TRIBUTES have poured in from sports clubs all around Powys, and beyond, following the death of a young Knighton man.

It is believed Joe Baker died on Monday, November 27, after being involved in a road traffic collision near Yeovil in Somerset, where he was stationed with the Royal Navy. He was 20.

Joe was well regarded as an all-round sportsman in his hometown, playing both football and rugby, with both Knighton clubs describing him as an “asset” as they paid tribute to him.

Both cancelled their respective fixtures last weekend following the news, while Tref-y-Clawdd RFC announced that they will be retiring Joe’s number 14 shirt for the remainder of this season.

“With great sadness we’ve made the decision to cancel tomorrow’s game against Hirwaun RFC due to the passing of our player Joe Baker,” Tref-Y-Clawdd announced on its Facebook page on Friday, December 1.

“He was an asset to the club and will be dearly missed by everyone in the club and who knew him.

“To honour Joe the club will be retiring his number for the rest of the season. Our condolences to all family and friends. Rest in peace Joe.

“We would also like to thank Hirwaun RFC for their understanding.”

Knighton Town Football Club followed suit, with their Emrys Morgan Cup clash with local rivals Bishops Castle also postponed.

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In a tribute post on its Facebook page, the club said: “This weekend’s game has been postponed due to the tragic passing of player and friend to all Joe Baker.

“He was an asset to the club after playing for his home town for the last four years, in which he has had a massive influence at the club with his fellow players and the supporters.

“Our condolences to all family and friends. Rest In Peace Joe.”

Both posts attracted scores of likes and responses, with Lynda Beddoes saying of the rugby club’s idea to retire the No14: “What a thoughtful gesture, Joe Baker was a star.”

Condolences came from rugby clubs near and far, including Powys neighbours Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Newtown, as well as from Forgeside, Magor, Old Tyleryans, Whitchurch, Brackla, Deri, Rhigos, Bush Ironsides, West Mon, Wattstown, Pontllanfraith and Cardiff Saracens.

In football circles, tributes were sent by St Harmon, Radnor Valley, Builth Wells, Hay St Marys, Talgarth Town and Ludlow Colts Football Clubs.

Joe was an air engineering technician with the Royal Navy and it is believed he was stationed at their Somerset base in Yeovilton.

County Times: Joe in action for Knighton Town, his hometown club. Joe in action for Knighton Town, his hometown club. (Image: Royal Navy/Knighton Town Football Club)

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness we can confirm the death of Air Engineering Technician Joe Baker who died on 27 November.

“The thoughts and sympathies of the Royal Navy go out to his family and friends.

“Any further queries should be directed to the coroner.”

The spokesperson confirmed that Joe’s unit will be compiling their own tribute to him in due course.

It is thought Joe died in a crash on Berhill, near Street, Somerset, at around 7.30am on Monday, November 27.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a man died at the scene of an accident involving a VW Polo and a Mini. The driver of the Mini was taken to hospital by Air Ambulance with injuries not thought to be life-threatening.

“The driver of the VW sadly died at the scene. Our thoughts are with his family at this time and they are being offered support by a specially-trained family liaison officer,” said a force spokesperson.

Helplines

If you would like any help with bereavement, loss or mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers

You can call the Samaritans on 116 123

Papyrus Hopeline on 0800 068 4141

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58