Fred Morgan was the elder brother of Herbie Morgan who, in 1890, became Glamorgan’s first centurion, Whereas his younger brother was more of a batter, Frederick, who played once for the Welsh county in 1896, had an impressive record as a bowler in local cricket.
The farmer’s son from Lower Penarth first hit the headlines in the Cardiff and District League in 1888, taking 8/8 for Penarth against Barry Dock, before the following year claiming 8/10 against St. Mary’s. He was also a member of the South Wales CC and his first match of note came in 1886 when he played for the Next XVIII against the Club’s 1st XI at Newport in June 1886 as they showcased some of the rising talent in the area.
Fred made his Glamorgan debut in 1896 but, aged 30, he was past his best when he played against Monmouthshire at Rodney Parade. His belated appearance saw him play, not only alongside Herbie, but several others from the Penarth club. At the time, Fred was also Chairman of Penarth RFC, holding office between 1894 and 1898.
With Herbie running the family’s farm, Fred opted for a career in local business, and became managing owner of the Canton Sawmills in Cardiff. After retiring from cricket, Fred took up bowls and became captain of the Windsor Bowling Club, situated in the resort town on land owned by the Earl of Plymouth.
Like his brother, Fred had also been a useful rugby player in his youth, and took great pride in representing Penarth. This was also the case in later life as he spent over twenty years as a member of Penarth Urban District Council before , before serving as the town’s mayor. He died during February 1932 having suffered a fatal heart attack whilst erecting stalls at St. Augustine’s, ahead of a bazaar at the well-known Penarth church.
MORGAN, Frederick Walter.
Born – Penarth, December 1865.
Died – Penarth, 2 February 1932.
Batting and Fielding Record
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| MC Friendly | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3.00 | – | – | – | – |
Bowling Record
| Balls | M | R | W | AV | 5wI | 10wM | |
| MC Friendly | 60 | 3 | 33 | 1 | 33.00 | – | – |
Career-best performances
Minor County Friendlies – 3 and 1/33 v Monmouthshire at Rodney Parade, Newport 1896.