This is a list of cricketers who played for Suffolk cricket teams in first-class cricket matches. Suffolk teams played four matches which have been classified as first-class cricket during the 19th century.[1] A total of 26 men played in the four matches for Suffolk, with just one, Fuller Pilch, playing in all four.
All four of the matches which Suffolk played and which are considered first-class were played against MCC. The first pair of matches took place in 1830, the first in June at Lord's, followed by a re-match at Field Lane at Bury St Edmunds. These were followed by a second pair of first-class matches at the same venues in 1847. Suffolk sides had first played MCC in 1827 and matches had been played against Norfolk sides in 1829. Matches continued to be played against MCC throughout most of the 19th century, but other than the matches in 1830 and 1847 none of these matches have been awarded first-class status.[a] Matches were also played against other teams with first-class status, including the All England Eleven and Cambridge Town Club, and from the 1870s against Essex County Cricket Club.[b][2]
A formal Suffolk County Cricket Club was established in 1864 and played in the Minor Counties Championship from 1904 until 1914. The club was reformed in 1932 and rejoined the Minor Counties Championship in 1934. The club played List A cricket in domestic competitions between 1966 and 2005. Players who played in these matches are listed separately.
Played in four first-class matches in 1830, two for Suffolk, one for Cambridge Town Club and one for the Players. Had played in the 1829 matches against Norfolk.
Played in both the 1830 matches. Hampshire professional who played in 70 first-class matches for a variety of sides, including England XIs and the Players in early Gentlemen v Players matches.
Made seven first-class appearances between 1829 and 1832, including playing in both of the 1830 matches. Played club cricket for Bury St Edmunds and in other matches for Suffolk sides. Uncle of William Blake
Professional who made 102 first-class appearances, primarily for Sussex, and one of the first bowlers to make their name through bowling roundarm deliveries. Played in both 1830 matches.
Played in 143 first-class matches, including both of Suffolk's 1847 matches. Described as "one of the most remarkable cricketers of the nineteenth century", Clarke played primarily for Nottingham. He formed the William Clarke's All-England Eleven, a team of touring professionals, in 1846.
Played once for Suffolk. CricInfo identifies him as P. Girton and provides no additional biographical information; CricketArchive identifies him as William Girton. Played in two matches for the county against Norfolk in 1829.
Played in 41 first-class matches for a range of sides. After having played twice for Suffolk in 1830, Knatchbull was appointed the vicar of North Elmham in Norfolk in 1833, working in the parish until 1867. During this period he played in first-class matches for Norfolk.
Played in five first-class matches including both of Suffolk's 1830 matches. Played for Norfolk and in club cricket for Bury St Edmunds and the Norwich club.
Played in two first-class matches for Suffolk in 1830 as well as club matches for Bury St Edmunds between 1821 and 1831. CricInfo identifies a single Charles Leech who played in the 1830 matches and the 1847 match. CricketArchive identifies two players with the same name and initials as father and son.
Played in one of the 1847 matches for Suffolk. Also appeared for the side in an 1849 match against an All England side. CricInfo identifies a single Charles Leech who played in both the 1830 matches and the 1847 match. CricketArchive identifies two players with the same name and initials as father and son.
Made 31 first-class appearances, most frequently for Godalming and England sides. Played his final first-class matches for Suffolk in 1830 and died at Woodbridge in the county in 1858.
Nicknamed the "Lion of Kent", Mynn made 212 first-class appearances, most frequently playing for Kent both before and after the formation of the first county club in 1842. Played in both of the county's matches in 1847.
One of the leading batsmen of his time, Pilch, who was from Horningtoft in Norfolk, played in all four of Suffolk's first-class matches as well as all six of Norfolk's first-class matches. In total he played in 229 first-class matches for a number of sides, most frequently for Kent.
Played in one of the 1847 matches. Made six other first-class appearances for MCC between 1851 and 1857 as well as playing other matches for both Suffolk and Norfolk.
^The number of first-class matches played for Suffolk sides.
^The seasons during which the player appeared for Suffolk in first-class matches.
^First-class status was first defined in 1895. Matches prior to this date have sometimes been accorded first-class status when they are deemed to have been played between two sides of an appropriate standard.
^Essex were not elevated to first-class status until 1894.