North Midd member Clive "Basso" Bassett died on Sunday 12 January 2020 after a long illness. He was 61 years old.
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A North Midd member since joining from Hendon Buccaneers CC in the early 1980's, he enjoyed many years as a player at The Midd and subsequently as a regular supporter.
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Basso was a good all-around sportsman (cricket, fishing, football), and it was as a bowler that he excelled for North Midd. In his prime, he was a committed and aggressive fast bowler who was a real handful for opposition batsmen. His opening bowling partnership with John Lederman was one of the key factors in helping North Midd win the Middlesex County Cricket League in 1990. He also enjoyed success as part of the Bertie Joel Cup winning side of 1987.
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> Basso was his own man and would always do things his own way - indeed he could be as much a handful for his own captain as he could be to the opposition! The rebellious aspects of his character were no doubt enhanced in the eye's of others due to the long 'rocker' hair that he adorned in his early years at The Midd coupled with a pre-match routine consisting of the consumption of 2 pints of Abbott Ale prior to a League match.
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> Following a dispute with the ground tenant at North Midd, Basso was part of a group of NMCC Players which joined Hornsey CC between 1993-1998. At Hornsey, he enjoyed much success as a bowling allrounder and Captain of the 2nd XI. During this period, he also qualified as a playing member for the MCC.
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Upon his return to North Midd in 1999, his commitment to playing regularly and his undiminished cricketing skills helped the Senior Section of the club to start re-establishing itself as a prominent club in the Middlesex Leagues. During this later period of his playing days, Basso set aside much time to offer advice to many of the younger players at the club that were making the transition from playing Colts cricket to Senior cricket.
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His interest in the fortunes of North Midd remained strong once his playing days ended and Basso - pint in hand - was a regular spectator on a Saturday afternoon at Park Road. Latterly, as his illness progressed, visits to The Midd became difficult to achieve. However, Basso continued to follow The Midd via live streaming of matches, and we know that he enjoyed viewing some of the 1st XI's matches in 2019 leading to North Midd winning the Middlesex County Cricket League Premier League title.
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The thoughts of all at The Midd are with Clive's family.
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Clive’s funeral will take place on Monday 3 February at 11am at Golders Green Crematorium, Hoop Lane, NW11 7NL. His daughter says –

“Dad had asked and wished for everyone to please not wear a suit but opt for either a Manchester United shirt or a Wales or Lions Jersey (Classic). He also said no flowers but grateful for donations to either Marie Curie or North Middlesex Hospital (donation box will be at the service). The wake will be at Winchmore Hill Sports Club, 149 Firs Lane, N21 3ER.”

Article kindly contributed by Alex Hill.