WHEN Brian ‘Snev’Stevens was mentioned in your letters page I was reminded of a truly exceptional all round sportsman.

Tall and gangly, he played cricket for Andover Secondary Boys’ School. The team played the masters at the end of term which was customary.

‘Snev’ was the toast of the school when hitting a six from a master’s bowling which cleared the classrooms and landed in the quadrangle.

He represented the school in the North Hants Sports ‘throwing a cricket ball’; there was no shot or discus in the 1940s. I witnessed this event, the adjudicators stood measuring the boys’ throws, when ‘Snev’ took his turn the ball sailed over their heads landing another 40 or 50 yards on. Thereafter, the adjudicators were alerted to when it was ‘Snev’s’ turn to throw and they retreated to where his ball would land and after his turn, retrieved their steps.

Playing centre half for the school and for North Hants, a game was played on a Saturday morning at the Walled Meadow — Andover’s ground. During the match Willie Poore, the goalkeeper, went off injured. ‘Snev’ took over. I well remember the remark a gent made stood near me: “He’s better than the one that went off.” Seeing Willie went on to play for Andover and Newbury that was a great compliment.

‘Snev’ played in the Lads’ League, Blue Star, I believe, after leaving school until the league was disbanded, then he played for Andover Old Boys. Towards the end of the 1954 season and with the goalkeeper losing form, ‘Snev’ again had a turn between posts. He was spotted and invited for a trial at Southampton. Next season he played for the Saints’ first team and did for about three years before moving to Salisbury City FC.

Years later, Horsfall, the Saints’ trainer, visited Andover Referees’ Society and was asked about ‘Snev’. “We had to release him,” we were told, as he wouldn’t train and take football seriously. I believe he enjoyed his ‘cigs’ and a pint, but he entertained the supporters.

He would chat to fans behind the goal and provide amusement when he swaggered to the goal area holding the ball with one hand as he played it for a goal kick.

He collapsed playing cricket and his team thought he was larking about, but he died at 48 from a brain haemorrhage.

He believed playing sport was for fun and he certainly enjoyed his sport.

John Goulding, Shakespeare Avenue, Andover.