EMOTIONAL tributes were paid to remember the life of Witney Swifts' cricketer Andy Fisher, who died suddenly last week at the age of 52.

Clubs across both Oxfordshire Cricket Association and the Cherwell League paused for reflection and a minute's silence on Saturday, and flags flew at half-mast after Mr Fisher suffered a heart attack.

On social media the hashtag #beersoutforfish saw clubs across the county post pictures of their club caps balanced on a beer in memory of the popular left-handed batsman and wicketkeeper.

Nathan Harris, captain of nearby Minster Lovell Cricket Club's first XI, dedicated his century on Saturday against Great Horwood Cricket Club to Mr Fisher.

Mr Harris said: "Andy's son Charlie came down to watch the game and I wanted to dedicate my century to his dad.

"Once I got to about 60 or 70 I realised it was a massive opportunity to do something like that.

"Andy was a bubbly character, always chatting and he just loved his cricket.

"Even if he was losing and you played a good shot he would congratulate you.

"He was a very technically gifted player, an annoying left-hander who was difficult to get out."

Mr Fisher, who lived in Witney, also leaves behind daughter Kelly and two grandchildren.

Landscape gardener Mr Harris, who played against Mr Fisher for about 11 years, said the #beersoutforfish initiative was a touching one.

It is similar to the #putoutyourbats tributes that followed the death of Australian test batsman Phillip Hughes in November 2014 after he was hit by a cricket ball.

The 27-year-old said: "I saw somebody else doing it on Friday so as a club we thought we should do it.

"We did it on Saturday with the whole team – that was a really touching thing.

"A lot of clubs have done it. It has brought Oxfordshire Cricket Association together in the past week.

"We have a good relationship with Witney Swifts and we socialise a lot together.

"I am sure there will be people from our club attending the funeral."

Mr Fisher's funeral will be held at Ducklington parish church at midday on Friday.

It will be followed by a celebration of his life at Ducklington sports club.

A statement on the Witney Swifts website read: "We would like to thank everyone for the amazing support shown over the past few days.

"It's been very touching to see all the comments and tributes and looking back through all the photos on this man's life.

"It really does mean the world to the club, his family and friends. #beersoutforfish."

Donations can be made to the British Heart Foundation but the request is for family flowers only.