Obituary: W A `Schits` Henderson (26 Mar 95)

OBITUARY: W A `Schits` Henderson by Trevor Chesterfield.

W A ("Schits") Henderson, the North-Eastern Transvaal fast bowler whose name is enshrined in the hallowed pages of Wisden Cricketer`s Almanack because of a remarkable performance, has died at the age of 77 in hospital.

Born in Scotland in November 1917 and educated at Pretoria Boys` High School from where he matriculated in 1935, Henderson entered the record books in Bloemfontein when he bagged four wickets with four balls in a Currie Cup match against Free State in 1937/38.

He then went on to become one of only three bowlers in a firstclass match anywhere in the world to take five wickets in six balls. The others to perform this remarkable feat are Bill Copson, the Derbyshire seamer (in 1937) and Pat Pocock, the former England and Surrey off-spinner (in 1972). Pocock played for Northerns in the 1971-72 season when they won the old B section (now the UCB Bowl competition).

Henderson`s bowling performance was at the old railway ground as the Ramblers was being turfed at the time.

His bowling analysis of 9.3-7-4-7 are considered one of the finest in the game. He is survived by three daughters. The funeral was held at St Columbus, Hatfield.