DAVID JOHN DENNIS died on 23 October 2011 aged 72.

A Welshman who never played first class cricket, David was on the first class umpires list in 1979 and 1980, thereafter standing in Minor County, Second XI Championship and some List A matches, as well as other important non first class games, until his 65th birthday.

As such he umpired Ireland's Nat West match against Gloucestershire at Bristol in 1988, which Ireland - despite a fine 66 from Mark Cohen -  lost by 9 wickets. David was, perhaps, Mark's lucky umpire. The previous season he had been in charge in the MCC v Ireland match at Lord's which Ireland won by six wickets after a run chase with Mark and Alf Masood both scoring 91.

Frequently seen umpiring at Lord's, David officiated in the MCC v Scotland match of 1984 as well as several Eton v Harrow games. He was also in demand for Duchess of Norfolk's XI matches at Arundel involving touring sides.

Edward Liddle  October 2011