ONCE A COLLIER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 194, 15 August 1936, Page 4

ONCE A COLLIER

DERBY FAST BOWLER [ COUNTY’S METHODS OF BUILDING UP HIS STAMINA Derbyshire supporters are saying that William Henry Copson, a 26-vear-old ex-miner, may provide the solution of England’s fast bowling problem on the tour of Australia. He trained with a football team for four months to get fit enough to play cricket this season, writes a correspondent of the London Evening Standard. It was part of the county cricket [officials’ “nursing” schedule, begun in the middle of last season, when his outstanding bowling abilities threatened to break down. His complaint was not organic, the doctors stated. A mysterious muscular weakness affected him so that he tired rapidly in a match. The finish of the match with Surrey. at Derby, showed how far the county officials had succeeded in their treatment. Copson, in all, took 12 wickets for 52 runs. It was the best performance of his career, and was all the more meritorious because of the batting strength of Surrey. "We did not think we had a hope,” an official said. “Copson won the match for us. “He is a different man now. Last year he tired easily. Doctors said that he was losing the power of his muscles. “We sent him to the sea for a week and dropped him from the side for three or four matches. “At the beginning of the year we sent him to train with Chesterfield football club. Now he has put on a stone in weight and finishes a match as fresh as when he started. “Such talent could not be wasted. Although we spent a little money on him, it has been well worth while. "Some of the English selectors ought to come and have a look at him.” Copson played originally for a colliery team six years ago. The vicar of the parish recommended him to the county club, and after a trial he was taken on the staff. His debut in 1932 at the Oval against Surrey was a surprise. Sandham was caught in the slips off his first ball.