William Pilch (cricketer, born 1820)

William Pilch (1820 – 1894) was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Norfolk and other teams between 1842 and 1860. A right-handed batsman, he was known for his strong hitting and played in a relatively early era of the sport. Pilch was a member of the famous Pilch family of cricketers, being the son of Nathaniel Pilch and cousin of Fuller Pilch, both also notable players. He was born in Eriswell, Suffolk, and died in Barton Turf, Norfolk. While not achieving the same level of renown as his cousin Fuller, William Pilch was a respected county cricketer in his time and contributed significantly to the cricketing landscape of Norfolk. His career overlapped with a period of transition in cricketing techniques and rules, making his contributions historically relevant.