Lives in Cricket No 11 - CP Lewis

The following year, he turned out again for M.C.C. against Glamorgan at Swansea, and made a half-century in the visitors’ total of 204. It took him only 18 minutes, with a six and ten 4s, all from one end, without receiving a ball from the other. Then he was run out. However, the match allowed him to rub shoulders once again with several leaders of the social and political world in South Wales – an increasingly important consideration as in 1894 he was elected Mayor of Llandovery. Besides donning the mayoral chain, 1894 also saw Lewis give evidence at hearings held in the Town Hall, Llansawel to the Royal Commission on Land in Wales. His appearance related to claims raised by the tenants on the estate of his brother, David James Lewis, at Gilfach and Llwyn Celyn. They alleged that David had brought pressure to bear and compelled all of his tenants, including those who were nonconformist or chapel- attending, to go to church, otherwise they would be evicted. During his cross-examination before Lord Kenyon, the chairman of the Commission’s hearings, C.P. steadfastly refuted these claims. ‘I know that my brother never brought any such influence to bear,’ he told the inquiry, proving as he had done on the rugby and cricket fields that he was a man of principle and would firmly stand up for what he believed to be right, especially when the good name of the family might be tarnished by idle gossip. Despite his duties of office, he still found plenty of time for cricket for the town club. His bowling was not always effective, though, and there were indications that Llandovery were slipping out of the top flight of South Wales clubs. In July, Swansea reached 225 for four at St. Helen’s, despite C.P.’s bowling toil. Later that month, though, he had four for 19 as Llandovery bowled Llanelli out for 87. At the end of the month, in another match against Llanelli, he batted at number three and scored 27 out of 120 before taking six 96 Sporting Solicitor Big fish in Llandovery pool.