The club were deeply saddened to hear that Cameron Bunyan (Bunny) passed away on 7th February.
Bunny played for the club through the juniors in the early eighties all the way through to the 2006 season. He bowled left arm medium pace and was also capable of adding a few runs down the order. At a time where Selkirk still had professionals (and some of their own home grown talent) Bunny more than pulled his weight with the ball and was a respected opponent. At a time of some strength ‘C.Bunyan’ punctuates a list of professionals and representative players on the honours board with the best figures in 1992 – 6 for 18 against Hillhead.
Bunny had some shots and had aspirations for his batting, but never quite achieved with the bat in the way he would have liked to. He could be forceful and aggressive in his sport and he didn’t mind the confrontational moments in cricket. However, he was equally respectful and humble and was respected and liked by opposition players. Bunny recognised the talent and endeavour of others and was encouraging in the field. Some players may recall ‘come on the burgh bears’ or ‘we come fae nothin sma’ bellowed from the outfield.
Off the field Bunny was gregarious and engaging, he knew more than most when it came to cricket and remained a lifelong follower of English county and test cricket. Scotland national cricket team interested him, even if they didn’t excite him, but he did take the advantage of test teams playing in Scotland.
In 2005 the ultimately defeated Australian ashes team visited Edinburgh, on a day where no cricket was possible. Ricky Ponting brought players who were struggling for form, including Jason Gillespie who had only three wickets in the first three tests (and three ducks). The players did a walk round and posed for photos and Bunny couldn’t resist. Pictured later with Ponting, Bunny made a beeline for Jason Gillespie and as they shook hands Bunny offered ‘don’t worry Dizzy, it will come back’.
Bunny drifted away from the club after he finished playing but kept up to date through former playing colleagues, the fate of the club and the team was always one of the first questions. Cricket was always his number one sport although he dabbled in others. As a player, Bunny was an ambassador for the sport and for our club through the years. Our thoughts go to his family and many friends.
Bunny provided some quality to some truly competitive Selkirk teams. Latterly, as an older player, he tried to keep himself and others motivated during often interminable 50 over borders league games. During a close game at Hawick a pipe band started up on adjacent rugby pitches and began playing the ‘flo’ers o the forest’ – Bunny twigged immediately and roared ‘c’mon lads there even playin’ oor songs!’. They’re playing your song now Cameron – rest in peace.
(Thanks to Grant Kinghorn for all photos)