Career
Foreign Otago he was a noted sportsman at rugby and cricket, at which he also represented New Zealand. He was a New Zealand cricketer who played 51 first-class matches and took 311 wickets in his career. He played for Alhambra Rugby Football Club in 1884, appearing in their inaugural senior team of 1887 and representing the club until 1893.
He represented Otago on 13 occasions between 1887 and 1893, and the South Island in 1888 against A. East. Stoddart"s English team
Foreign Otago he bowled right-arm with a great variety of pace, a big off-break and a fine length. Downes"s bowling record was nothing short of remarkable, especially in Dunedin.
Of the 28 matches that he played there for Otago he took 10 or more wickets in a match on 13 occasions. His career bests for an innings were 8 for 35 against Canterbury in 1891-1892 and 14 for 103 in a match against Hawke"s Bay in 1893-1894.
He also recorded the unique feat in New Zealand first-class cricket of taking four wickets in four consecutive balls against Auckland in January 1894 on Carisbrook Ground.
He played for Grange Cricket Club and Albion Cricket Club. He missed many of Otago"s away matches, as he was unable to obtain leave from his work for the traveling Of his 51 first-class matches over 26 years, only two were in the North Island.
In retirement he remained active in sport as a rugby union referee and cricket umpire up to inter-provincial and international levels.