsted. His wife, Gwen died in 2000. He developed Alzheimer's and was in a home for the last six years.

But it was at Beaconsfield Cricket Club that he first made an impact in the sports world in Bucks- an accurate medium pace bowler, he was a regular member of the First XI in the 50s, and played six games for Bucks in the Minor Counties Championship between 1956 to 59, taking one five-wicket haul.

His most memorable feat came in 1966, when playing for Beaconsfield 2nd XI, he returned the amazing figures of 10-17 in 21.2 overs against Old Challoners at Barn Meadow, Amersham.

He remains the only Beaconsfield bowler to have taken all ten wickets in their 189-year history.

He was club captain (chairman) between 1972 and 1980 and was appointed joint president in 1994. The Colt of the Year Trophy is named after him.

A long-standing member, he was captain of Beaconsfield Golf Club from 1980 to 81.

Former Beaconsfield Cricket Club First XI captain Robin Peppiatt said: "George was always great fun to play with and enlivened every game he played."

His funeral is on January 31 at 1.45pm at the Chapel at the Chilterns Crematorium in Amersham. Family flowers only. Donations for the Alzheimer's Society.