Brian Belle played for Oxford University and Essex in the years immediately before the Second World War as a top-order batsman.

He appeared in one Varsity match, in 1936, where he made 48 and 26, although he finished on the losing side. Between 1935 and 1937 he played regularly for Essex as an amateur before his teaching duties led to him to pack in full-time cricket - he was to become headmaster of Orwell Park after the war.

Perhaps his most memorable moment came a week after his county debut in 1935 when he cracked 63 in a sixth-wicket stand of 174 with Morris Nichols as Essex routed Yorkshire, the leading side of the decade, by an innings and 204 runs.

After serving in the Royal Artillery during the war, he continued to play Minor County cricket for Suffolk, who had made his debut for in 1939, helping them to their first title in 1946 and captaining them between 1949 and 1953. He was subsequently county chairman.

Belle was also a more than able footballer, representing Corinthians, the top amateur team of the time, as a full-back. He also won a Blue at football in 1935-36.

At the time of his death he was the oldest surviving Essex player.
Martin Williamson