The cricket fraternity was plunged into sadness with the news that former national coach, Michael Hyles-Franco had died and the Guyana and Berbice Cricket Boards as well as cricket clubs in Berbice praised for the late coach for his commitment to cricket in the country.
Hyles, a former chairman of the national junior selection panel passed away Thursday.
Leading a string of tributes was Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president, Hilbert Foster, who had broken the news of Hyles’ untimely passing.
Hyles, who passed away “suddenly at the public hospital,” was remembered by Foster as one of the better coaches and one who worked hard to make a difference in the lives of many cricketers both past and present.
The BCB president said that Hyles was always willing to share his knowledge and had a remarkably sharp eye for talent.
Hyles, who served as chairman of the selectors for the national junior panel and served over four decades as a coach, was a member of the Guyana Jaguars Academy set up although he has predominantly plied his trade throughout the county of Berbice.
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) said that the coach’s death was “a shock as Hyles was not known to be suffering from any serious illness.”
Hyles the GCB release stated was conducting coaching sessions in Berbice and he also recently visiting the board’s office in Georgetown.
Former Cricket West Indies Director and GCB secretary, Anand Sanasie, remembered Hyles as “a good man [who] genuinely cared for our youngsters and was very dedicated to what he did.”
Clubs in Berbice also shared their sentiments on Hyles’ passing including Tucber Park Cricket Club which thanked him for dedicating his life towards “the development of cricket, cricketers and coaches in Berbice and throughout Guyana.”
Albion Cricket Club was another body to express sympathy, stating that the 72-year-old “contributed significantly to the development of several Albion cricketers over the years, particularly at the Inter-Country and national junior levels.”
A number of players who have represented Guyana at both junior and senior levels spoke highly of Franco-Hyles as a person who would always have an ear to listen and a word of encouragement to give.
National left-arm spinner, Antony Adams stated, “I am saddened by coach Hyles’ passing, [he was] someone who was very good to cricket, who has given a lot to cricket and played a role in me being the player I am today and there is still a lot of things I would have learnt from coach Hyles that I am still working on and still to perfect so I am sad but I am happy and glad to have known him.”
