Remembering Bethan Watkinson
23.10.07 - 24.10.21
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A valued member of Portsmouth Cricket Club since her league debut on 9th May 2016, for a mixed U9B side, and in doing so taking her first wicket against Havant.
By the end of the summer on 18th July 2016 she played for The Mighty Under 9C Team and in that game partnered for a solid 30 runs.
She was now playing cricket with the group of boys, her friends, with whom she would play so many more matches over the following years.
Bethan brought so much to the party as a cricketer. Skill, focus, a calm demeanor and of course "That Smile". She scored runs, took wickets and most of all was the safest pair of hands for a catch you'll ever see on a cricket pitch.
Initially, as the only girl in a team of lively boys, she had the measure of them and was generous in her friendship with them. It took no time to gain their respect as a player.
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Top scoring and retiring 30 Not Out on 24th May 2019 v Locks Heath and 1 wicket for 24 off 3 and a run out was when Bethan, as a club player, was at the top of her game.
Further scores including a 25, 22 and 23 that year, saw Bethan beat all the U11A boys to be first to a hundred runs for the season. She would finish in third place at the season’s close with 136 runs.
The end of season match up with Portsmouth and Southsea that summer, saw her try out her new longer run up for the first time and best bowling figures of 4-2 was her reward.
Bethan's flourishing club performances were rewarded with a place in the Hampshire U13 Girls Team.
Her battle with cancer ended after a summer of watching her sister Freya, The Happy Sunday XI and "Her Boys" compete in league games at St Helens. These times, we know, brought her great joy.
There are many match reports embedded in the club website to reflect on, highlighting her playing career for Portsmouth Cricket Club and her character as a team player.
Off the field, other memories that brought us joy was when it was her parents turn to provide the match tea and 6 boxes of Domino's Pizza arrived. How cool was that?
Her talent as an artist was also widely recognised. Portsmouth Cricket Club benefiting from bright and fun pieces enhancing the Pavilion. Eat, Sleep, Cricket, Repeat.
Bethan, we will miss you dearly.
Safe Hands
Straight Drive
Team Player
Our Friend
Bethan's funeral service will be held at The Oaks, Havant Crematorium on Thursday 18th November 2021 at 11:30 am.
Attendees should avoid black and for there to be no ties.
There will be a reception after the service at Portsmouth Cricket Club, St Helen's Ground from 1pm.
You are welcome to join us.
In memory of Bethan, please donatate to The Indatwa Project, a program in Rwanda that is empowering girls with life skills through cricket.
The scheme is organised through the charity Cricket Without Boundaries.
https://bethanwatkinson.muchloved.com/
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