Everyone at Cricket Scotland is devastated at the sad news of the death of Con De Lange on 18th April at age 38. One of the country’s top international players in recent years and a great servant to the game at club and regional level, he also served as Vice-Captain of the men’s Scotland squad.
Con de Lange took ill while away on Scotland duty at the end of 2017. It was later diagnosed that Con had a brain tumour but, as is typical of Con, he fought hard against this awful disease for 16 months. Through surgery, long doses of chemotherapy and endless medical appointments, Con retained his strength and his belief in the doctors and nurses at Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow.
Con captained Scotland in their historic first ever 50-over victory over an ICC Full Member when on a blisteringly hot day in Kent in May 2017, Scotland chased down 287 with Con taking one of the key Sri Lankan wickets and then hitting the winning runs. His 5/60 against Zimbabwe later that year helped Scotland secure its first ever ODI victory against a Full Member.
Con’s professional cricket career began with Boland in 1998, debuting against the touring Sri Lankan’s. In South Africa he had stints with the Cape Cobras , Knights and Free State. He also had two years on the county circuit with Northamptonshire and this was bookended by successful periods with Ferguslie CC and latterly Clydesdale CC. His career had transitioned seamlessly from tenacious combative player to influential and inspirational mentor as he coached both Clydesdale and the Western Warriors. His steely determination and desire to succeed influenced players in home and away dressing rooms alike. Con will be sorely missed in both.
Con’s family and friends and the entire cricketing community in Scotland have worked hard to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity with Con’s family and friends raising over £10,000 for the cause. Cricket Scotland’s #Beanies4BrainTumours campaign around the start of the cricket season has raised upwards of £3,000 to date.
Con is survived by his wife Claire and their two children, Daisy and Rory. His parents, Dawie and Nerina and his sister Suzanne joined Cricket Scotland at their recent awards dinner to receive a special token on Con’s behalf from his teammates.
Tony Brian, the Chair of Cricket Scotland, said “Con’s death at such an early age is a tragedy. He was a great servant to cricket in Scotland as well as South Africa and elsewhere, not just in the national team but also at regional and club level with his infectious and inspirational commitment, both as player and coach.
But above all, we will remember Con the man – competitive, committed and the ultimate team player, someone with unshakeable principles and integrity. He will be greatly missed and very fondly remembered by many throughout the world of cricket.
The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish cricketing community are with Claire, Daisy and Rory.”
