A leading player in club cricket in the Manchester area. Although usually associated with the Broughton Club, he, and J.W.Allison, represented the Longsight Club at the meeting held on 12th January 1864, at the Queen's Hotel, Manchester, at which the formation of the Lancashire County Cricket Club was proposed.

He had by that time already played in four Important Matches, three of which took place on the Broughton ground. He did not take part in the County's first two matches against Birkenhead Park in 1864, but in 1865 he played in the initial first-class fixture, against Middlesex at Old Trafford, scoring 0 and 15. During the next fourteen years he turned out for Lancashire from time to time, although his appearances were limited by ill health and he rarely played in away matches.

During the period from 1864 to 1874 he also played in seven matches for the Gentlemen of Lancashire, in 1872 making 73 against the Free Foresters at Old Trafford. For the Gentlemen, in addition to his occasional wicket-keeping duties he took two wickets with his bowling.

He was a middle order right-hand batsman, a splendid deep field usually at long-leg or cover-point, and an occasional wicket keeper.

When he gave up playing he served for a time on the Lancashire committee.

He died at the residence of his sister, Watcombe Cottage, Bronshill Road, Torquay, Devon.

(Article: Copyright © 2004 Don Ambrose)

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