William Gilbert Grace, commonly known as W.G. Grace Jr., was a renowned cricketer hailing from England. Born on July 6, 1874, he was the eldest son of the legendary cricketer, W.G. Grace.
Grace’s cricketing journey began in his school days at Clifton College, where he displayed exceptional talent. He represented the Clifton College XI from 1891 to 1893, captaining the team in his second year. His exceptional skills and leadership abilities caught the attention of many.
In 1895 and 1896, Grace had the opportunity to represent Cambridge against Oxford, which further showcased his prowess on the cricket pitch. However, it was during the Reigate Festival in 1894 that he truly burst onto the scene. Playing for his father’s XI against Mr. W. W. Read’s XI, Grace played a magnificent innings of 148 not out, leaving a lasting impression on the cricketing world.
One of Grace’s most significant achievements came during his time at Pembroke College. On June 1, 1896, alongside G. S. Graham-Smith, he accumulated a monumental partnership of 337 runs for the first wicket against Caius College. This record-breaking performance further cemented his place among cricket’s finest.
Another monumental moment in Grace’s career came during a match between London County and Erratics at the Crystal Palace on September 16, 1901. He collaborated with W. L. Murdoch to set a world record partnership of 355 runs for the first wicket. Grace’s contribution was an impressive score of 150.
Not only a fantastic batsman, but Grace also exhibited his bowling skills on numerous occasions. His standout performance came during a match between London County and Bromley Town at the Crystal Palace on August 25, 1902. In a remarkable feat, Grace managed to claim all ten wickets in a single innings, leaving his opponents astounded.
From 1897 to 1903, Grace ventured into a career in teaching. He served as an assistant-master at Oundle School, showcasing his dedication not only to the sport but also to the development of young minds. In the final years of his life, he took up a similar position at the Royal Naval College, Osborne.
Sadly, Grace’s life was cut short at the age of 31. On March 2, he passed away suddenly after undergoing an operation for appendicitis at East Cowes. His premature death was a significant loss to the cricketing community, robbing them of a gifted player.
William Gilbert Grace was laid to rest at the Elmers End Road Cemetery on March 6. His legacy as a cricketer, educator, and remarkable individual continues to be remembered. His skills, records, and contributions to the game of cricket will forever live on, marking him as an influential figure in England’s cricketing history.
