I met Midnight in Sri Lanka in 2007 when I was on a long solo trip around the world conveniently incorporating the overseas cricket tours that winter. Instantly I found him to be a warm, funny if cynical, and generous chap who it was always a pleasure to spend time with. The entire Addis group were great fun and easy going, whether it be at the game or a beach bar in Unawatuna and made that part of my journey all the better. Midnight was a big part of that.
We met again three months later in New Zealand where particularly at Napier we spent a few evenings together having a good few beers with George in particular, with much moaning over Manchester United – just try following Crystal Palace I thought. Winding him up with subtle comments praising Liverpool was also great fun.
The next time I saw him was in Johannesburg in 2016 as I had to miss many tours for studying and work. I saw him in the distance and doubted he would recognise me. I was very wrong. He waved enthusiastically and plans made for evening beers very promptly. A few nights later a group of us left our great sports bar next to the cricket ground to head for Joburg City Centre and found a fun bar. Midnight, George, and I left and jumped into what was seemingly a taxi and instructed the driver to take us to the Holiday Inn Wanderers. The poor driver was soon lost and got into a panic before dropping us off and then appearing shocked when we gave him a fare. Clearly he was not a cabbie and he thought we were carjackers. We giggled and headed for the hotel bar.
I saw him around at other times too, and the world is a sadder place without him – but when I do think of him I smile.
Simon Higgins