Clem Beck

Clement Henry Beck (28 September 1863 – 11 November 1957) was a New Zealand cricketer. He played seven first-class matches for Otago between the 1884/85 and 1890/91 seasons.[1]

A solid, effective opening batsman in an era of low scores, Clem Beck made 48 on his first-class debut in Otago's victory over Canterbury in 1884–85. He batted for four hours.[2][3] He played against a touring Australian side in 1886, part of an Otago side of 22 players,[4] and top-scored for Otago with 25 in their loss to the touring New South Wales team in February 1890, winning a bat in recognition.[5][6] A month later, when Otago again beat Canterbury, he made 24 and 20 not out, the only batsman on either side to reach 20.[7] In another victory over Canterbury in 1890–91, his last first-class match, he was the highest scorer in either side's first innings, with 32.[8] He was later described as "a sturdy batsman, full of defence".[9] He played club cricket for Dunedin and Carisbrook.[10]

Beck also represented Otago at rugby union,[11] playing for the representative side 10 times between 1885 and 1888, including in the first match between Otago and Southland in 1887 and against the touring British side in 1888.[12] He played club rugby for the Montecillo and Dunedin clubs and was described in 1947 as having been an "outstanding forward".[13] He was a life member of Dunedin Football Club and the President of Ocean Beach Cricket Club.[14][15]

Beck was the head tinsmith for the Dunedin firm Kempthorne, Prosser & Co. Ltd.[16] He married Barbara Alice Walker in Dunedin in March 1893;[17] the couple had four children.[12] She died at their home in the Dunedin suburb of St Kilda in February 1935.[18] Beck died in November 1957, aged 94.[1][12]