[2][3] Wally Pearce was a pace bowler who generated considerable pace from a short run-up and bowled an effective yorker, and a hard-hitting batsman with a crouching, ungainly style.
[4] He played an important part in New Zealand's first victory.
In the match against the touring New South Wales team in 1895–96 he scored 47 in each innings, hitting out effectively after New Zealand were in trouble in the second innings, and took four wickets.
[5][6] Pearce married Marion Wyatt in Christchurch on 21 December 1898.
[8] Pearce collapsed and died on his way home after watching a Test match at Lancaster Park in March 1951.