By Isle of Wight Observer
Island cricketing stalwart, and former St Boniface CE Primary School headteacher, Sam Garaway, has died aged 83.
Born in South Wales and blind in one eye from birth, Sam excelled at both cricket and football, representing his county in each sport as a schoolboy. A talented cricketer, he played for Gloucestershire Club and Ground XI before moving into teaching.
After headships in Wiltshire and Somerset, he moved to the Isle of Wight in 1985 to lead St Boniface CE Primary School, in Ventnor. He also became a key figure at Ventnor Cricket Club, captaining the side to league titles and Whitbread Cup success while representing the Island.
In 1994, Sam stepped down from the 1st XI to help nurture the club’s younger players in the 3rd XI. The decision proved inspired, with future stars including England spinner, Danny Briggs, county cricketers, Adam Hose, Steve Snell, and Chris Russell, emerging under his guidance. He also played an important role in the development of former Hampshire and Kent fast bowler, David Griffiths.
Away from Ventnor, Sam served as development officer for the Isle of Wight Cricket Board, and later coached the Help for Heroes cricket team.
His son, Mark, a former Hampshire and England junior who went on to become an England coach, said: “One of his proudest things was looking at the sheer number of players who he coached back in the day, and how many of them are following in his footsteps.
“His spiritual coaching home was on the Island. That’s where he was happiest. He loved the people on the Island and they loved him.”
Sam leaves his wife, Val, son Mark, daughter Sian, and six grandchildren.
The funeral will take place at Taunton Crematorium at Wellington Road, Taunton, at 1.20pm on DATE, followed by a reception at the Somerset CCC ground.