Lives in Cricket No 32 - Eric Rowan

98 Athol Rowan bowling and Eric fielding at mid off. Bacher edged a ball into his pads and was given out leg before. As he trudged off in total dejection, Eric called out loudly, ‘Bad luck, Ali. What a terrible decision.’ At one stage Jeppe Old Boys contained no less than six South African Test players which must have made it one of the strongest club sides in the world. With Eric involved it would certainly have been one of the toughest. Bacher was indebted to Eric, describing him as a ‘mentor’ and remaining grateful for the way he guided him in his early days with Transvaal in both his playing and administrative careers. ‘I have fond memories of his advice and guidance. I adored him,’ he told the author in a phone conversation. Eric’s influence on Bacher should earn him the gratitude of all South African cricket supporters. Eric also played hockey for Jeppe Old Boys for many years and he ensured that the family tradition was maintained by sending his daughter Di to Jeppe Girls High. As her mother had also attended the same school, there was little Di could do but send her own son Rowan to Jeppe Boys. It could well be said that the family has the school in their blood. The naming of the school’s pavilion, the Rowan Room, is a fitting acknowledgement of the part played by Eric and Athol in the school’s history. Horse racing and having a bet were particular passions. Alf Rowan had also enjoyed the horses and had passed the interest on to his A group of former Transvaal and South African players. Back row: John Waite, Sid O’Linn, Ali Bacher, Jimmy Cook. Front row: Eric Rowan, Norman Gordon, Xenophon Balaskas, Bruce Mitchell. [Bassano Collection] A Life Beyond Play