A FORMER first-class cricketer who once took the wicket of Sir Donald Bradman and later became a prize-winning sheep breeder in Churt has died aged 92.

Philip Whitcombe was born in 1923 into a military family, his father a Major General with a love of sport and of fly fishing, his mother an accomplished watercolour painter.

His interest in cricket was sparked by his father at a young age, teaching him to bowl at a handkerchief placed on the lawn at a good length. He took this love of sport to Winchester College, where he joined his elder brother John in 1936 and went on to established himself as a fine sportsman and bowler.

After Winchester, the Second World War intervened and Philip served in the Royal Horse Artillary, taking part in the D-Day landings and then in 1945 joining the 6th Airborne Division.

He served with the 6th right through Germany to the Baltic where they met up with soldiers of the Russian army, eventually gaining the rank of captain.

Philip arrived back in London on May 8, 1945 just in time to join the crowds outside Buckingham Palace with the King and Queen and Winston Churchill on the balcony, celebrating the end of the war in Europe.

Thereafter, he was sent to Palestine during the settlement of the Jews and the creation of Israel. All this time, wherever he could get the chance he played cricket.

Having departed the armed forces, with some persistence he got a place at Oxford to read history and there his cricket blossomed.

He made a considerable impact in the strong Oxford sides between 1947 and 1949, bowling Oxford to an innings victory in the 1948 Varisty Match by taking seven wickets for 51 – his career-best figures.

His performances for Oxford helped him win inclusion in the Middlesex County Cricket Club side, making his debut against Yorkshire at Bradford and then paying against the touring Australian side at Lord’s in 1949.

Watched by the King and Queen, Philip had Bill Brown out leg before wicket followed by the wicket of Sir Donald Bradman, widely acknowledged as the greatest test batsman of all time, caught by Denis Compton for just six runs.

He continued to play cricket for various clubs, though his main energy he devoted to his favourite, the Free Foresters, of which he was president from 1994 to 2004.

Then, by a twist of fate, he met his future wife Rosemary Colville, daughter of David John Colville, 1st Baron Clydesmuir and Agnes Anne Bilsland, on a ship at Bombay on his way home from his work with the P&O – the job he had to take because there were no lucrative cricket contracts to be had in those days.

They married in July, 1954 and ten years later found Green Cross Farm in Churt on which to base their lives. Son Robert was born in November 1955 followed by daughter Susan in June 1957.

Inspired by his wife’s affection for animals, Philip entered the world of sheep farming and found immediate success with Border Leicester sheep, flocks of Suffolks and recently Southdowns.

They later invested in a dairy herd of Jerseys and then Ayrshires when they bought Berry Grove Farm 10 miles way in Liss, which they eventually gave to son Robert and his wife Sophie.

A frequent exhibitor at the Alton Agricultural Show up to three years ago, Philip was a stalwart of the North East Hants Agricultural Society and served as the society’s president in 1976.

He also joined the National Sheep Association in 1970, becoming its treasurer when it was operating more or less out of a garden shed and helping grow the association into a genuine national organisation which prospers united to this day.

Over the last 30 years he was closely involved with Southdown sheep and was made president of the Southdown Sheep Society in 2006.

His son, Robert said: “Those who farm especially with livestock will know that farmers become rooted to their farms. Dad was happy to live this life of routine and discipline, without grand trappings and holidays.

“He ran a tight ship – which is the main reason the farm is still here - and people who came to Green Cross Farm from all around the world, were often surprised that such top quality show winning sheep from such well known breeders came from such a low key, traditional, family friendly small farm.

“He was involved in the farm on a daily basis right to the end, supported by his trusted shepherd and friend Peter Rycraft. He had a happy 92 years, and his wish was that we who are left behind should have at least as many.

“How lucky Susie and I have been to have such a role model. For us as his children and grandchildren he provided rock solid stability, a constant dependable presence which we are going to miss greatly.”