Born in Ilkeston on 30 April 1867, Silas Hardy was a right arm fast bowler and useful bat. He performed two outstanding pieces of bowling for Kimberley Institute CC in May 1889, taking 6-8 v Lenton and 6-7 v Clifton. In April 1890 he represented the XXII Colts v Notts and for four successive seasons between 1892 and 1895 played for Notts Colts v Yorkshire Colts. His performance in 1893, when he took 9-71 in the match, earned him selection for two non-First-Class matches - Warwickshire in May and Leicestershire in June, when he hit 48. His First-Class debut came for Notts v Kent at Trent Bridge in July 1893, where in a rain-ruined game he scored 8 not out and failed to take a wicket. In August 1893 he scored 30 and 50 for Professionals v Amateurs at Trent Bridge and appeared in a further two First-Class games v Middlesex at Trent Bridge and at Taunton. In 1894 he did not appear for Notts. In 1895 he made his last two First-Class appearances, with his final game v Derbyshire at Derby in July 1896. In five First-Class matches he scored 45 runs @9.00 and took four wickets @68.50. His best bowling was 2-100 v Yorkshire at Bramall Lane, Sheffield in June 1895.
He was engaged as a professional in the Lancashire League for Lowerhouse CC from 1894 to 1896 and Colne CC in 1897 to 1899. His record over those six seasons was very impressive; in 128 matches he took 372 wickets @12.09.
By occupation he was a miner and died at Kimberley on 27 June 1905, aged 38 years. His brother Allen Hardy (1873-1950) played for Notts Colts in 1893 and was better known as a full back with Blackburn Rovers FC, making 42 appearances between 1900 and 1902.
June 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 277