It is with deep sadness that Oxfordshire Cricket and Abingdon Vale Cricket Club announce the passing of Paul Rallings.

Paul was a valued and much-loved member of our coaching team for over 11 years, playing an important role in the development of countless young cricketers across our pathway. He coached across multiple age groups, but was especially associated with the Under 12s, where his enthusiasm, guidance, and ability to inspire left a lasting and positive impact on many players and families.

Paul was also a long-standing member of Abingdon Vale Cricket Club, where he contributed in many roles over the years as a player, volunteer, and coach. His commitment to the club community mirrored the same generosity and passion he showed across the county pathway, and he will be warmly remembered by all who shared the game with him.

In 2024, Paul was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy. Throughout this time, he continued to coach with Oxfordshire, bringing the same energy, care, and resilience that had always defined him. His dedication was recognised that year with the Felix Byam Shaw Award, acknowledging the remarkable impact he had on development and support of young cricketers across the county.

Paul continued coaching into 2025 and remained in great spirits with his players and fellow coaches. He retired from his coaching role in September 2025, having given so much of himself to the game and the people within it.

Paul brought warmth, humour, and unwavering dedication to every session. His influence extended far beyond cricketing skills—he helped shape confidence, character, and friendships that have continued well beyond the boundary rope. His presence will be deeply missed by players, parents, coaches, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

From Oxfordshire Cricket, shared by Managing Director Nick Pinhol:

“We are deeply saddened by Paul’s passing, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. On behalf of everyone at Oxfordshire Cricket, we are incredibly grateful for his commitment, kindness, and the lasting contribution he made to our pathway. So many players and coaches still talk fondly about the matches, tours, and those small but meaningful moments in between.

Speaking personally, some of my most meaningful coaching experiences were shared with Paul. We spent four years together in the same age group and at least nine years across the pathway. His guidance, patience, and energy made a real difference to those around him, and I feel fortunate to have been part of that journey alongside him.” 

Our thoughts are with Paul’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. 

From Oxfordshire Cricket, shared by Performance Director Matt Barnes:

“We are devastated to learn of Paul’s passing and our deepest condolences go out to his family, and all those who were close to him at this incredibly sad time.

For all the years I knew him, Paul remained a highly valued and fully committed member of our coaching team for which we are incredibly grateful. He loved cricket, which was evident in his enthusiasm for coaching and his strong competitive spirit. I know he treasured the many fond memories created during his time coaching with us. 

On behalf of Oxfordshire Cricket, I extend our most sincere thanks for the significant and positive impact Paul had on the lives of so many young people within our pathway programme. His invaluable contribution and presence will be sorely missed.”

We are grateful for everything he brought to Oxfordshire Cricket, and his legacy will live on in the countless players he helped shape.

Rest in peace, Paul.

From Abingdon Vale Cricket Club, shared by —- Honorary Secretary Paul White:

Paul joined AVCC about 20 years ago, together with his son Mark, originally playing for the Sunday XI to him taking ownership and developing the side from there. He was also a very active coach for both AVCC and the OCB, for many years.  As a coach and player, Paul always promoted youth  progression, driving this forward when captaining the club’s Sunday XI between 2010 and 2012 and AVCC 4th XI (2013-17).  During this time he took on coaching, qualifying as a Level 2 coach in 2008 .  The biggest praise that could be given to Paul, is that he coached completely without ego and for him the development of the players he was working with was absolutely paramount. This was particularly poignant when AVCC Secretary, Paul White, received the news of Paul’s passing, whilst assessing a Core Coach (Level II) coaching course, providing the developing coaches “to be more like Rallo”.

Paul was universally loved by the membership of AVCC, reflected in the many comments that have flooded their WhatsApp group, now filled with funny and impactive anecdotes and memories.

The club passes on our condolences to Phillipa, Mark, Clea, Dawn and the rest of the family