DOROTHY Hobson, who died on Saturday at age 79, was described as a “monumental figure” in Jamaica and West Indies cricket.

Hobson, who bowled off-spin, represented Jamaica and West Indies women’s teams and was a member of the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Considered a giant in regional women’s cricket, the former Jamaica captain served as a highly respected coach and administrator.

She was said to have been ill before her passing, and had been hospitalised last August due to heart-related complications.

In a statement, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) eulogised Hobson’s impact on the women’s game.

“It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we honour the memory of Dorothy Hobson. Her passing marks the end of an era for a pioneer who did not just play the game — she built the foundation upon which women’s cricket in the Caribbean stands today.”

The JCA said as a player, Hobson was the “cornerstone of the inaugural era of West Indies women’s cricket”, exhibiting “a sharp cricketing mind” even as she “represented Jamaica in the first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup” in 1973.

The statement said she, “transitioned into a visionary administrator and mentor”, serving as the West Indies Women’s team coach during the 1993 World Cup, and later becoming the first-ever women’s coach of the Melbourne Cricket Club summer camp.

She also held the role of West Indies Women’s chief selector.

Melbourne Cricket Club president and former Jamaica batsman Mark Neita said Hobson has left an indelible mark on the club.

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dorothy Hobson,” he told the Jamaica Observer on Sunday.

“Dorothy Hobson was not only an outstanding Jamaica and West Indies cricketer but she was also a stalwart at Melbourne Cricket Club. She served in many different capacities over the several decades she was involved with the club and was particularly supportive of my presidency since my tenure started many, many years ago.

“We, at Melbourne, owe Dorothy just a tremendous debt of gratitude that I don’t think we’ll ever be able to repay,” Neita said.

“Dorothy was a personal friend of mine and I’m very happy I was able to spend some time with her during her illness.

“Dorothy also welcomed me with open arms when I just came to the club as a 15-year-old, and was one of the persons who was instrumental in my transition from playing for Boys’ Town to Melbourne Cricket Club,” he recalled.

Jamaica’s Sport Minister Olivia Grange also paid tribute to Hobson.

“She distinguished herself as a player, captain, coach, selector, and administrator, making an enduring contribution to the sport locally, regionally, and internationally,” said Grange.

“Miss Hobson’s impact was also felt through her contribution to the development of other sports, including netball, [supporting] community and developmental initiatives that strengthened participation and leadership among women and girls,” the minister added.

NEITA… Dorothy Hobson was not only an outstanding Jamaica and West Indies cricketer, but she was also a stalwart at Melbourne Cricket Club

GRANGE… Miss Hobson’s impact was also felt through her contribution to the development of other sports, including netball