Dick Duckfield established a Glamorgan batting record in 1936 by hitting an unbeaten 280 against Surrey at The Oval. At the time, it was a new club record for the highest individual innings in the club`s history, and a very bright future was being predicted for the Maesteg-born batsman. Yet within two years Dick had retired from the county game after a complete loss of confidence.

Dick had made his Glamorgan debut in 1930, and within a few seasons, the right-handed batsman had secured a regular place in the county`s middle order. A series of well composed centuries followed to confirm Dick`s rich potential and in 1934 he was selected to play for the Players against the Gentlemen.

His marathon five and a half hour vigil against Surrey in 1936 also showed his ability to compile large innings, but soon afterwards, Dick started to doubt his ability in the field and he found it increasingly difficult to either catch or field a ball. Dick also lost form with the bat, and consequently lost his place in the county`s side.

These difficulties resulted in his retirement from professional cricket at the end of the 1938 season, although Dick did re-appear in Glamorgan`s fund-raising friendlies during 1944. After leaving the Welsh county, Dick ran a sports shop in Maesteg. In his youth, he had played rugby as a strong-running centre three-quarter for Maesteg RFC.

DUCKFIELD, Richard George

Born – Maesteg, 2^nd July 1907.   

Died – Bridgend, 30^th December 1959.   

Best performance for Glamorgan:

In first-class cricket – 280* v Surrey at The Oval, 1936.    

	M	I	NO	RUNS	AV	100	50	CT	ST
First-class	191	301	39	6894	26.31	9	37	26	–

	Balls	M	R	W	AV	5wI	10wM
First-class	318	1	255	0	–	–	–