“We went and watched a County match Australia was playing and got to meet him while the players were warming up for play,” he said.

“Phillip was great, he mixed with us kids, was happy to sign stuff and pose for photos.

“He gave his batting gloves away to one player and even one of his bats to another.

“He was just a really nice guy and meeting him and the way he spoke to us is something I will never forget.”

The 16-year-old posted the photo on his Facebook page and the following message - “In memory of Phillip Hughes a bright young talent, his career and life was sadly cut short today, thinking of you and your family through this time of tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to them. I know you will be up there watching down on the game you love. Rest easy Bud. R.I.P Phillip Hughes 1988-2014.”

THE death of cricket star Phillip Hughes has shocked the cricketing world.

Just days short of his 26th birthday, Hughes was struck by a bouncer by NSW fast bowler Sean Abbott at the SCG on Tuesday.

Hughes never regained consciousness and died at St Vincent’s Hospital on Thursday.

There has been an outpouring of emotion from around the world at the talented left-handed batsman, who had played 26 tests for Australia.

Locally his death has touched a number of people.

There were suggestions the weekend’s Shoalhaven District Cricket round should be cancelled as a mark of respect.

Shoalhaven cricket president Cathy Russell said discussions were held with club delegates and local cricket would go ahead this weekend.

“As a tribute to this young and talented man, all clubs will wear black arm bands and have a minute's silence before play to remember him and pay tribute to him as a player and a man,” she said.

“Go and play cricket this weekend with all of the enthusiasm and love of the game this young man demonstrated throughout his life.”

The scheduled Twenty20 match Friday night between North Nowra Cambewarra and Nowra at Nowra Showground will start at 5pm and for cricket lovers there will be a tribute to Phillip Hughes, including a minute's silence.

Shoalhaven cricket life member Bob Webster said Hughes’ death was “just tragic”.

“He was a nice young fellow, I often go to watch shield matches in Sydney and you get the chance to talk to the players. They aren’t as locked away as in Test  matches,” he said.

“A couple of years ago I got to chat to him when I was up there watching young Nic Maddinson in action. He was just a nice young fellow.

“I felt he was much maligned from the selectors’ point of view – he got a rough deal.

“What’s happened is absolutely terrible and I really feel for young Abbott. He must be devastated.”

Mr Webster, who has been involved in the game for almost 60 years, was a lethal opening bowler for Bomaderry.

“I’ve seen a few people hit in the head over the years but never a fatality. It’s hard to comprehend,” he said.

“You have got to wonder whether or not helmets are the answer. In my day we never had them and the only time people got hit in then head was off the bat.

“Their technique was wrong. You either hooked the ball or got out of the way and let it go.”

Fellow association life member David Sloane said it was a “terrible accident”.

“There will be arguments over helmets but the fact is he was wearing one,” he said.

“He got hit at an awkward angle at an incredible pace. He is the first person in 138 years of first class cricket killed on a cricket field.

“This was just a terrible accident. I don’t think we need to get hysterical about helmets, but make sure junior cricketers and everyone else wears them.

“I have worn a helmet in every game I’ve played since 1991. Prior to that they were around but were cost prohibitive.

“I don’t think we need to change the game, bouncers are limited and I think they have got it right.

“It was just unfortunate it was a high profile guy.”

A NUMBER former and current players have taken to Facebook to post tributes to Phillip Hughes.

“It's hard to comprehend having played the game for over 20 years, opening the batting and being hit in the head with and without a helmet on numerous occasions. Was hoping to see him back in the Australia team this summer! So so sad, life can be so cruel! RIP champ #408” - Ex-Servicemen captain Daniel Gleeson

“Being a retired cricketer this hits you for six.” - Former Berry opening bowler Luke Bramley

“Words cannot describe how sad this is. RIP Phillip Hughes - a true star and will never be forgotten.” - Berry cricketer Glenn Brandon

“Unbelievable!! R.I.P Phil Hughes It is a great loss. A freak accident. I think the thing that has shocked most of us was that it happened to an elite player. You expect it in grade and club cricket, not at that level.” - former local fast bowler and NSW and Tasmanian representative Nigel Brookes

“Terrible news RIP Phill Hughes such a tragedy.” - Nowra opening bowler Alex Legge

“Absolutely spewing, so upsetting and tragic for everybody. So sad.” - Nowra allrounder Michael Coulter

“Still in shock that this massive talent is no longer able to share his gift with us. Such a tragic loss. Heart goes out to all his loved ones, teammates and coaches who he left an edible impression on. And to poor Sean Abbott who needs all the support the cricketing world can muster.” - Former south Coast Register columnist Bob Conroy

“I can't imagine how Sean Abbott feels right now. Such a freak accident. Hope he continues to play the game we all love. Still can't believe it. RIP Phil Hughes. One lf my favourite players to watch in your short career.” - Nowra batsman Ben Lahene

“The sport I love just lost a great man. A gentle gentleman. Many countries will be hurting at this moment.”- Ex-Servicemen’s Bill Economos

“What a shit day to be a cricketer, RIP Phil Hughes, such a prodigious talent gone way too soon.” - Former Berry opening bowler Rod Eirth

“What the hell is going on in this world??? 2 tragedies in a week!!! RIP Philip Hughes.” - Ex-Servicemen’s Simon Blizzard

“Thoughts and prayers to Phil Hughes family and friends as he has just passed away after that freak accident the other day... Just goes to show how cruel and short life can be.. Never give up on chasing your dreams RIP mate such a talent...” - Former Nowra keeper Pail Maiolo

“Words can not explain how sad this is. Rip Phil Hughes...”  -Ex-Servicemen’s Warren Ganderton

“RIP Phil Hughes..out there in the heat of battle, just loving it and focusing on that ball and the next run.. Sudden and tragic. Take solace from the fact he truly was doing what he loved.” - Former Berry allrounder Brad Carey

“RIP Phillip Hughes.... Passed away after a freak accident playing the sport he loved.” -Former Nowra batsman Damien Costain

“RIP Phil Hughes. A unique cricketer taken way before his time. Sad, sad day for Australian cricket and anyone that follows the great game. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.” - Former Bomaderry player Clayton Muller

“So sad to hear of the passing of Phillip Hughes. Such a talented athlete and by all accounts, a true gentleman, whose life was cut way too short. Thoughts are also with Sean Abbott at this sad time.” - Former Bomaderry spinner Dave Sawkins

“So very sad to hear about the passing of cricket legend Phillip Hughes.” - Former Shoalhaven cricketer and Australian deaf team member Steve Whitby

“Phil Hughes rest in peace it was a privilege to meet u and for the success u done for your country its absolutely devastating that u have passed at such a early age ... a cricket ball can cause so much damage and as a player getting hit in the chest ribs n the helmet u can see now that one of the best players in our county has now passed.... RIP Hughesy." - Former Ex-Servicemen’s opening bowler Justin Ganderton

“So very sad and tragic accident that involved so many. My sincere thoughts to his family, friends and teammates.”  - Former Nowra batsman Graeme Cochrane