Mexborough and Swinton Times May 11, 1928

A Promising Recruit.

A leading part in Swinton’s encouraging opening success on Saturday was played by one of the two new recruits who have joined them from Dinnington: Donald Willoughby.

This 19-year-old left arm batsman made a notable debut by scoring the first half-century for  Swinton this season. During his partnership with Alec Thompson that laid the foundation of Swinton’s sweeping win he showed the potentialities of a first-rate batsman.

He has yet to develop his stroke play but for so young a batsman he showed exceptional confidence and a good defence. We had little opportunity of seeing his work in the field but he has already gained a reputation for smartness in that department with Dinnington, for whom his batting average last season in Codicil games was 18 an innings.

He has gone to Swinton because of Dinnington’s withdrawal from the Council and return to the Bassetlaw League competition, and his desire, with Atter, to continue in the Council game; and also because his father, Mr. Basil Willoughby, happens to be an old Swintonian who still retains an interest in the town, and the success of its sport.

So Swinton have gained a young player of exceedingly promise who should, with care of himself and his talents, do great things in the game.