TTCB – News

Paragon cricketer Roberts passes away
June 22, 2011

THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Cricket Board has extended its condolences to the family of former national cricketer Pascal Roberts who passed away on Monday after ailing for some time.

Roberts was an outstanding left-arm bowler who was a stalwart of the Paragon Cricket Club during the 1970s when they dominated local Championship Grade cricket alongside Queen’s Park, Maple and Harvard.

“Pascal Roberts will be remembered as a true icon of the game in Trinidad and Tobago who contributed much to the development of the club and helped establish Trinidad and Tobago as a regional powerhouse. The cricket fraternity has sadly lost one of its loyal servants,” said Azim Bassarath, president of the T&T Cricket Board yesterday.

He was remembered on Wednesday by his Paragon teammate Ron Faria as an extremely hardworking cricketer constantly trying to improve his game which saw him start out as a left-arm fast bowler who later developed into an effective left-arm orthodox spinner.

“I played with Pascal at Paragon for close to 15 years and he could always be relied upon to give 100 per cent always for the club. He formed a deadly spin attack in tandem with Jack Noreiga and helped Paragon with Championship titles three years in a row,” said Faria.

He said Roberts’ change of bowling style from fast medium to left-arm orthodox reminded many of Sir Garry Sobers whom he toured under with the West Indies team in England in 1969. He did not play a Test but gained valuable experience which he displayed on his return to local club cricket.

Faria said that Roberts was also a mentor to many up and coming cricketers at Paragon who always offered valuable words of advice and displayed a positive attitude.

“I remember the words he always spoke to anyone one who was having a particularly bad day and it was, ‘Six o’clock will always come,’ meaning the day’s play would surely end and grant some relief,” said Faria.

Apart from being a stalwart player at Paragon, Roberts was also a national selector for several years.

The funeral service for Pascal Roberts is scheduled for Monday, June 27, 2011 at the St James Crematorium.