PAUL ROWLEY was a larger-than-life character with a huge heart to match.

Known universally as ‘Rolls’, the 48-year-old father-of-one died at his home in Cirencester on September 30. An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

For three decades Paul’s relentless drive, determination and passion was the lifeblood of Lechlade Cricket Club, first as a player and later as chairman.

His enthusiasm and ambition transformed them from village minnows to Gloucestershire County Cup winners and one of the most feared teams in the West of England Premier League (WEPL).

He was also a talented rugby player who gave 27 years of service to Cirencester RFC.

He captained both Lechlade CC and Cirencester RFC.

A former pupil at Wycliffe School, Paul grew up in Swindon and Lechlade as one of three sons – along with Andy and Ian – to Barney and Daphne Rowley.

Nigel Pearce, Lechlade CC committee member and groundsman, met Paul in 1983 when he first joined the cricket club with his brother Andy.

He said: “No-one who knew Rolls will ever forget him. The man was a colossus. Generous, inspiring, imaginative, heroic and hilarious are the words that immediately spring to mind. The death of someone so huge in all senses of the word is unimaginable.

“He cared passionately about Lechlade, its community and its cricket and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. To use his own words – Paul was a legend.”

Wilts & Glos Standard columnist John Light added: “Paul was a valued friend and neighbour, always ready to help.

“In local sport he was a giant. Rugby friends know him as a fine, vigorous player and as a determined captain of the town club. But it is in cricketing circles that he is best known. He had a vision for Lechlade CC and worked unstintingly to bring it about. That they are a beacon of success is Paul’s greatest memorial."

As a player Paul was a key part of the Lechlade first XI for more than 25 years – captaining them for 20.

Renowned as much for his rousing team talks and on-field banter as his cricketing ability, he led the team into the last 32 of the Npower National Village Knockout Cup in 2005 and won the West of England Premier’s Wiltshire Division in 2008.

His last appearance for Lechlade came in their 2013 County Cup win over Bedminster when Paul came on for an injured fielder to share in the historic victory.

But for all his efforts on the field it was his tireless pursuit of excellence off it that will be his legacy.

From pulling rugby mates out of the pub to get a team out in the early 90s, to recruiting the likes of ex-Zimbabwe international Ryan Higgins last year, Paul presided over a revolution that reached new heights with the first team’s promotion to Prem 2 of WEPL in 2014.

As chairman Paul was instrumental in the formation of the club’s junior section in 2006, helped raise £27,000 to build new nets in 2012 and set-up a third XI in 2013.

Under his guidance Lechlade became a Gloucestershire Focus Club and raised thousands of pounds through car boot sales and sportsman’s dinners featuring the likes of former England captain Nasser Hussain. In 2013 Lechlade were visited by England Women’s captain Charlotte Edwards who ran a girls’ coaching session.

Paul’s efforts saw him win a NatWest OSCA (Outstanding Services to Cricket Award) in 2011.

His eye for an opportunity meant Lechlade never missed a chance to raise money or their profile. In 2012 Paul did both by taking part in a video competition to find the best ‘Howzat’ appeal. The video – which netted the club £1,000 – featured a Benny Hill-style chase through Lechlade and ended with Paul – dressed as an umpire – jumping off the bridge and into the Thames.

Paul also contributed a huge amount to Cirencester RFC including three years as club captain and two stints in charge of the first XV. He organised functions and Christmas parties and went on numerous sporting tours including the England 2003 World Cup triumph in Australia.

His friend and former team-mate Richard Evans said: “A flamboyant player on the field, Paul was always the centre of attention on the social side of things.

“He was such a character you just enjoyed being in his company – he was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. But more than anything else he was a very supportive friend. Once you became friends with him he was a very loyal person and would do anything for you.”

Paul was managing director of Swindon printing firm Orchard Press. His career began as a hobby, helping his dad with a small printing press in their garden shed. But over time it grew into a successful business that celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012.

Paul was also an avid racing fan and owned a number of horses. His best horse Palamon won three times over hurdles in his colours.

Paul is survived by his daughter Darcie, mother Daphne, brothers Ian and Andy and Andy’s family, Chris, Ellen, George, Oscar and Alfie.

Andy Rowley said: “We were blessed to have Paul as a brother, a son, a daddy and an uncle.

“He will be sorely missed by his family and friends but, in time, the sadness we all feel will be replaced only by fond memories. Thank you for everyone’s kind wishes and support at this difficult time.”

There will be a private family funeral followed by a public Service of Thanksgiving at St Lawrence Church, Lechlade, at 2.30pm on Monday, October 20.

After the service light refreshments will be served in the Whimbrel Marquee, Four Pillars Hotel, South Cerney.

If you would like to attend either the service or wake, email lechladecc@hotmail.com.

A collection will be made for Dementia UK in lieu of flowers.