TRIBUTES have been paid to a Coventry man who died in a car accident on the A5.
Balmer ‘Bal’ Bains, aged 51, died when his grey Mercedes Vito taxi collided with a yellow Scania HGV driven by a 62-year-old man on the A5 near Watford village at around 4.25am on Monday, February 15.
The husband and father of one, was a keen amateur cricketer and loyal member of the Highway Spartans club.
Paying tribute to Bal, Highway Spartans Cricket Club chairman David Johnson, said: “Bal’s passing is a tragic loss firstly for his family and also for our cricket club.
“He was a super and very friendly guy who was always willing to help out the club.
“Last September as Chairman I decided to make for the first time a Chairman’s award at our annual awards night and I had no hesitation in making the award to Bal for all the work he undertook as third team captain/manager last season and also the way he conducted himself in this challenging role.”
As captain of the third team, Mr Bains had been instrumental in merging with the neighbouring Meriden Spartans team to help maintain a third team – a task Mr Johnson said he did ‘without complaint and always with a smile.’
Mr Johnson added: “Bal championed the cause of the young player and I am very grateful to him for the way he gently introduced our juniors to senior adult cricket.
“He ensured that they had the opportunity to fully participate in the game and for Bal the development of young players came first before getting too concerned with the match result.
“He was a loyal and selfless servant of the game in Coventry and was great company. He gave much to the club and the game and sought very little if anything in return. A great guy.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Josh, Bal’s son and a HS player, his younger brother and Mrs Bains for their sad loss.”
Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding it. Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.
