Born on 6 January 1850 in Hucknall-under-Huthwaite, William Marriott was a right-handed batsman who played in the Colts match of 1873 and then had a second trial in the match of 1880, in which he scored a notable 45. The Nottingham Daily Express commented: “No one who witnessed Marriott’s stay at the wickets and who knew anything about the game could doubt that he possesses capabilities of a very marked order. In the first place his batting is distinguished by confidence and when, to this, is added the possessions of admirable defensive powers that freedom of style and a very considerable judgment, there is not much wanted to substitute a first-rate cricketer.” In between times he had appeared for the Stanley Club in Liverpool against the visiting Australians in August 1878.
Following his Notts Colts success, Marriott appeared in the XXII Colts of England v MCC at Lord’s and Notts Colts v Yorkshire Colts, and made his First-Class debut for Notts v Lancashire at Old Trafford in June 1880. His initial appearance for the County, however, was not a success, for he failed to score in his only innings. He played once more for Notts, also against Lancashire at Old Trafford, in June 1881, scoring 13 and 14 and bowling 5-1-10-2. He was engaged with Huyton CC from 1873 until his death. which took place on 28 August 1887.
Marriott, a general labourer by profession, is buried in Huyton Cemetery, where his gravestone reads: “To the memory of William Marriott of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts for 15 years professional cricketer to the Huyton Cricket Club. Died August 28th 1887, aged 37 years. This stone was erected as a tribute of respect by the members of Huyton Cricket and Bowling Club.” His body was carried to his grave by six fellow professionals who played for Merseyside clubs.
June 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 169