AN 85-year-old fundraiser and past president of a Pembrokeshire cricket club died tragically on Saturday afternoon while making one of her regular outings to watch her beloved team.

Beryl Marsh was driving to see Carew play at home to St Ishmaels when her car crashed on the A477 road, just five minutes before the match began.

Police said that Mrs Marsh died at the scene of the two-vehicle collision. It is understood that the possibility that she was taken ill at the wheel is under investigation.

Shocked players, who had begun their game wondering at the absence of their stalwart supporter, abandoned the pitch mid-match when they learnt the sad news of her death.

Twice-widowed Mrs Marsh, who lived at Kingsmoor Close, Kilgetty, was a native of Carew where her late father, Will Harries, was a founder member of the village cricket club.

She shared his devotion for the sport and the club, where for many years she had been an enthusiastic and hugely-popular fundraiser, organising bingo sessions, serving teas and indefatigably selling raffle tickets.

It was a fitting honour for Mrs Marsh when she was appointed as club president in recognition of her support; a title she held with great pride.

Said Carew Cricket Club chairman, Gethin Evans: “Beryl was a lovely lady. She was one of our small band of loyal supporters and had raised thousands of pounds for us over the years.

“She loved her cricket and she loved Carew Cricket Club. I can’t remember her missing a game, whether home or away, and she would even come on trips with us.

“Everyone is devastated at her loss, and she will be very sadly missed.”

Added Western Telegraph cricket correspondent Bill Carne “Beryl used to sell loads of raffle tickets and watch Carew play, alongside her old pal June Cole, who took over from Beryl as club president.

“She will be greatly missed by all at the club and our thoughts go out at this awful time to her family, friends and all at Carew Cricket Club.”

The accident took place on the Broadmoor to Redberth stretch of the A477 road at 1.40pm on Saturday. Both Tenby and Narberth firefighters attended the scene and used hydraulic cutting equipment to free Mrs Marsh from her Vauxhall Corsa car.

Said a Dyfed-Powys police spokesman: “Unfortunately the driver of one of the vehicles died at the scene.”

Two people in the other car, a Hyundai i130, were taken to Withybush Hospital. Police said that their injuries were not life-threatening. The road was closed for approximately four hours following the incident.

The Pembrokeshire coroner has been informed.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the collision to call PC Justin Williams on 101.

Mrs Marsh leaves a grown-up family. Her funeral will take place next Monday, August 18, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium at 1.45pm.

There will be family flowers only, with donations, if desired, for Diabetes UK c/o Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UR.

The funeral arrangements are being conducted by E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg.