Brief profile of Gwyn Thomas by Dr.A.K.Hignell

---

Player:

JLG Thomas

---

Gwyn Thomas was the eldest son of Dr.J.W.Thomas, a former mayor of Neath, and he followed in his father`s footsteps by becoming a leading personality in the sporting life of the West Glamorgan town.

 

Gwyn attended Neath Grammar School and Edinburgh University, and represented Neath at both rugby and cricket. He was a bold striker of the ball, and was dubbed `Doctor Gwyn` for the way he freely scored against all types of bowling, often almost effortlessly lifting the ball out of the Gnoll ground, and into the gardens of adjoining houses.

 

His success in club cricket led to his regular selection in Glamorgan`s Minor County games between 1910 ad 1920. The right-handed batsman also played for the Welsh county in one first-class match at the end of the 1922 season when other batsmen were not available. He scored 21 and 6 against the Leicestershire bowlers, and had his business commitments allowed, he might have played Championship cicket on a more frequent basis.

 

During World War One, Thomas had been a captain in the Northumberland Fusiliers and was mentioned in dispatches for bravery. He captained Neath R.F.C. in the 1920/21 season, and was a reserve in the Welsh side in 1921.

 

(December 2003)

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Dr.A.K.Hignell)