The Rogerstone Directory - History Articles

Cricket in Rogerstone continued

Following the previous article in the directory, further research has revealed that sometime before 1909 Rogerstone lost the ground they played on. This was revealed by a report from the late Tom Williams who played for Rogerstone at the time and also played Professional soccer at Ton Pentre. Tom Williams reported that following the loss of the ground, he went to Tredegar House to watch Machen play. He subsequently joined Machen Cricket Club and cycled to Lower Machen to play on a regular basis.

The loss of the ground is possibly significant with respect to the famous Rogerstone soccer side, since it is believed they were also the nucleus of the cricket side and probably used the same ground. This might explain why the very successful soccer side suddenly disbanded in 1906.

Also arising out of the previous article, it transpires that one of the players in the team photograph, Cliff Godwin, was nicknamed 'The Prayer bowler'. This was because, when he was bowling, at the point of delivery he was almost in a kneeling position. To this day, his daughter remembers her father's cricketing nickname.

In the 1960s, the club was moving into another era with a blend of younger players and experienced players. At this time, the Club was very strong with regards to the players available. Teams were selected on Monday evenings and posted in the porch of the Welfare House (Tydu House). The posting of the weekend teams was always eagerly awaited by a crowd of youngsters. Notable players in those days were Len Price, one of the club's finest batsmen and captains; Mervyn (Mel) Doody, one of the club's hardest workers; Malcolm Clayton; Rowland Barton; Jack Davies; Jeff Walsh; John Hackling; Roger Broome; John Evans; Barrie O'Neil; Mike Warren; Glyn Lixton; John Whittacker; Dave Williams; B. Morris; John Hunt and many others. One of the earlier players was Fred Morgan who also played soccer for Rogerstone and was a member of the Brass band.

At this time, the club was very lucky to have a thriving ladies section who provided the catering services and organized fund raising events. They also won a prize for best Float in the Rogerstone Carnival.

In the late 1960s the club ventured on the first of many tours. The first three tours were based at Weston Super Mare. It was on one of these tours that members had their first experience of playing against current county cricketers. One of the fixtures was at a small village club, Ashcot and Shapwick, Somerset on a Sunday. In those days there was no county cricket on Sundays and unknown to us, Somerset players Graham Burgess and one of the Palmer brothers played for them on Sundays. The result was inevitable but it was still an experience well worthwhile. Tours became an annual event and took us to Middlesex, Wolverhampton, Oxford, Devon and Kent. One of the memorable victories at Kent was the defeat of Poets C.C. when all 10 batsmen of the opposing side were caught behind the wicket. One at leg slip, one at slip and eight by wicketkeeper Andrew Jefferies, the best known record for catches by a wicketkeeper in a match. Other notable tourists were Mike Morgan, the renowned Glamorgan fan, Dick Ellis, Alan Roden and Steve Jones, currently Rugby correspondent for the Sunday Times.

In the 1970s, the league cricket was started in the area and the club first played in the Gwent League. Also in the late 1970s, the club formed its first youth section which continued to 1987, winning 4 trophies in 6 years and providing the nucleus of the 1st Eleven in later years.

The concept and construction of the Rogerstone By-Pass was to provide new facilities for sport at the Welfare grounds. To make way for the By-Pass, the old Welfare House, or more correctly Tydu House, had to be demolished. This meant the loss of the tea rooms in the house and also the showers in the old stables. In their place, the current Community facilities were built and opened in 1981. These facilities included new changing rooms and showers on the football field side. On the cricket field side of the building were tea rooms and a kitchen opening out on to the cricket field. However, the old wooden cricket pavilion remained. The addition of these facilities proved to be the start on which the club could build, both on and off the field, and look forward to making Rogerstone a force in Welsh cricket.

The concept and construction of the Rogerstone By-Pass was to provide new facilities for sport at the Welfare grounds. To make way for the By-Pass, the old Welfare House, or more correctly Tydu House, had to be demolished. This meant the loss of the tea rooms in the house and also the showers in the old stables. In their place, the current Community facilities were built and opened in 1981. These facilities included new changing rooms and showers on the football field side. On the cricket field side of the building were tea rooms and a kitchen opening out on to the cricket field. However, the old wooden cricket pavilion remained. The addition of these facilities proved to be the start on which the club could build, both on and off the field, and look forward to making Rogerstone a force in Welsh cricket.



~Rogerstone First X1 1962 - A.Ball, A.Moise, J.Walsh, G.Lixton, D.Picken, J.Hackling, M.Warren, D.Williams, J.Whittacker, G.Tobitt, K.Lowery, L.Price, R.Phillips



D.A.Picken, Rogerstone Local History Society, A.Trinder, Rogerstone Welfare Cricket Club.

To be continued next cricket season.

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