DAVID Laitt, the greatest wicket-taker in Oxfordshire's history, died in Croydon Surrey, on Saturday aged 67.

In 140 matches between 1952 and 1972, Laitt captured 670 Minor Counties Championship wickets (average 16.70) with his leg-cutters and was regarded as the best bowler outside the first-class game.

Laitt could prove unplayable on helpful wickets. Against Somerset 2nd at Henley in 1970, he captured 17-65 in the match, one of the best analyses in Championship history. This included 9-30 in one innings, which still stands as an Oxfordshire record.

He also took 14-94 against Wiltshire in 1960 - a season in which he claimed 70 victims at 9.98 - and 13-60 against Berkshire in 1955.

In all, he took ten wickets in a match 13 times and five wickets in an innings an incredible 59 times.

Not surprisingly, Laitt, who was educated at Magdalen College School, represented the Minor Counties against all the major Test playing countries - starting with the Indians in 1959- as well as the Minor Counties South in the Benson and Hedges Cup. Laitt, who was principally a batsman before being told to bowl while doing National Service with the RAF, played for Cowley St John until 1966 before going on to captain both Reading and Surrey club Beddington.

An administrator in the computer business, Laitt worked for 12 years at AERE Harwell, before moving to a job at Heathrow Airport.

A talented sportsman, he also represented Oxfordshire at table tennis and, in 1956, became only the second player to win the Oxford League's individual title, plus Hewitt and Warner Cups in one season.

He also played tennis and snooker to a high standard before turning successfully to golf in his later years.

Laitt leaves a widow, Heather, two children and two grandchildren. His funeral will be held at.....Croydon on .. at... TOP BOWLER: David Laitt the most prolific wicket-taker in Oxfordshire's history.

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