William Draper

Who was William Draper?

William Draper was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Kent from 1874 to 1880.

Draper was born at Penshurst, Kent, and was registered at birth under William Drapper. In 1872 he appeared for Colts of England and in 1873 represented a side comprising players engaged at Prince's Club. In 1874 he made his first class debut for Kent playing their first match against Derbyshire. It was in the second match of the 1874 season against Derbyshire that Draper achieved his best bowling performance of 5 for 51. He carried on playing for Kent until 1880. He also played for Hastings.

Draper was a left-hand batsman and played 17 innings in 9 first class matches with an average of 7.20 and a top score of 28. He was a right-arm medium pace bowler and took 20 first class wickets at an average of 38.45 and a best performance of 5 for 51.

Draper was a first-class umpire between 1887 and 1898. He died at Tunbridge Wells, Kent at the age of 70