Robert Percival
Full Name
Robert Percival
Born
March 1858, Sunderland
Died
May 13, 1918, 43 Gordon St, South Shields, Co Durham
Batting Style
Left hand Bat
Bowling Style
Left arm Slow medium
Playing Role
Bowler
Height
5ft 10in
Robert Percival did not appear in first-class cricket, but he made his mark on the game when on April 19, 1882, at Durham Racecourse, he threw a cricket ball 140 yards and two feet, establishing a world record that stood into the 21st century. While the accuracy of the measurement has been questioned, Percival's ability to throw long distances has not. He reportedly won more than 40 such tournaments, which were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, until he injured his left (throwing) arm in late 1884.
Percival was a decent enough cricketer to be employed as a professional by New Brighton CC between 1885 and 1892, after which time he became groundsman at the Liverpool Police Athletic Society before going down the mines.
Martin Williamson
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