clark, a locomotive driver with the great western railway, did not play any cricket until he was 25, when he began playing for a railways team. three years later he was called into the somerset side for five matches when regular wicketkeeper wally luckes was ill. he took eight catches, and wisden cricketers' almanack for 1931 said that he "rendered useful service in that capacity". he stood up to the wicket to all bowlers, even the fastest. the county offered him a professional contract but he decided to stay with the railway.