The Teesside basketball world today mourns the passing of a true legend in referee and Teesside Basketball League executive committee member; Steve Lynas.

The news has come as a shock to all who knew him and he leaves a void which will be hard to replace.

Steve was hospitalised last week with pneumonia and septicaemia and although there were signs of improvement his heart sadly failed and was unable to regain consciousness.

On behalf of all at tadea Middlesbrough Lions and the local basketball world we wish to send our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.

For those who didn’t know Steve, he was a true gentleman and the glue that held the Teesside Basketball League together, a tireless referee who would be seen at most games doing the job which most were reluctant. A referee is the person everyone loves to hate, yet he performed with honesty and enjoyment throughout. He would be the first to remark on a good game and seemed to receive as much satisfaction as the players themselves.

Off the court, Steve was a vital member of the league organisation, holding the role of league secretary and treasurer for many years.

Without the referee the games would not go ahead and without Steve Lynas, the League will face an almighty challenge to continue without him, continue though it must especially in his honour.

Details of the funeral will be released in the next few days.