Cricket Witness No 5 - Whites on Green

27 The Bancrofts Tragically, Willie committed suicide in the grounds of his family’s home at Penllergaer in 1891 with his loss being deeply felt by both father and tutor alike. He had been due to play the following day for Glamorgan against Devon at Swansea, and with several amateurs unable to play at such short notice, it was William (junior) who came into the county side and was set to play alongside Billy. The veteran professional never got onto the field as rain washed out play after just a handful of over in Glamorgan’s 1 st innings. But the following year, the two Bancrofts managed to take the field together for Glamorgan at Swansea – and in much happier circumstances – as the county played a Colts team, several of whom had also benefited from William’s wise words in the nets at the Swansea ground. To the delight of his father and grandfather, Billy Bancroft upheld the fine name of the family by becoming Glamorgan`s first-ever full-time professional player in 1895. His appointment however, came at a most interesting time in the life of the 24-year old sportsman who was playing county cricket and international rugby. Growing up at the St. Helen’s ground, it was no surprise that Billy inherited his father’s and grandfather’s love of cricket, besides acquiring a desire for rugby and developing his ball skills in the winter game, but it meant that he became a paid player in the summer and an amateur, in theory, in the winter. Billy’s first appearance for Glamorgan had been in 1889 as he played in Glamorgan’s inaugural county match against Warwickshire at the Arms Park, before making his debut for Swansea’s 1 st XV in October. So impressive was the strong and confident-running full-back that the following February he was drafted into the Welsh side, with the Swansea- born man winning the first of 33 Welsh caps. His prowess at rugby was no surprise given the fact that from boyhood he spent around two hours per day kicking, running and catching the ball on his family’s hallowed turf at St. Helen’s. These were invaluable skills given his slight frame, and Willie Llewelyn. Charlie Llewelyn.