ONE of Oxford’s best and most respected Aunt Sally players has died, aged 88.

Maurice Baker won numerous titles spanning almost 50 years and was one of the few players with singles triumphs in both the Oxford and Abingdon leagues.

The much-loved figure mostly competed in the Oxford League, where his first singles success came in 1958.

Baker, competing for Elm Tree, beat another legendary player – Cowley Workers’ Monty Greenaway.

He lost his second final to J Cruikshanks in 1966, but there was plenty more success in the decades that followed.

Baker was top doll-scorer in 1977 (237 dolls), 1982 (233), 1984 (230) and 1994 (231) and hit the most sixes in 1994 (ten).

He won several Premier titles, as well as the eight and four-a-side cups to add to his impressive collection.

Baker triumphed in the pairs with Ray Clarke in 1973 and 1982, bagged two more trophies in the TV Cup and tasted victory in every Parent & Child final he reached with son Kevin – the Oxford & District Aunt Sally Association’s highest doll-scorer ever – in 1986, 1987, 1989, 1991 and 2003.

His most-treasured achievement was clanging off a six as anchor man to give the Cricketers a record leg score of 41 in 1997.

That same side averaged more than 100 dolls a game that year, finishing the season with 1,801 – the current average is 24, so both records may stand forever.

Baker also served on the association’s committee as an officer and committee member and will be greatly missed by all.

He died on Thursday, August 19 and his funeral takes place a week today (September 15) at 2pm at Oxford Crematorium.