Lives in Cricket No 22 - Jack Mercer

40 An approach from the north against Jack’s clever variation of pace. Then, when Glamorgan returned to St Helen’s to meet Gloucestershire, Jack took eleven for 85 including a remarkable spell of six for seven in the visitors’ second innings, including the scalp of the masterly Wally Hammond who was bowled by an away swinger. But on all three occasions, Jack’s good work with the ball was undone by a series of tame batting performances as Glamorgan slumped to several heavy defeats, leaving ‘Nomad’ to comment: ‘What a useful side Glamorgan might be if only they could discover two or three dependable batsmen.’ 43 Jack’s spell in Gloucestershire’s second innings took his seasonal haul past fifty, and his excellent formdrew the attention of officials from several Lancashire league clubs. Like Ryan the season before, Jack was the subject of a series of approaches as the northern scouts hoped their tempting offers, plus Glamorgan’s lack of success, would persuade Jack to turn his back on the Welsh county and head to the leagues. But, as Jack revealed in an interview with local journalists, he was not going to sever his connections with Glamorgan. ‘I admit that I have received offers,’ he told the local writers, ‘but I am very happy in South Wales. Although it has disappointed me that Glamorgan have so far this season failed to get going, I am not discouraged. I intend to stick by the club and I believe before long we shall be able to prove that we are a better side than our record to date.’ 44 43 Western Mail , 11 June 1925. 44 Western Mail , 26 June 1925.