Profile of Len Muncer by Dr.A.K.Hignell - Hon Statistician and Historian to Glamorgan CCC

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Player:

BL Muncer

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Len Muncer played during the 1930`s as a leg-spinner for Middlesex. In 1947 Glamorgan captain Wilf Wooller persuaded Muncer to join the Welsh county, and concentrate on off-spin. With Johnnie Clay going into semi-retirement, Muncer won a regular place in the Glamorgan side, and he confirmed his new powers as an off-spinner with a tally of 107 wickets. These included returns of 8/36 against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham and 9/97 against Surrey at the Arms Park.

 

Muncer had an even more productive season in 1948, claiming 156 victims, and his fine bowling was a key aspect of the Welsh county`s success in the County Championship. During that golden summer for the Welsh county, Muncer took 15/201 in the game against Sussex at Swansea, and 15/161 against Essex at Brentwood. His fine catching close to the wicket was another important ingredient in Glamorgan`s success and in 1948 Muncer took 31 catches at slip or in the leg trap.

 

He was also an aggressive middle order batsman, and in 1951 performed the match double of 107* and 10/57 against Derbyshire at Chesterfield. Then in 1952 he went one stage better and achieved the seasonal Double of 100 wickets and 1,076 runs.

 

He sustained a groin strain in 1953, and after taking a Benefit in 1954, Muncer announced his retirement from first-class cricket with 8,645 runs and 755 wickets at 20.90 apiece. After retiring he took up a coaching post at Lord's, served as Head Coach until 1977, and recommended many young cricketers to Glamorgan.

 

(Article: Copyright © 2000 Dr.A.K.Hignell)