GWENT cricketers tried in vain to resuscitate a "well-respected" cricket umpire who collapsed just moments before taking to the field at a match.

Fred Sinclair, 52, from Mountain Ash, collapsed with a suspected heart attack at around 1.30pm on Saturday at the pavilion of Cefn Fforest Cricket Club. He died in hospital hours later.

He was due to officiate at a Thomas Carroll South Wales cricket league Division Two match between Cefn Fforest and Brecon.

Players desperately tried to resuscitate him before an ambulance arrived. He was taken to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital, where he died later that day.

The game was subsequently cancelled as a mark of respect.

Gareth Bisp, a batsman for Cefn Fforest, was among the men who tried to save Mr Sinclair.

He said: "It was about ten minutes before the match was due to start when he collapsed. I didn't see it happen, but as soon as I heard about it I rang 999 for an ambulance."

A Gwent Ambulance Service operator then gave Mr Bisp, 30, from Brynhyfryd Street, Pontllanfraith, instructions over the phone.

"One of the Brecon players was giving mouth-to-mouth and I was working on the chest until the ambulance crew arrived," said Mr Bisp.

"It was very tragic. The boys did the best they could do, but unfortunately there was not a lot we could do for him."

He added: "At Cefn Fforest we have had a good season and were looking forward to the game, but when something like that happens it puts everything into perspective and teaches you the importance of living for the day."

The cause of Mr Sinclair's death is not yet known.

Dean Butler, the secretary of Cefn Fforest Cricket Club, said: "We know Fred quite well and he was a well- respected umpire. It is a big shock for everybody."

Police say they are treating the incident as "sudden death".