BRADFORD cricket has lost a good one in Bachubhai Bahi Ramji.

My only contact with the Bradford Indians stalwart was via Bradford Mutual Sunday School League meetings – be they at the brutally warm Oddfellows Club near Bradford Ice Rink, Clayton Rugby Club or Manningham Mills Sports Association.

Ever polite, he always shook my hand warmly and smiled.

My most memorable encounter, however, was definitely at Clayton Rugby Club.

“Could you please advertise our indoor nets?” he said to me, and handed over a very worn beermat on the back of which was scrawled Bradford Indians 11/2 – the date on which said indoor nets were starting.

If that was an unconventional way of passing on information, it stayed with me.

I took the beermat into the offices of the Telegraph & Argus and, for several years, placed my coffee cup on it.

A Mutual Sunday School League life vice-president, he was the beating heart of Bradford Indians, being their secretary and president.

A passionate cricket lover, Bachu Ramji will always be remembered for his sportsmanship in a long association with the league.

How deeply his loss has been felt has been mirrored by the tributes on the league’s Facebook page.

Former Mutual Sunday School League results secretary and disciplinary officer Mohammed Rafiq wrote: “Rest in peace Bachubhai. You will be missed.

“He worked tirelessly for his club. This is a big loss to the league and Bradford Indians CC.

“Condolences to his family from all at West Bowling CC.”

Former league secretary Sara Butterfield wrote: “May he rest in peace. An absolute gentleman, at all times.

“Condolences to Rax and the family.”