William Daniell was a leading figure with Newport Athletic Club during the 1870s and early 1880s, prior to moving to London to practice as a Barrister. During this time, he made four appearances for the South Wales Cricket Club.
He was the son of William Daniell (senior), wealthy metal merchant in Newport who lived at Brynderwen, Maindee as well as Tydu House in Bassaleg. Educated at Cowbridge Grammar School and Corpus Christi, Oxford, William’s first major match was for the South Wales Cricket Club in their away match against Clifton CC in 1880. The following year he was chosen in the Newport and District XXII against the All-England Eleven at Rodney Parade. The Newport ground had been where William had previously played some fine innings but, on this occasion, he bagged a pair and was bowled in each innings by WG Grace.
By this time, he was dividing his time between Newport and London having been called to the Bar in June 1880 and becoming a member of the Oxford Circuit. Nevertheless he found time to play again for the South Wales club against Wiltshire at Marlborough in 1882, in addition to making his debut for Monmouthshire the following summer.
1884 saw William take part in two of the matches which the South Wales club staged as part of their London tour, with the Barrister playing against Surrey Club and Ground at The Oval, as well as the MCC at Lord’s, where William made 18 – his highest score for the Welsh team. He continued to appear for Monmouthshire, as well as the MCC, until 1886 when, with increasing legal commitments, he made his final appearance in a major match.
In 1898 he married the niece of the General Manager of the London and North Western Railway. Tragically, he died of influenza the following year at their home in the Holland Park area of London.
DANIELL, William
Born – Bassaleg, October 1854.
Died – Holland Park, London, 25 April 1899.