Few players in the Yorkshire Rugby Union league strike fear into the opposition quite like Alfie "The Cannon" Cartwright. At 6’2” and 210 pounds, Cartwright is known for his devastating accuracy with the boot and his ability to slice through defenses with his pinpoint passing. As the fly-half for Grassington Old Publicans, he has been instrumental in leading his team to the top of the league standings this season.
Born and raised in the small village of Masham, Cartwright grew up with a rugby ball in hand. From a young age, it was clear he had a natural talent for the game, and by the time he was 15, he was already turning heads at the junior level. After representing Yorkshire in the Under-18s, Cartwright earned a spot in the Grassington Old Publicans' senior team at just 19.
His breakthrough season came at 22, when he scored a remarkable 15 tries and helped the Publicans finish second in the league. Since then, Cartwright has been the centerpiece of Grassington’s attacking play, with his playmaking abilities and leadership qualities earning him the captain's armband at just 25.
Cartwright’s nickname, "The Cannon," comes from his incredibly powerful and accurate kicking game. Whether it's converting from impossible angles or launching towering up-and-unders that confuse the opposition’s back three, Cartwright's boot is one of the most feared weapons in the league. He’s also a master at reading the game, often executing perfectly timed cross-field kicks and inside passes that catch defenses off guard.
But it's not just his footwork that sets him apart. Cartwright has a rugby IQ beyond his years, orchestrating Grassington’s attack like a general commanding his troops. His tactical awareness, combined with his unflappable composure under pressure, makes him a complete fly-half who can dictate the tempo of a match.
This season, Cartwright has already scored 120 points for Grassington, including 7 tries, 18 conversions, and 15 penalties. His standout performance came in the 19-17 victory over Hardraw Lions, where he not only scored the match-winning try but also added 9 points from the boot. That win solidified Grassington’s place at the top of the table, and Cartwright’s individual brilliance has made him a frontrunner for the league’s Player of the Year award.
Off the field, Cartwright is known as a quiet, humble leader who lets his performances do the talking. His teammates often describe him as fiercely competitive but always quick to encourage younger players and offer advice. When he's not training, Cartwright is heavily involved in charity work, particularly with local youth rugby programs, helping to inspire the next generation of players.
At just 28, Cartwright is entering the prime of his career, and there’s talk of a potential call-up to the Yorkshire representative team. With Grassington Old Publicans chasing their first league title in over a decade, Cartwright will undoubtedly be the key to their success. As long as he’s pulling the strings at fly-half, the Publicans have a strong chance to take home the trophy this year.
One thing is for sure: Alfie "The Cannon" Cartwright’s name will be remembered as one of the greatest fly-halves in Yorkshire Rugby Union history.
