William Benjamin Clarke, a renowned cricket player from England, was born on November 5th, 1846, in Old Basford. He showcased his exceptional cricketing talents throughout his career and left a lasting impact on the sport. Unfortunately, he passed away on August 18th during his fifty-sixth year, leaving behind an impressive legacy.
Unlike some of his predecessors with the same name, William Benjamin Clarke was not related to the famous slow bowler of sixty years ago or the cricket player from Kirby-in-Ashfield. He established his own reputation in the cricketing world through his remarkable skills and contributions to the sport.
Clarke’s cricketing journey began in 1866 when he joined the Plymouth Club. He represented the club for six years before moving on to play for the West of Scotland C.C. in Partick, Glasgow. His stint with the West of Scotland C.C. allowed him to further polish his skills and gain invaluable experience.
In 1880, Clarke met the residency requirements and became eligible to play for Middlesex. Making his debut for the county against Notts at the prestigious Lords stadium in London, he instilled hope in the hearts of fans through an outstanding performance. In the first innings, he took seven wickets for a mere 51 runs, displaying his incredible bowling prowess. Unfortunately, despite these early successes, Clarke couldn’t consistently maintain such standout performances.
Throughout his appearances for Middlesex, Clarke achieved a commendable collection of 68 wickets for 1,317 runs. Additionally, he showcased his batting abilities with 182 runs in 24 completed innings. While he never solidified his status as a prominent figure in the cricketing world, his contributions were appreciated and celebrated by fans and peers alike.
Beyond his cricketing career, Clarke had a significant association with Harrow. For twelve years, he served as a cricket coach at the esteemed Harrow School, where his knowledge and expertise fostered the growth of young cricket enthusiasts. His dedication to teaching the sport left an indelible mark on the development of cricket at the school.
Following his retirement from professional cricket, Clarke took on a new venture. In April 1889, he became the proprietor of the Clayton Arms, a renowned pub at the Oval cricket ground. The Clayton Arms held a special place in the hearts of cricket aficionados, and Clarke’s ownership only added to its allure.
William Benjamin Clarke’s untimely demise was a significant loss to the cricketing community. However, his impact on the game, both as a player and coach, will forever be cherished. His name will be remembered for his admirable skills with the ball and his influential contributions to Harrow School’s cricketing legacy. Even though he may not have attained the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, his dedication and love for the sport remain an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world.
(Note: Unfortunately, the provided link for additional statistics on William Clarke does not work.)
