TWO familiar faces of Oxfordshire’s cricket scene have died.

Roger Berryman, who spent many years as treasurer of the Oxfordshire Cricket Board (OCB), passed away on January 16, aged 80.

Four days later, ex-county batsman John Carter died aged 85, following a long illness.

Berryman became treasurer of what was then Oxfordshire CCC in 1994, before the formation of the OCB in 1996 significantly increased his responsibilities.

He remained involved until 2014, spending his final four years as finance director, with the organisation’s annual turnover rocketing from £25,000 to almost £350,000 during his time in office.

OCB chairman, Chris Clements, said: “Rog made a huge contribution as a player and as an administrator, heavily influencing the shape of cricket in the county that exists today.

“Our thoughts go out to Judith, Sue, Helen, Gill and his grandchildren.

“He was truly a top man.”

Berryman was also a fine off-spin bowler for Bourton Vale and later Oxford Downs, taking 731 Cherwell League wickets from 1982 to 2009.

He joined the latter side in 1997 and had been club secretary since 2003, as well as fixture secretary.

Oxford Downs chairman Tom Welch said Berryman’s contribution ‘cannot be underestimated’.

If that was not enough, Berryman represented Oxfordshire Over 50s and umpired when his playing days finished.

Carter was also an accomplished cricketer, batting right-handed near the top of the order, and briefly played for Leicestershire in the late 1950s.

His club career started at Cowley St John, where his father Les, a former Oxfordshire player and selector, was a long-time member.

Carter also occasionally played for Oxford City.

In 1953, while still a pupil at Oxford’s Magdalen College School, he made his Minor Counties debut aged just 18 against Berkshire.

His talent was plain to see, scoring unbeaten knocks of 44 and 54, and was an Oxfordshire regular for the next four years.

Carter joined Leicestershire in 1958 and played seven first-class matches, plus many more for the second XI.

Closer to home, he played for South Oxfordshire Amateurs (SOA) for 25 years, serving as treasurer from 1978 to 1990 and club president in 1991.

Former SOA colleague, John Smith, said: “He will be sadly missed by his wife Sally and the many friends who he met through his tremendous love of cricket.”