After impressing in junior football, Billy was signed as a professional by Preston North End in February 1902.
Convinced that he was innocent he refused to leave the pitch, with the referee having no option but to abandon the game with over 30 minutes still remaining.
He first came to notice with Penwortham Cricket Club, and while still in his teens he was engaged as a professional by Rossall College.
In the early 1900s he gained a fine reputation as a fast bowler playing for Preston Cricket Club, and in 1904 he became a professional with Lancashire League team Enfield.
[6] Despite this impressive start, he failed to establish a regular place and made the decision to concentrate on playing as a professional in the Lancashire League.