Cricket Witness No 3 - The Daffodil Blooms

41 A Welsh identity teams, the financial problems also led to his departure from the Club with his mission very much incomplete. With Maurice and Johnnie now at the helm, the creation of a nursery for home-grown talent was given fresh impetus, and an approach was made to Bill Hitch, the former England and Surrey bowler, to act as the new coach. He readily agreed and almost as soon as the ink was dry on his contract, letters were sent to the region’s leading clubs inviting them to nominate talented youngsters who could benefit from his coaching. Some good fortune also came Glamorgan’s way as they strove to increase the number of locally-produced cricketers, but only as a result of the financial problems afflicting Monmouthshire. Their neighbours had also participated since the early 1900s in the Minor County Championship and had joined forces with Glamorgan when a South Wales side took to the field for an annual challenge against the touring teams. The two counties had gone their separate ways by the 1920s, with Monmouthshire remaining in the Minor Counties competition. By 1928 their finances had also become precarious and discussions began with Glamorgan about a merger. Bill Hitch (right) coaching member of the Glamorgan Colts team at the Arms Park in 1936. The batsman receiving tuition is Phil Clift who went on to be a member of the Championship-winning side in 1948.