Cricket Witness No 3 - The Daffodil Blooms

93 New faces by his swift ground fielding, Jim became an integral member of the Glamorgan side. Wilf had been delighted to see another young Welshman make his way into the county’s batting line-up, and retain his place on merit. But as far as the bowling was concerned, some gaping holes emerged during 1947 with Peter Judge losing form before spending a prolonged spell on the sidelines after an injury to his Achilles tendon. Anno domini had also caught up with Austin Matthews as the man who had first played in the Glamorgan Colts team back in 1923 slipped into semi-retirement. Maurice Robinson had proved to be inconsistent, whilst other triallists had failed to make the grade including fast bowler Guy Mathews, an Army captain who was the son-in-law of Sir Geoffrey Byass, now the Managing Director of the Margam Abbey steelworks. Whilst there were several young batsmen, such as Jim, emerging in club cricket there appeared to be few bowlers in the local leagues who seemed ready, or able, to step up to county cricket. By the start of June, it was clear to Wilf and the selection committee that new blood was badly needed in the seam bowling department. Once again, he made discreet enquiries amongst other counties, and after the success of securing the services of Len Muncer, Wilf Norman Hever pictured at the Arms Park during 1949.