JOSH Vickery, a Bridgwater CC player who suddenly passed last week, has had tributes paid to him from the other side of the world.

In 2005/6, Josh and his close friend Ian Higgins travelled to Adelaide in Australia to play cricket for the Prospect District Cricket Club.

And the club has paid tribute to Josh after he passed away earlier this month.

The club said he made a 'very favourable impression on everyone involved in the club and fully immersed himself in the local community'.

Both Josh and Ian performed admirably on the playing field and also contributed to Prospect’s Monthly Newsletter, they added.

In one edition of the Adelaide-based club's newsletter, Josh said: 'We feel that there is a great mix of personalities at the club, but there is less socialising than Bridgwater CC and we would like to see more people getting together off the field which can lead to stronger team spirit on the field."

"Everyone has been extremely friendly and helpful in helping us fit into Australian life," he added.

Bridgwater Mercury: TRIBUTES: Josh Vickery in Aus

Josh’s unexpected passing has had a significant impact on the Bridgwater Community and also his many friends in Australia.

Former Bridgwater CC coach and friend, Ralph Mitchell, who is now based in Adelaide, said the news of Josh's passing has rocked the cricket community.

"He was admired for his tenacity on the playing field, willingness to learn and improve, warmth and generous spirit blended with an engaging sense of humour, saw Josh become a popular and much loved member of the Prospect Cricket Family," he said.

"We are stunned, shattered, heartbroken but will unite as one for Josh's wife and their children, to stand by their side during this emotional time and well into the future."

Mitchell said he was fortunate enough to spend many hours chatting about cricket, provide coaching snippets and enjoy Josh’s company at both Bridgwater and Prospect Clubs.

"Josh is held in high regard and respected by many, his participation, promotion and creativity at social events will be sorely missed.

"He was an ambassador for social inclusion and displayed an unwavering sense of fair play, on and off his sporting fields.

"With a heavy heart, we salute Josh 'The Vicar' Vickery and celebrate our friend and his life, well lived.

"Raise your bats, tip your caps and applaud loudly."

Prospect and Bridgwater Clubs have been good cricket partners from the early 1990s, due essentially to their strong social networks, player exchanges and Mike Moran.

England Captain Joe Root spent two seasons with Prospect in Adelaide, as part of the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy.