William Wadge was a schoolmaster who, whilst teaching in Neath, played for Glamorganshire in 1870 against Monmouthshire at Usk. He made 2 and 1 opening the batting in what proved to be his only game for the county.
However, following some decent batting performances for the Cadoxton club, he was chosen twice for Breconshire during 1875. His first appearance came on July 20 and 21 against Glmaorgan at Brecon but he played a minimal role in the game and was recorded as being “absent” when the home side batted. If he was injured, he made a swift recovery as the following week he travelled with the Breconshire party to Hereford where he scored 0 and 1 in the two-day contest.
Born in Wells in Somerset during 1830, William qualified as a schoolmaster and was working in the Birmingham area when he was married in January 1854. He subsequently taught in Halberton, Devon, as well as in Hampshire and Essex prior to moving to South Wales. The 1881 Census records William together with his family as living in Malton and he remained in Yorkshire for the rest of his life.
WADGE, William John
Born: Wells, Somerset, 1830.
Died: Cropton, Yorkshire, November 1909.