William Padley was one of a number of wicket-keepers tried by Notts in 1876 following Sam Biddulph’s retirement. He played in only one First-Class match – Notts v Gloucestershire at Trent Bridge on 27, 28 and 29 July 1876 – scoring 5 not out and 10 (ct EM Grace b WG Grace) but having no dismissals. Five seasons earlier in April 1871, he had represented the XXII Colts v Notts and achieved the feat of taking the wickets of Richard Daft and George Parr at a cost of nine runs. At the time he resided in Sneinton.
He was born on 11 April 1842 in Moorgreen and was a right-hand batsman and round-arm right-arm medium pace bowler. His known engagements were: Eastwood Hall (1864-65), Holbeck Recreation, Leeds (1867-69), Hunslet Union (1870), St Pierre de Calais (1876-79), and Wollaton. By trade he was a lacemaker and a miner. He died at the Nottingham Workhouse, Bagthorpe, on 21 July 1904, aged 62 years.
June 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 149