Ossie Cleal

Osmond Charles Cleal (13 December 1916 – 8 February 1977) was an association football player who represented New Zealand at international level. He also played first-class cricket for Auckland from 1940 to 1952.

Football career Cleal made three appearances in official football internationals for the New Zealand, the first a 0–10 loss to Australia on 11 July 1936, a result which still stands as New Zealand's biggest loss in official matches, although New Zealand have been beaten by more in unofficial matches, notably by England Amateurs in 1937 and Manchester United in 1967.

War interrupted his playing career. New Zealand competed in no further official matches until South Africa toured in 1947, when Cleal played two further matches, a 5–6 loss on 28 June and a 0–6 loss on 5 July. including 45 and 45 (top score in each innings) for Auckland against the Australians. It was also his most successful season with his medium-pace: he took eight wickets at 20.87.

Cleal captained Auckland in 1950–51 and 1951–52. He was selected to play in the First Test against England in 1950–51 but had to withdraw from the team and was replaced by Tony MacGibbon. He retired after the 1951–52 season.

Personal life Cleal served overseas in World War II as an artillery sergeant with the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He married Ailsa Mary Metcalfe in Auckland in November 1942. He worked as a warehouseman.