We have received the tremendously sad news that Maurice Bromley, the driving force behind the Chiang Mai Sixes for more than two decades. has died in Manila in the Philippines after a long battle with cancer as he passed away on Tuesday 12th October. He was in good spirits right until the end and the Sixes family has so much to thank Maurice for.

On behalf of all the players and supporters of the Chiang Mai Sixes since its creation in 1988, we send our condolences to Maurice’s wife Renita and all his family and friends. A week of prayers for Maurice starts today on Friday 16th October and there will be a Memorial Mass held in Manila on Sunday.

Maurice was the Chairman and Tournament Director of the Chiang Mai International Sixes until his retirement in 2011 and did more than any other to make the tournament the fantastic success it became, yet his message in the magazine each year always gave a vote of thanks to those who helped in any way.

But it was Maurice who led the way as the tournament has continued for more than 30 years in an ever changing world with more than thirty teams taking part in most years. He was passionate about junior cricket and helped set up the Chiang Mai Schools Cricket Alliance that took coaching into schools and he proudly watched over the annual Sawasdee Cup, and of course the Ladies Cup became another integral part of the tournament.

He would have been delighted to see Thailand win over so many hearts in the Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, and even more proud to have overseen the fantastic fund raising efforts that have been such a part of the Chiang Mai Sixes and helped junior cricket and a generation of Hill Tribe children. His name will live not only on the Bromley Shield which he used to present each year and his memory will always be honoured as we all strive to ensure the tournament returns year after year in the future.

TRIBUTES TO MAURICE BROMLEY

Paul ‘Hagar’ Jones has known Maurice since the early days of the Sixes and has written a tribute from the heart. ‘I've been involved with the sixes for close on 30 years, and been head umpire since at least 2006. For the majority of years Maurice was Mr Sixes. He administered the tournament and worked bloody hard. He was always there, running about, solving little problems, even playing on occasions for the Gymkhana Cavaliers. He really put in the hard yards to make it a success. In the dark days of the late 90's it should not be forgotten than he along with Mick Maher, Rick Davis and Terry Skillett did so much to breathe fresh air into a tournament that nearly didn't survive. Maurice deserves to be always remembered at the Sixes along with some of the others I’ve mentioned.’

Johnny Bell is another who has been part of the Sixes since the beginning as player with the Drifters and later brought Marchwiel Outlaws to the tournament. ‘Maurice was one of the legends of the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes. He was for many years the voice and inspiration of this wonderful tournament. Along with wife Renita, they worked tirelessly to make the event truly world class. It was a privilege to have enjoyed his friendship, company and advice over many years/ I can only offer my heartfelt condolences to Renita, Robert and the rest of the family. Thanks for the wonderful memories my old friend, rest in peace and may God go with you.’

Michael ‘Cat Maher has been coming to the tournament since 1996 with Perth Postels and worked closely with Maurice after being appointed World Co-ordinator the following year. ‘Maurice was the Sixes, kept it alive and ensured that the event was the absolute main focus at all times. He was always completely selfless and determined for the betterment if the tournament. Maurice was a tireless leader, always determined but fair. He had to deal with multiple people from varying backgrounds, but was always prepared to listen as the well being of the Chiang Mai Sixes was completely his focus.

‘Maurice always provided leadership and guidance as he had all the answers, as he knew every detail of the tournament as well as having the business experience and knowhow. He was always pleasant, helpful, but also solidly firm. Under Maurice’s leadership we were able to turn things around so that the event has continued to be bigger and better.’ . Rob ‘Chops’ Bernard first met Maurice in 2006 and is now part of the committee that has tried to make sure that the wonderful tournament that Maurice did so much to build has continued since his retirement and will continue far after his passing. 'It wasn’t until 2006 that I met Maurice, or even became aware of our magnificent tournament. That makes me a relative nipper compared to some of you stalwarts. Our first coming together came a few days before the 2006 event in the office of the British Chamber of Commerce on Wireless Road in Bangkok. I was introduced to Maurice who told me all about the Sixes in Chiang Mai. He was kind enough to show me sympathy about my own business plans and gave me a couple of invites to the Welcome Party at the Pornping and a tournament magazine. At the Welcome Party. Maurice took the time to seek me out and introduce me to several others who he thought may have been of help to me. I met people that night who are good friends to this day, and next day I became part of the Yarrambat team, so aside from anything else I owe him a huge debt of gratitude as he had helped me find my idea of heaven.

‘I’ll remember him as a good chairman and decent man who was kind enough to take time out to assist a stranger and help change his life, as well as giving many youngsters their taste of our beautiful game through the Sawasdee Cup. All involved with the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes owe Maurice Bromley a huge debt of gratitude. My pledge is to repay Maurice and other original members sadly no longer with us by continuing to help ensure that our amazing tournament survives this turbulent period and thrives long into the future. God bless and Rest in Peace Maurice.’