Danny Jones was an influential figure in both the sporting and economic worlds of Cardiff before his life was prematurely cut short by illness at the age of 44.

The fourth son of Alderman Daniel Jones, Danny followed his father and brothers into the construction trade and, after qualifying as an architect, he helped to design several buildings in the Victorian town. He also inherited his father’s love of cricket, with Daniel senior having played for Cardiff against the All-England XI in 1855 and the United All-England XI in 1857.

Educated at Cardiff College, Danny first played for Cardiff as a teenager and was also chosen in the club’s match against the United England XI in 1882. Three years later, he made his debut for the South Wales CC. As an eager and enthusiastic example of the brave new world of cricket in the region, he was selected to appear for Glamorgan in their inaugural match against Warwickshire in 1889. I

In his five county appearances, Danny showed great promise as an opening batman and spin bowler, whilst on occasions he also kept wicket. Like many of his contemporaries in Cardiff, Danny also spent the winter months playing rugby for Cardiff, and a measure of both his prowess and popularity can be judged from the fact that for a couple of seasons, he captained their 2nd XV.

The Arms Park was therefore the fulcrum of his sporting life, and by rubbing shoulders with many of the other young athletes, he was able to secure a series of useful contacts for his family’s business. Sadly, Danny never fulfilled his commercial dreams or succeeded his father in the family company, as during the mid-1900s he suffered a series of heart problems. His health never recovered and in July 1908 he died at his home in Colum Road after a long illness.

JONES, Daniel Elias (‘Danny’).

Born – Cardiff, September 1864.
Died – Cardiff, 6 July 1908.

Batting and Fielding Record  

	M	I	NO	RUNS	AV	100	50	CT	ST
MC Friendlies	5	9	0	78	8.67	–	–	2	2

  Bowling Record  

	Balls	M	R	W	AV	5wI	10wM
MC Friendlies	30	0	21	1	21.00	–	–

Career-best performances  

Minor County Friendlies – 25 v Surrey Club and Ground at The Oval, 1889 and 1/21 v MCC at Lord’s, 1889.