Tribute to Rodway Fraser by Patmos Richards

Fri, Aug 5, 2011

I join the sporting community, and the cricket fraternity in particular, in mourning the loss of a former national cricketer and cricket administrator – Rodway Fraser.

My knowledge and sporting acquaintance with the deceased goes back to the early 1970’s, that golden era which witnessed a concourse of cricketers, including this writer, from all walks of national life, exuding their talents to achieve cricket god-hood.

Fraser was a medium fast bowler of renown. He troubled many of the nation’s top batsmen with his genuine in swing and outstanding bowling. Soon his fast bowling reputation would soar, both locally and inter-regionally. Abundant proof of the latter was his sterling performance against St. Lucia at the Victoria Park, circa 1966-69. In a formidable bowling spell, Rodway Fraser picked up an eight wicket haul for less than 25 runs, apparently on the verge of eclipsing F.O. Mason’s unbreakable record of 9 for 13 against Dominica at Victoria Park in an epic encounter.

As a cricket administrator, Fraser manned the financial coffers of the local cricket association with aplomb, careful accountability and thereby brought a sense of satisfaction to teams affiliated to the association and his colleagues on the executive body. His role as treasurer was peerless.

Occasionally, I would witness him and one of his close allies and cricket pundit, the esteemed Lloyd Lewis, then manager of the Sion Hill Cricket Club, in constructive dialogue about the development of the game at the local level, and the strategies that could be employed in facilitating better playing conditions.

I saw him on several occasions bowling with a sense of certainty for his team ‘Saints’ under the captaincy of Pope Mike Findlay, and was impressed with his exemplary conduct on the field of play, conduct befitting the name of his team – Saints, and one which was a positive influence to young, aspiring cricketers.

Rodway Fraser will be remembered in addition to his distinct qualities as a player and administrator, as a cricketer with an infectious smile, regardless of whether the playing circumstances were favorable or unfavorable. Comforting in these moments of bereavement is the fact that he hailed from a distinguished family lineage which made an outstanding contribution to the Vincentian society. One of the team, his younger sibling, Dr. Adrian Fraser, a columnist for this newspaper, illuminates with his intellectual pieces.

My sympathy goes out to his immediate family.I join the sporting community, and the cricket fraternity in particular, in mourning the loss of a former national cricketer and cricket administrator – Rodway Fraser.

My knowledge and sporting acquaintance with the deceased goes back to the early 1970’s, that golden era which witnessed a concourse of cricketers, including this writer, from all walks of national life, exuding their talents to achieve cricket god-hood.

Fraser was a medium fast bowler of renown. He troubled many of the nation’s top batsmen with his genuine in swing and outstanding bowling. Soon his fast bowling reputation would soar, both locally and inter-regionally. Abundant proof of the latter was his sterling performance against St. Lucia at the Victoria Park, circa 1966-69. In a formidable bowling spell, Rodway Fraser picked up an eight wicket haul for less than 25 runs, apparently on the verge of eclipsing F.O. Mason’s unbreakable record of 9 for 13 against Dominica at Victoria Park in an epic encounter.

As a cricket administrator, Fraser manned the financial coffers of the local cricket association with aplomb, careful accountability and thereby brought a sense of satisfaction to teams affiliated to the association and his colleagues on the executive body. His role as treasurer was peerless.

Occasionally, I would witness him and one of his close allies and cricket pundit, the esteemed Lloyd Lewis, then manager of the Sion Hill Cricket Club, in constructive dialogue about the development of the game at the local level, and the strategies that could be employed in facilitating better playing conditions.

I saw him on several occasions bowling with a sense of certainty for his team ‘Saints’ under the captaincy of Pope Mike Findlay, and was impressed with his exemplary conduct on the field of play, conduct befitting the name of his team – Saints, and one which was a positive influence to young, aspiring cricketers.

Rodway Fraser will be remembered in addition to his distinct qualities as a player and administrator, as a cricketer with an infectious smile, regardless of whether the playing circumstances were favorable or unfavorable. Comforting in these moments of bereavement is the fact that he hailed from a distinguished family lineage which made an outstanding contribution to the Vincentian society. One of the team, his younger sibling, Dr. Adrian Fraser, a columnist for this newspaper, illuminates with his intellectual pieces.

My sympathy goes out to his immediate family.