Arthur (Rocker) Robinson, one of Yorkshire’s most popular and big-hearted fast bowlers in the 1970s, died on February 11, aged 77.
Born at Brompton, near Northallerton, on August 17, 1946, Robinson made his first-team debut against Oxford University at The Parks in 1971 and would claim 196 first-class wickets with his solid left-armers up to the end of 1977 when he was not retained.
Robinson played in one of Yorkshire’s less successful periods, but he always gave 100 percent effort and was a totally reliable, proud member of the team.
He took wickets regularly, yet had to wait until the end of the 1976 summer to be awarded his county cap, which he wore with great pride. His career first-class bowling average was a respectable 25.13.
Tall and well-built, Robinson was renowned for his bravery fielding at ‘Boot Hill’, which he did uncomplainingly, despite suffering bruised shins and other regular knocks.
Although a genuine tail-end batter, he still figured in one of Yorkshire’s most remarkable century stands when he helped Arnie Sidebottom put on 144 for the last wicket against Glamorgan at Cardiff in 1977 before Sidebottom was run out for 124, leaving Robinson stranded on 30.
At the time, it was Yorkshire’s second highest 10th-wicket partnership and only four runs shy of the 148 by Lord Hawke and David Hunter against Kent at Sheffield in 1898.
Robinson’s most successful season came when he captured 43 first-class wickets and 28 in one-day matches in 1974.
Against Surrey at The Oval that summer, he returned career-best first-class figures on the Saturday with 6-61 in the Championship and the following day registered his List A best 4-25 in the John Player League.
After playing league cricket for Harlsey and Northallerton, Robinson had two seasons with Leeds at the start of his county career. He returned to Northallerton when his Yorkshire days were over and became the club’s groundsman.
