William Bestwick, the Derbyshire professional, died on May 3, 1938, aged 62. Of good height and heavy build, he brought all the force associated with his winter occupation as a miner into his right hand bowling so effectively and with such reserve of strength, that he continued in County Cricket until his 50th year. Appointed to the list of first-class umpires, he remained a familiar figure on the field until last season when illness compelled his retirement. Bestwick first played for Derbyshire in 1898 and, gradually improving, he three times took over a hundred wickets in a season before 1909 when he preferred League cricket in South Wales. In that way he became qualified for Glamorgan, but resumed his services with Derbyshire after the War, and enjoyed his most successful season in 1921 when 147 wickets fell to him at an average of 16.72 runs apiece. All this work was done in 20 county matches, Derbyshire not having a fixture with the Australians. His best performance was, strangely enough, against Glamorgan to which county he thought of returning. In the match at Cardiff, Derbyshire were 85 behind on the first innings but then Bestwick dismissed all the home side, seven clean bowled, and 193 runs were obtained for the loss of eight men. So Derbyshire snatched a victory on the second day. Bestwick's figures read-19 overs, two maidens, 40 runs, 10 wickets. He bowled unchanged through the innings which realised 106 runs. On the first day Bestwick dismissed four men for 71, his full return in the match being 14 wickets for 111 runs - a remarkable performance for a man of his weight when 45 years old. He could bowl at full speed for long spells because he relied on a short run with the power of his arm and body giving pace to the ball and lift from the pitch. Length and spin were the mainstays of his work.
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Billy Bestwick © The Cricketer International

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