Lacross club mourns death of ‘irreplacable’ sportsman Ant
A POYNTON sports club has paid moving tribute to a sports ace who died suddenly.
Anthony Hayes, 26, was a talented lacrosse player ace who was captain of the Heaton Mersey club and represented England.
The goalkeeper, from Stockport, died after playing football with friends.
It is believed he suffered a heart attack.
His best friend and fellow England team mate was Sam Russell, captain of Poynton Lacross Club, so Anthony was well known around the club.
In a moving tribute on Facebook, Poynton Lacrosse Club said members were ‘devastated’.
They added: “Ant was always a welcome presence at The Nest and his infectious and fun-loving personality was something everyone who met him fell in love with.
“From streaking our games wearing a Blackbird mask to betting with the lads as to who would win in our premiership and flags clashes, Ant was a Blackbird in another team’s colours to many around the club, and we will forever miss that camaraderie.
“Whether you met Ant once or a thousand times, he was sure to leave an impact on your life, such was his character and charisma, and he will be sorely missed by anyone with whom he came into contact.
“Ant played his lacrosse like he lived his life, with energy, passion and an enormous sense of fun. He leaves an irreplaceable hole but also a huge number of cherished memories.”
Clare Hurst, from Poynton Lacross Club, said Anthony’s death had hit everyone at the club hard.
She said: “Although Ant played for Heaton Mersey, they are in the same league as Poynton, so met regularly on the field and socially. Ant was best friends with our club captain Sam Russell, so Ant would spend a lot of time at the club. He was very well known in Poynton.”
In a statement on the English Lacrosse website, Richard Smith, Heaton Mersey coach, said: “Anthony was a great, fit lad who was at the centre of everything at the club.
“I coached him from an early age and he was my ‘mini me’. We all loved him hugely and the whole club is in a real state of shock.”
Tom Wenham, England men’s lacrosse head coach, added: “Our thoughts and sincerest condolences go out to the Hayes’ and the entire Heaton Mersey family during what is a tragic and devastating time for all concerned. Rivalries mean nothing when it comes to brotherhood. The world of English lacrosse will never be the same.”