George Bowen was a multi-talented sportsman who, prior to playing county cricket for Glamorgan during the early 1890s, had played rugby with considerable success for Swansea and Wales during the late 1880s.
This was a period of great evolution in the oval-ball game, and George’s prowess as a swift-running half-back won him selection in 1887 in the Welsh side that travelled to Edinburgh to play Scotland. The game ended in defeat but he retained his place in the line-up for the match later in the season against Ireland at the neutral venue of Birkenhead. The following season, George won two further caps – against Scotland at Newport, as well against Ireland in Dublin.
In all, George played for Swansea RFC between 1883/84 to 1894/95. Whilst rugby was his stronger suit, George was still a good enough cricketer to win selection for the Glamorgan side. In club cricket, he was a fiery all-rounder, bowling sharp seamers as well as being a batsman who could use the long handle with some effect in the middle-order. However, George had little impact at county level in his four appearances with sole wicket coming during a ten-ball spell against a Colts XXI at St. Helen’s.
After retiring from playing rugby and cricket, George joined the committee of the Welsh Rugby Union. He was also a decent golfer, playing for both the Ashburnham and Royal Porthcawl Clubs. George initially worked at the New Dock chemical works in Llanelli, before moving to a post at the tinplate factory at Morrison. This followed by another move to help manage the Ashburton Tinplate Works in Burry Port. In later life, Bowen also served as Mayor of Kidwelly.
BOWEN, George Einon
Born – Swansea, June 1863.
Died – Porthcawl, 13 January 1919.
Batting and Fielding Record
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| Friendlies | 4 | 6 | 0 | 42 | 7.00 | – | – | – | – |
Bowling Record
| Balls | M | R | W | AV | 5wI | 10wM | |
| Friendlies | 55 | 2 | 20 | 1 | 20.00 | – | – |
Career-best performances
Minor County Friendlies – 17 v Monmouthshire at Cardiff Arms Park, 1891 and 1/0 v Colts XXI at St. Helen’s, Swansea, 1892.