Career
A batsman who could bat at any position in the order and a leg-break and googly bowler, Wal Walmsley made his first-class debut for New South Wales against Queensland in a friendly match in 1945-1946. He moved to Launceston, Tasmania, to coach, where he captained North (of Tasmania) against South in January 1948, taking 10 wickets in the match and scoring 63 in the second innings. He played in Tasmania"s three first-class games that followed shortly afterwards, scoring 180 not out and taking three wickets against the Indian touring team at Launceston.
He was appointed coach of the Queensland Cricket Association in 1948-1949, but did not play for Queensland until the 1954-1955 season, after which he became a regular in the side.
In his first Sheffield Shield match, at the age of 38, he took 5 for 84 and 3 for 90 to help Queensland to victory over South Australia. In 1956-1957 he took 3 for 52 and 5 for 124 against New South Wales.
He also took six wickets in the match. In 1958-1959 he took 6 for 56 to help Queensland to an innings victory over South Australia.
He played three matches for Northern Districts in 1959-1960 at the age of 43, taking 12 wickets at 26.58, then retired.
He remained in New Zealand with his large family, and died suddenly in Hamilton at 61.
