CRICKET clubs on the Isle of Wight have paid tribute to Tommy Barton who died at the weekend.

The Brading man, who died during the early hours of Sunday, was a Ventnor player.

Ventnor Cricket Club put out a short statement on their Facebook page this afternoon (Tuesday).

"The club is deeply shocked and saddened to have learnt about the death of one of our players, Tommy Barton.

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"The thoughts of everyone connected with VCC are with his family at this time."

Ryde Cricket Club and Shanklin and Godshill Cricket Club put out their own tributes to the former Lymington Cricket Club player.

The 30-year-old all-rounder had not played cricket for some time, but returned to the local scene with Ventnor last month (April) and played as recently as two weekends ago for the club's seconds, scoring 60 not out in a Hampshire 4 (South) league match against Solent Rangers at Steephill.

A talented, hard-hitting batsman and seam bowler, he played Southern Premier League cricket for Lymington between 2007 and 2011, and spent the 2018 summer at the New Forest club.

He was man of the match when Lymington won the Southern Premier League T20 Cup in 2008.

Playing for Ryde Cavaliers several seasons ago, he struck 331 not out against Portchester thirds at Smallbrook, which remains the top individual Hampshire League score by some distance.

On behalf of Ryde, Simon Wratten posted: "It is always sad when the cricket community lose one of their own, but the tragic and senseless loss of Tommy Barton this week is particularly sad.

"Tommy was one of the very best cricketers to play on the Isle of Wight.

"In 2006, at the age of just 13, Tommy played in the Isle of Wight Cup final for Ryde Cavaliers, and a year later, was playing Southern Premier League cricket for Lymington 1st XI.

"At 16 he won the man of the match award in the final of the Southern Premier T20 competition at the Ageas Bowl, scoring 35 vital runs as Lymington beat Ventnor.

"In that same season, a three-wicket spell in a match against the Hampshire Academy included the scalp of Hampshire captain, James Vince.

"After a break, Tommy returned to cricket to play for fun, with his mates, at Ryde Cavaliers.

"Playing at a lower level was no real challenge for Tommy’s exceptional talents and he scored runs with ease.

"Following another break away from cricket, Tommy returned this season to play for Ventnor.

"His final innings saw him score 60 not out in a ten-wicket win.

"The following week, Tommy was in the firsts to play at a standard far more suited to his ability. This, unfortunately, was to be his last game.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this time."

Shanklin Cricket Club also posted their own tribute. 

"Everyone connected with Shanklin and Godshill Cricket Club are particularly saddened and shocked to hear of the death of Island cricketer, Tommy Barton.

"Many of our players shared some excellent battles with and against Tommy on the cricket field, and he will be sorely missed.

"Our deepest condolences go to the Barton family at this time."