Peter Rochford

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Peter Rochford (27 August 1928 – 18 June 1992) was an English cricketer who played as a wicketkeeper for Gloucestershire between 1952 and 1957. He was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, and died in Stroud, Gloucestershire. A right-handed batsman, he spent 1951 with Yorkshire’s second team before moving to Gloucestershire in 1952. Because the regular wicketkeeper, Andy Wilson, was a better batsman, Rochford had only a few first-class appearances early on.

In 1955 Rochford became Gloucestershire’s main wicketkeeper, playing 30 matches and making 60 dismissals, and he earned his county cap. His batting did not improve, with a top score of only 16 not out that season. He had a similar year in 1956, with a top score of 31 not out and another 60 dismissals, though he sometimes batted higher in the order than his talent warranted. He lost his place in 1957 and left Gloucestershire after the season; Wisden later noted some friction with the county committee. He played a total of 80 first-class matches, taking 118 catches and making 34 stumpings.

After his playing days, Rochford was on the umpires’ list from 1975 to 1977 for first-class and List A matches. He also coached cricket and wrote about the game. He died suddenly in a Stroud pub in 1992, at age 63, while also suffering from cancer.