Cricket Witness No 3 - The Daffodil Blooms

101 The summer of 1948 of a reclaimed sand-dune, but it was a different scenario when playing at Pontypridd, Neath or Ebbw Vale. Consequently, Wilf organised his own, improvised drying conditions, as remembered by J.B.G.Thomas, the journalist from the Western Mail , who accompanied the team during 1948: “Wilf organised for a large mangle to be taken to the out- grounds. It was transported around on a little lorry, together with a pile of old and tattered blankets plus bag after bag of sawdust. If there had been rain overnight, Wilf would get all the players and office staff out, spread out the blankets to soak up any surface water, and then put them through the mangle in an attempt, usually favourable, to get the pitch fit for play.” 5 Wilf would also direct his players and staff in spreading sawdust and, on occasions, there was barely a blade of grass to be seen in the areas adjacent to the pitch. The plethora of sawdust, with the square resembling a circus ring, led to a few acerbic comments from opponents, with some describing Wilf as the Ringmaster whilst others politely asked the whereabouts of the elephants! As Glamorgan’s form galvanised Welsh sports fans, the capacity of the Arms Park ground was frequently reached, much to the delight of the Club’s Treasurer. With the blessing of the visiting captains, the ropes often had to be brought in so that young schoolboys could sit on the grass in front of the enclosures. But having been quick to suggest this when Glamorgan were batting, Wilf is reputed to have been less than generous on occasions when Glamorgan were bowling, replying that the youngsters should still be at school! The best payday of the 1948 season was, yet again, the visit at the end of July by the mighty Australians to Swansea for a match long marked down in the diaries of sports fans and cricket-lovers across Wales. All around the country, Australia’s powerhouse of a squad had attracted huge crowds and piled up huge totals: 632 against Surrey at The Oval; 721 against Essex at Southend; 774 against Gloucestershire at Bristol. They won each of these games by an innings besides defeating Leicestershire, Cambridge University, Oxford University, MCC, Sussex, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire with an innings to spare. County champions Middlesex were also beaten by ten wickets at Lord’s where the teams were introduced to the King and Queen during tea on the second day. A wonderful match with Yorkshire at Bradford was won by four wickets. Set 60 to win, Australia showed rare