Cricket Witness No 5 - Whites on Green

115 WRU in order to create an improved broadcast facility at the Arms Park, whilst in 1930 Swansea Cricket and Football Club received £25 for similar facilities in the new pavilion which had been created at St. Helen’s. 5 There were some though who felt that the Beeb could provide more cash, especially when their coverage could have an adverse effect on gate takings. Things came to a head in 1934 as planning began for live coverage of Glamorgan’s match against the Australian tourists. It soon became clear that the facilities were rather limited and that greater space on the pavilion roof was needed. In June 1934 Robert Palmer, the Secretary of Swansea Cricket and Football Club duly wrote to the BBC asking for greater financial support. A terse reply followed from the Programme Director, West Regional Office saying that the BBC felt they had already supported the club, that their broadcasting position was rather poor and they were not getting what they thought they deserved. The Programme Director also wrote to Cock saying “I am all for doling out a little money if anything is to come from it, but I do want to warn you that the story is likely to be a serial rather than a short. For example, the Glamorgan County Cricket Club is perennially hat in hand and on the verge of bankruptcy.” 6 After further correspondence, an amicable solution was reached, with further financial assistance being given so that a better commentary position was established for both the cricket and rugby matches. During the post-war era, the involvement of Wilf Wooller, the Glamorgan captain, in the coverage of matches helped to build an effective link with the Sixes at Swansea Garry Sobers and Malcolm Nash are interviewed by Brian Hoey of BBC Wales after play on the day of the record-breaking over during Glamorgan’s Championship match against Nottinghamshire.