Contributed by Trevor Incles
A video entitled Cricketers All ( 1949 ) which features, albeit briefly, Bill Alley, who played a prominent rôle for Somerset in the late fifties / early sixties, has been brought to our attention. This appears to be a cine film which was digitally enhanced and reformatted by Salford University and can be viewed free of charge on Vimeo and Youtube.
Cricketers All (1949) (Bill is seen in the opening introduction and approximately 11:30 mins into the film.
Trevor writes “The film gives a brief insight into post war cricket in the Lancashire League and the profusion of world class players who entertained the often vast crowds who attended those matches. More importantly, I feel, it is the social commentary which puts into context cricket as it was played in those pre multi media days ! Incidentally, I find the narration extremely funny as it is given by a Lancastrian” trying to speak posh” and ends up talking like Captain Mainwaring !
I confess to self interest in that one of the opening batsman for Rawtenstall v Bacup was Tom Incles, my father. Lancashire League cricket provided a springboard for factory and mill workers, such as my dad, to become local celebrities and improve their lot. Following the formation of the Northern League in 1951/52, my family moved to Blackpool where Dad used to open the innings with firstly Hanif Mohammed, then Rohan Kanhai and ultimately Bill Alley. Tom and Bill established a number of batting records which stood for a long time. “
The Wikipedia link to Bill Alley’s playing career is to be seen here
Apparently (and without verification), an obituary to Bill Alley stated that during his time as the professional at Blackpool CC he was the most highly paid cricketer in the world ! Not only did he have a generous basic salary, he also benefited from cash collections from the throngs of holidaying spectators, whenever a 50 was scored or 5 wickets taken (as the film demonstrates) – an all-rounder’s dream ! He was also granted a testimonial match during the course of every season. Can any other player who has represented Somerset equal or indeed surpass that record.
Trevor continues “However, the point of this tale is that my father was offered a Sales Representative job with the firm of one of Bill’s uncles in Haslingden, where, incidentally, my grandad took me to watch their new young pro play – a chap by the name of Clive Lloyd !
The upshot of all this is that my father established his own successful company on the south coast along similar lines to those of Bill’s uncle, which he ran until his retirement. Were it not for the involvement of Bill Alley in this story, it is most likely that our family would not have had the opportunities with which we were presented and which we grasped with both hands ! Thank you, Bill !”