Lives in Cricket No 5 - Rockley Wilson

Before the 1901 cricket season was upon him, Rockley had to prepare for his examinations for his degree at the end of the Easter term. Once examinations were over – as we have noted he did not achieve a particularly distinguished degree – he was able to give his full attention to cricket. The 1901 season was a poor one for the University, with only one victory, against Worcestershire. The main reason was the limited Cambridge bowling. The captain, F.P.Knox, had to rely heavily on his two slow bowlers, the left-arm spinner E.M.Dowson and Rockley Wilson. It was in this season that Rockley began to show his real worth as a bowler. Dowson took the most wickets, but Rockley topped the bowling averages with 37 wickets at 24.78. His outstanding performance was against Worcestershire when he took seven for 37 and seven for 38. Moreover, he had the satisfaction of dismissing W.G.Grace twice during the season, against London County at Fenner’s when the Old Man was bowled and later, at Lord’s, when Rockley had him caught. He had his off days, however; he conceded 182 runs off 43 overs for a single wicket against the South Africans, who won by an innings and 215 runs, and none for 129 off 39 overs against Sussex at Hove. But these were exceptions. With the bat, Wilson scored 469 runs at an average of 31.26, making him third in the University’s batting averages. Rockley Wilson’s outstanding performance in 1901 was in the University match at Lord’s, which again was drawn. He scored 118 School and University 29 This photograph is believed to show Rockley Wilson bowling in one of his four Varsity matches at Lord’s.