A striking representative of amateur sport of the post-Kaiser war years is lost with the passing of Leonard George Crawley, who died on July 9 at the age of 77. A vigorous driver, with a high backlift and sweeping followthrough, he had strong theories on technique and, a crisp conversationalist and correspondent, he was ever ready to impart them. Born in Nacton, Suffolk on July 26, 1903, member of a famous sporting family, he scored a century for Harrow v Eton at Lord's in 1921, and played for Cambridge in three Varsity matches, making 98 in 1925. That winter he toured West Indies with MCC, but was given little opportunity, batting low in the order. His one score of note was 85 against Jamaica. Having played for Worcestershire as an undergraduate, and making a spectacular 161 against Northants (a fast stand of 306 with W. V. Fox), he had his qualification queried, and 1926 found him playing for Essex. In 1927, at Leyton, he played probably the most glorious of all his attacking innings, an unbeaten 176 against the clock -- and against the mighty Tate of Sussex, whom he twice hit onto the pavilion roof with those racquet-playing wrists of his. The target of 276 was achieved in 185 minutes and he was carried off shoulder-high by spectators. Next season came his highest score, 222 at Swansea, with six sixes and 21 fours. Cricket was truly a game for men when Crawley was in full cry. His first-class figures were 5227 runs at 31.12, with eight hundreds, and to them may be added golfing honours (97 international appearances), a Northern lawn tennis doubles title, a gold medal for ice-skating, and a reputation as a shot. For 25 years he was the Daily Telegraph's eminently readable golf correspondent.
Wisden Cricket Monthly

Nov 22, 2005 Leonard Crawley © Wisden Cricket Monthly

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