Cricket Witness No 5 - Whites on Green

100 The Prince of Port Eynon saviour of Glamorgan’s fortunes in the shape of Donald John Shepherd. In the blink of an eye ‘Shep’ was soon into double figures as the ball sped to, and over, the boundary ropes as the Glamorgan tail-ender unleashed some furious blows. With his partner David Evans reduced to a watching brief at the other end, ‘Shep’ raced to his fifty with six massive sixes, three each off each spinner, plus three other fours, a quickly scampered two and a hastily run single – to equal the world record, and to prompt a euphoric report by JBG Thomas in the following morning’s Western Mail : “Whether Glamorgan lose or save this exciting match today, it will be known and remembered at least in Wales as Shepherd’s match. Every big hit was cheered and it set the tempo for the day as well as putting Glamorgan back into proceedings and ensuring a third day’s play. We wondered whether Glamorgan would reach the 100-mark as Shepherd walked to the wicket. Little did we realise what was in store for us, but it came as an even greater surprise to the lively Australians. Crash, bang, wallop went Shepherd with well-timed rustic swings. His efforts could not have been better timed. The Australians enjoyed it too, and readily applauded some remarkably big hits.” 5 His rousing efforts lifted the spirits of the home supporters, and the Glamorgan team alike, with Glamorgan ending just 43 runs in arrears. Don Shepherd pictured whilst he was batting with Tom Graveney at the Scarborough Festival.