Born in Sutton on Trent on 24 June 1881, John Henry Pennington was a left-arm medium-pace bowler who was a member of Notts Forest CC and had his first professional engagement with Durham City CC in 1901. His First-Class debut came in August 1902 for Notts v Derbyshire at Trent Bridge. He next appeared in 1903 playing in three matches, taking 5-98 in the first innings v Surrey at Trent Bridge. During 1904 Pennington placed his name in the record books, when he conceded the most runs by a Notts bowler in an innings – 223 versus the South Africans at Trent Bridge, he did however take seven wickets. This record was since been equalled by Andy Afford who took three for 223 v Northants at Northampton in 1995.
Pennington’s last match for Notts was versus Essex at Leyton in August 1905. He played in 18 First-Class games for Notts scoring 89 runs @5.56 and taking 41 wickets @32.80.
He lived most of his life in Newark where he was employed as a commission agent and where he died on 2 January 1942 aged 60 years.
May 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 276