William Underwood was one of several local players given the opportunity of first team cricket in 1881 when a number of Nottinghamshire’s professionals were on strike against the Committee. In keeping with most of the trialists, he did not do enough for a second invitation; he made 10 in his one innings, took no catches and was not called upon to bowl.
Underwood had previously appeared for the XXII Colts against the county in 1875 and 76 and in the latter season also played v Yorkshire Colts. He played most of his local cricket for Ruddington, where he was born on 26 February 1854, and was a free hitting batsman, slow right-arm bowler and fielded generally at point.
He had professional engagements at Rock Ferry, and Edinburgh Collegiate, in 1880 he became coach to the boys at the training ship HMS Britannia, at Dartmouth, a position he held until about 1900. Whilst at Dartmouth, he played county cricket for Devon, making several appearances, the last of which was v local rivals Dorset in 1895, when he made 12 and 1 and took no wickets.
William Underwood was a framework knitter by trade who died by his own hand at Bradmore, Nottinghamshire, on 9 May 1914.
July 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 177