F.D. Ewen

One of the characters of pre and post-war Lacrosse has died at his home in Somerset at an age well into his eighties.

An accomplished first home, Freddy was very difficult to check and several times scored a goal with a fine angle or a dolly shot, having sent the goalie the wrong way.

It was as a goalkeeper, however, that he was better known, playing for Purley’s first team and for the South. Always immaculate for the representative games in smart striped blazer, Freddy scorned the use of a pad. His reactions were electric and asked why he did not wear protection he replied “If I can’t catch it, they can have it.”

He played on into his sixties winning an Intermediate Flag with Purley ‘A’. His quiet enthusiasm, gentle encouragement of newcomers and total loyalty to his club will always be remembered by those who knew him and enjoyed the company of this great sportsman. His son Donald played ’crosse for a while and to him and his family we convey our condolences.