William Cropper. the Derby professional cricketer, while playing in an association game of football at Grimsby on Saturday for Staveley against Grimsby was accidentally kicked in the stomach by Daniel Boyle one of the half backs and he was carried off the field. He died yesterday from his injuries. There was rough play, a correspondent states all through the game.
Another telegram says:
During the Association match between Grimsby and Staveley played at Grimsby Town on Saturday two accidents occurred. First Willie, a Staveley forward, was hurt, but was enabled to proceed on. A more serious one, however, occurred to W Cropper the well known Derbyshire professional cricketer who was taking the ball to the Grimsby goal. He had made a good run and was in the act of passing the fall back when both collided with the remit that Cropper was disabled and had to be removed home.
The severe pains he felt in this stomach became worse and a telegram from Grimsby yesterday stated that in spite of all possible medical aid Cropper succumbed at midday.
The affair has cast a gloom over the neighbourhood, and the news of his death will be received with deep regret throughout the entire football and cricket world.The deceased was born as Brimington, near Chesterfield (where he resided), on December 27th 1863. He was a good all round cricketer, and first class medium pace bowler. His best performance was last year against the Australians at Derby, when he took six wickets for 43 runs.
BNA © Birmingham Daily Gazette – Monday 14 January 1889
