Career
He also played first-class cricket for the Tasmanian cricket team in his younger years, dismissing Donald Bradman in the 1935 season. As Tasmania didn"t compete in the Sheffield Shield at the time of his cricketing career, Townley"s appearances for his state were limited to matches against touring sides such as the Marylebone Cricket Club and South Africa as well as out of season first-class fixtures against other Australian states. A legbreak bowler, Townley took 36 wickets at 35.52 in first-class matches.
His claim to fame as a cricketer was dismissing Donald Bradman, caught and bowled for 369, in a first-class match against South Australia, the legendary batsman"s second highest ever score at that level
He also claimed in his career the wickets of English Test cricketer Ernest Tyldesley and South African Test player Bruce Mitchell. He joined the Tasmanian House of Assembly at the 1946 election as an Independent, representing Denison.
With the Liberals regaining two seats which had been held by Independents since 1948, Labor stayed in power only thanks to the support of the remaining Independent, Bill Wedd. Cosgrove however remained as Premier of Tasmania.
