Born on 17 June 1864 in Kimberley, William Harris, always known as ‘Bill’, was a right hand bat and a medium-paced off-break bowler. He was one of the XXII Colts in 1886 when he batted with skill for an innings of 34 in three hours. Notts gave him a chance in the first County match of that year against Sussex at Hove when he scored 2 and did not bowl. This proved to be his only First-Class match, though he played for Notts v XXII Colts the following season.
Also in 1887 Harris joined the staff at the Oval, remaining there until the end of 1891. He qualified by residence but never played a First-Class game for Surrey; he, though, did play in five first-team games for them between 1889 and 1891, four versus Hampshire and another versus Essex when those two teams were not First-Class. In those games he scored 90 runs @12.85 and took 7 wickets @23.14. In 1889 and 1890 he played for JW Hobbs’ club and headed the batting averages in both seasons.
In 1892, he became coach and groundsman’s to Guy’s Hospital in London and remained on the staff at the hospital until 1928. He was a good billiards player. He died on 18 June 1949 aged 85 years at Crofton Park in London.
June 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 187