Brian Messom’s sporting prowess became obvious from an early age as his father before him, having played football for Southampton and cricket for Hampshire, provided a sound basis for his son’s success. Whilst at Spring Park Junior School Brian’s footballing skills developed well; playing for Croydon Schools between 1967 and 1971 and culminating in his selection for Surrey Schools in the Skegness National Tournament of 1972/3. During this time Brian, who was a hard but fair midfield player, also played youth team football at Leyton Orient which then led on to his semi-professional senior debut on Boxing Day of 1973 in the Isthmian League for Bromley. Later in his career he played for Clapton and Hampton in the Isthmian League and also Malden Vale in the Spartan League.

Brian also enjoyed playing Sunday football for top Croydon sides such as Coleridge, Crownbridge and Steve Kember’s Park Hill United but after a few years a serious leg injury brought this part of his sporting career to an early end.

From the age of ten, Brian’s summertime was taken up playing cricket for both Croydon Schools and Surrey Schools and he joined Addiscombe CC in 1968. At fifteen he played for the South of England in the National Schools festival and he continued through the Surrey ranks playing for the Young Cricketers and occasionally Surrey 2nd XI. In 1971 at sixteen, Brian made his 1st XI debut for Addiscombe v Cheam as wicketkeeper and No. 10 batsman and just two years later he scored his first Surrey Championship ton. Apart from one season spent at Purley, Brian maintained his Addiscombe 1st XI place until 1999 and played his last game for them on 24th July that year. His record (11,909 runs,277 catches and 100 plus stumpings) speaks for itself but the determined, gutsy, opening batsman with a sound technique would be the first to admit that he wasn’t blessed with an array of shots. A great exponent of putting the shortball away and a more than adequate off side driver he knew both what he could and couldn’t do, and played accordingly. As a result, he was the first batsman in the Championship to pass 10,000 runs. Brian was also a top class, no-nonsense wicketkeeper who in particular showed his bravery when standing up to the likes of Martyn Bain on the lively Addiscombe pitches of the 1980’s. He was Club Captain on several occasions and his team-mates always found it enjoyable to play under his leadership because of his positive approach to the game. “Mess” was a regular and valued member of the Surrey Championship representative side that enjoyed considerable success in the 1980’s and 90’s and whether he wore the gloves or held the bat he will go down as one of the greats of club cricket.

After he stopped playing Brian and his family took over the running of the club bar and soon made it a sanctuary for members who could enjoy a summer night’s drink in beautiful surroundings helped along by his dry sense of humour and a wealth of anecdotes to keep everyone amused. As Club Chairman he will especially be remembered for his great generosity in providing excellent practice facilities and his hard work in endeavouring to make the club prosper on and off the field. His wife Sharon and children, Vicki, Claire and Ian, remain very much at the heart of Addiscombe CC.