THE DEATH of a second cricketer during a match at Helston in a little over a year has been described as "unbelievable" by a senior member of the town's club.

Club members, first responders from Helston, a paramedic and an RNAS Culdrose aircrew fought to resuscitate Mark (Percy) Stephens, a 46-year-old father of four who collapsed in the clubhouse during a second team match between Helston and Stithians on Saturday.

The emergency services arrived on site within minutes of being alerted. Steve Frew, Helston Cricket Club vice-chairman, said the paramedic called for RNAS Culdrose assistance en route to the scene.

He said Mr Stephens came into the pavilion with club-mates from Stithians after the first innings: "They came in for a cup of tea. He was talking to one of his mates and within minutes he just fell to the floor."

Mr Frew said club members, including Stuart Lee, administered first aid.

The first responders arrived within about ten minutes, shortly followed by the paramedic and the search and rescue Sea King.

"We had to get the children away from the pitch for the helicopter to land," Mr Frew added.

A spokesman for RNAS Culdrose said aircrew assisted the paramedic in treating Mr Stephens on the way to Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Mr Frew said popular club member Stan Cullis died at Helston last June and the club had been talking about arranging a match in his memory earlier on Saturday.

"We were talking about when we were going to arrange it on the same day this happened. It is unbelievable."

Mr Stephens was described by his family as a man who loved sport.

He leaves a widow, Debbie, son Perran and daughters Jade, Bracken and Gina.

Mr Stephens was preparing to open the bowling. He had been a member of the club for more than 20 years.

A builder, he had just completed renovating the clubhouse at Stithians.

Second team captain Malcolm Burley said: "You couldn't have met a nicer person. His death was a huge shock.

"Lots of people have still not come to grips with it."

The teams had come in for tea after the Stithians side had completed its innings when he collapsed.

Mr Burley said: "He said he had a bit of a pain and the next minute he collapsed. Three or four ran to him to give him resuscitation.

"He was greatly respected, on and off the field."

Mr Stephens had played for the club since it was re-formed in 1990.