Johnny Lawrence and cricket in Leeds and WY Yorkshire from 1920s

stevejb · Post by **stevejb** » Thu 03 Mar, 2011 12:22 am

I am currently doing the research to write a biography of this great Yorkshire character.He was born in 1911 and played for Carlton, Rothwell, various Huddersfield League and Bradford League sides, Somerset (1946-55), Leeds, Wakefield, Morley and more. I have still many gaps in my knowledge.His father is believed to have played for the now defunct Lofthouse CC - are there any surviving records of this club or of Carlton or of Rothwell - or of Leeds for that matter as the cricket club no longer existx - though its allied rugby club became the 'Rhinos'.?????He died in 1988He coached Boycott and countless other cricket stars - and less successdul players.His cricket school - which he built himself with family help ... was in Rothwell - and then the one which his youngest son Stephen still runs today in Toulston, Tadcaster.I have a font of info - but a lot of gaps.He built his own caravan c 1946then obtained a state of the arts bought caravan c1950 ?He may be the only player to turn down opportunities to play for both Yorkshire and England. ( He did play for Yorks seconds in 1937All help welcome ......

tomq · Post by **tomq** » Fri 04 Mar, 2011 3:07 pm

Played against him in about 1974/75 when he was in his sixties. Can't remember who he was playing for but still a decent league bowler in his sixties.

stevejb · Post by **stevejb** » Fri 04 Mar, 2011 7:32 pm

Hi TomIn 1974 he played a few games for Ilkley until he had a serious illnessHe did return to play for Bilton in the Nidderdale League (75 ?)Why would either of these sides be playing Horbury who would have - I imagine - been in the Wakefield LeagueHe was certainly still very effective for Honley in the Huddersfield League 71-73 - I have the stats for that periodIf you - or other reader.bloggers - come up with more details please email me on [email protected]