Welsh rugby international George Young was one of a number of sporting gentlemen who represented Glamorgan in Minor County cricket during the 1890s, not because of outstanding abilities with bat or ball, but because of their fleet footedness and athletic prowess in the field, in contrast to some of the more immobile and portly amateurs.
His father Charles Young had played for the Glamorganshire club in 1871 before becoming a well-known shipbroker in Cardiff Docks. He was also a leading light with the Garth club in Morganstown following a move during the 1860s from his native north-east England. Educated at Malvern College, George also played for the Garth club before becoming one of the stars of Frank Hancock’s Cardiff rugby team.
Initially a forward, George moved into the three-quarters and enjoyed a fine season with the club during 1885/86 and went on to win Welsh caps in the 1886 Home Internationals against England and Scotland. Wales lost both games and George never won further honours, although he led Cardiff RFC with distinction during 1887/88 and 1888/89.
George had been a decent schoolboy cricketer, and his flowing strokeplay and nimble fielding for Cardiff CC and Bridgend CC, attracted the attention of the county selectors. All three of his appearances for Glamorgan came outside Wales – in 1892 he appeared in the away matches against Devon at Exeter and the MCC at Lord’s, with George making a handsome 61 in the latter match. He was chosen again the following year for the visit to Exeter, but with increasing commitments in his father’s business, this was the final time he was able to appear for the Welsh county. Having moved to live in Plymouth Road in Penarth, George suffered from ill health during 1899 and he died the following January.
YOUNG, George Avery.
Born – Tynemouth, 23 March 1866.
Died – Penarth, 21 January 1900.
Batting Record
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| MC Friend | 3 | 5 | 1 | 101 | 25.25 | – | 1 | 1 | – |
Career best performances
Minor County Friendlies – 61 v MCC at Lord’s, 1892.