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Gornal Cricket Team c.1940 including the late Arthur Rowley

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Photo This photograph was provided by Arthur Hale, and we have brought forward its publication due to some sad news. Amongst the young local lads pictured (back row, 4th from right) is future soccer goal scoring legend Arthur Rowley, who died two days ago aged 76.

Many people will be surprised to learn that Gornal had a cricket team. They played in the vicinity of the Red Cow down Grosvenor Road, although the area is much changed now. Later they were more often a travelling team, and were regularly matched against Himley.

The youthful appearance of some of the side is explained by the fact that the Battle of Britain was underway and many adults were in uniform.

Fortunately, we have almost all of the names of those pictured:

Back Row: ?, W. Rushton, Reg Woodhall, Flos Breakwell, F. Smith, Jack Breakwell, Alan Breakwell, Mrs. Breakwell (Snr.), Arthur Rowley, Mrs. Palmer, Albert Sargent, ?

Front Row: Jack Palmer, ?, Jack Marsh, Derek Jones, E. Breakwell, (young lad) Malcolm Palmer.

Arthur Rowley went on to become the Football League's highest ever goalscorer - 434 goals in 619 games over 19 years, a record that still stands today and may never be equalled. Born in Wolverhampton, he played briefly for Wolves aged 15 (around the time of this photo) and West Brom, then went on to Fulham before his full potential was realised at Leicester and Shrewsbury Town.

"There's no secret to it" he said modestly "You just get into the right place at the right time. Of course, you've got to be given the ball to score. And then I always said if you get six on target, one'll go in."

Despite prolific scoring in all four divisions, Arthur never won a full England cap. Later he became a Manager with Shrewsbury, Sheffield United and Southend, and retained his passion for the game throughout his life. Football prowess ran in the family - his brother Jack Rowley was centre forward for Manchester United.

We must mention another well known person appearing on this photo - Albert Sargent, noted local author and Black Country Bugle stalwart.

If you have any memories or information about the Gornal cricket team or its characters, why not email us at admin@yampy.co.uk