Walter Reader-Blackton

Background

Reader-Blackton was born at Shirland, Derbyshire as Walter Blackton.

Career

He began playing for Derbyshire at the age of 18 in 1914, and after a game in the 2nd XI, made his first-class debut against Worcestershire in August 1914 when he was not out for 31. First class cricket was interrupted by the First World War and Reader-Blackton served in the Leicestershire Regiment (4th Bn Territorial Force). He was awarded the Military Cross in 1919

After the war, Reader-Blackton resumed playing for Derbyshire.

He played two matches in 1920 in which he was out for 1 in each of his four innings and with a score of 1 in his first match in 1921 became the first player to be dismissed for 1 in five consecutive first-class innings.

He concluded his first class career after his five matches in 1921. Reader-Blackton was a right-hand batsman and played 15 innings in eight first-class matches with an average of 7.64 and a top score of 31 not out.

He was a right-arm medium pace bowler and took 5 first class wickets at an average of 16.20 and a best performance of 3 for 40. Reader-Blackton married at Leek in 1922 and died at Derby, at the age of 80.

Achievements

• Against Gloucestershire in 1921 he took a rare bowling spell and achieved 3 for 40.