Eddie Rees was reputed to be the fastest amateur bowler in South Wales during the 1890s. The fast round-arm bowler had shot to prominence with some wicket-laden performances for the St. Paul’s club in the Cardiff and District League. He subsequently joined the Cardiff club, and went on to play in nine matches for Glamorgan between 1893 and 1896.
His county debut, against Monmouthshire at the Arms Park in June 1893, saw him go wicketless besides bagging a pair, but Eddie met with more success in his next appearance, at Exeter in late July as he claimed 4/44 in the contest against Devon. After a solitary appearance during 1894, he played in three matches the following year. After a seven-wicket match haul against Monmouthshire in July at Usk, he returned his best-ever figures in the county’s ranks the following month, taking 6/42 in Herefordshire’s first innings.
Eddie made three further appearances during 1896 but his bowling prowess, appeared to be on the wane as he took just five wickets in 41.4 overs. Despite not playing again for Glamorgan, he continued to appear for Cardiff and in August 1904 he was a member of the Gentleman’s team which met the Players of Glamorgan in a fund-raising contest at the Arms Park.
REES, Edward (‘Eddie’).
Born – Cardiff, August 1871.
Died – St. Mellon’s, 13 October 1911.
Batting and Fielding Record
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| MC Friendlies | 9 | 15 | 5 | 47 | 4.70 | – | – | 6 | – |
Bowling Record
| Balls | M | R | W | AV | 5wI | 10wM | |
| MC Friendlies | 860 | 49 | 404 | 24 (+1) | 16.83 | 1 | – |
Career-best performances
Minor County Friendlies – 17 v MCC at Lord’s, 1896 and 6/42 v Herefordshire at Hereford, 1895.