Alma came to prominence in this village when he became opening bowler for the cricket team in 1929. In his first season he took 56 wickets at 9.5 runs conceded per wicket which elevated him to fourth in the League averages.
In 1931 Methley reached the final of the Hepworth cup against the powerful Holbeck side, a game which they lost by 49 runs on a dead wicket affected by heavy rain. This was despite our opening bowler enjoying outstanding success with the scalps of their top three wickets down for only 13 runs. It has been claimed that the outcome would have been different had a catch been held off the bowling of our man against a fourth batsman, who went on to score 84, effectively winning the match.
Alma was prominent again in 1932 as the main strike bowler with a return of 48 wickets from 228 overs at an average of 14.2 runs/wicket. Outstanding was his feat of 7 for 20 against Rothwell that season.
Again the following season he took the first team bowlng averages with 61 wickets at an average of 13.7 runs /wicket in front of increasing numbers of spectators keen to view his exploits.
In 1935 he captured the bowling prize once more which included a seasons best of 7 for 22 including a hat-trick against the powerful Leeds team. This was to be his swansong for a distinguished career with Methley Cricket Club when he moved out of the area to take up new employment.
Alma had married local girl Rosena Horne whose family had kept in turn the Mexborough Arms and the United Kingdom public houses. No doubt adding their customers to his long list of admirers.