Gerry Weigall

Gerald John Villiers Weigall (19 October 1870 – 17 May 1944) was an English cricketer.

Family Born in Wimbledon, Weigall was the son of a Victorian artist, Henry Weigall (best known for his portrait of Benjamin Disraeli in 1878–1879), and his wife, the writer Lady Rose Sophia Mary Fane.

Career Gerry Weigall was educated at Wellington College, Berkshire, before going up to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1889. He made his first-class debut for Kent County Cricket Club as an opening batsman against Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1891; scoring a half-century in the second innings, before achieving his Cambridge blue later in the season. An all-round sportsman, he also represented Cambridge in rackets, and popularised squash — a sport he played into his seventies. he often batted down the order after leaving Cambridge and often added useful runs, including his highest first-class score of 138 not out which helped Kent to victory over the Gentlemen of Philadelphia in 1897.

Following his playing career, Weigall became a coach, coaching young players from Kent's Tonbridge Nursery and the second eleven. He is credited with the discovery of Les Ames; who went on to play in 47 Test matches for England. He also coached Yorkshire Colts for a time. As a coach, he was noted as a "stickler for orthodox batting", and would demonstrate a perfect technique with items ranging from borrowed bats to umbrellas.

He died in a Dublin Hospital on 17 May 1944, "troubled by illness from the outbreak of war".