Ahead of play on Day Four of the LV= Insurance County Championship fixture against Somerset, both Clubs and officials came together to pay their respects to Grace O’Malley Kumar and Barnaby Webber who tragically lost their lives in Nottingham on Tuesday.
Grace played cricket for Essex from Under 11 to Under 15 level between 2015-2019 and was a highly talented player, and captained the team during her time at the Club. She had a strong affiliation to cricket in the county having also played for Woodford Wells Cricket Club, alongside her talents in hockey where she represented England at age group level.
Barnaby was a young talented cricketer from Taunton, who studied at Taunton School and playing for his local side Bishops Hull Cricket Club.
Chief Executive John Stephenson, “The nation has been shocked by the tragic events which took place in Nottingham on Tuesday.
“The Club are deeply saddened to hear the news that former player Grace O’Malley Kumar, who was part of our women and girls pathway, was one of the victims. It is clear from those who new Grace that she was a talented and bright person, and she will be great missed by those close to her both on and off the pitch.
“On behalf of Essex County Cricket Club, we send our send our condolences to the families, friends and teammates of Grace and Barnaby during this extremely difficult time and we will be supporting those who have been affected by any means possible.”
Grace Melhuish, Essex Girl’s Pathway Manager, added: “We are devastated by the news of the tragic death of Grace O’Malley Kumar. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time.
Grace played her cricket at Essex from U11 to U15 level and excelled with both the bat and ball. She played 32 games for the Club, scoring two half-centuries, whilst also captaining the side with a maturity beyond her years.
“Whilst we remember Grace as a highly dedicated individual who took her cricket seriously, we also remember how much joy she would bring into the group. She always had a big smile and an encouraging word for her teammate at every opportunity.
“Grace fully embodied the values we strive for and she will always be fondly remembered by the staff and her peers at Essex Cricket.”
The Club will be offering immediate support to those within the Essex pathway who have been affected by the news. The Men’s First Team wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence before play on Day Four against Somerset and this will also be replicated by the Essex Women’s team for the game against Kent, which takes place on Saturday.
