
Gwyn Thomas played once for Glamorgan in 1922, having been a stalwart of their Minor County side either side of the Great War.
Gwyn attended Neath Grammar School and Edinburgh University, and represented Neath at both rugby and cricket. He was a bold striker of the ball, and freely scored against all types of bowling, often almost effortlessly lifting the ball out of The Gnoll ground, and into the gardens of adjoining houses.
His success in club cricket led to his regular selection in Glamorgan`s Minor County games between 1910 and 1920. The right-handed batsman also played for the Welsh county in one first-class match at the end of the 1922 season when other batsmen were not available. He scored 21 and 6 against the Leicestershire bowlers, and had his commitments at his doctor’s practice in Neath allowed, he might have played Championship cricket on a more frequent basis.
During World War One, Thomas had been a captain in the Northumberland Fusiliers and was mentioned in dispatches for bravery. He captained Neath RFC in the 1920/21 season, and was a reserve in the Welsh side in 1921.
THOMAS, Dr. John Leslie Gwyn
Born – Neath, 4th March 1891.
Died – Neath, 10th April 1932.
Best performances for Glamorgan:
In Minor County cricket – 44 v Surrey 2nd XI at The Oval, 1920.
In First-class cricket – 21 v Leicestershire at Cardiff Arms Park, 1921.
M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
Minor County Championship | 16 | 25 | 1 | 301 | 12.50 | – | – | 4 | – |
Minor County Friendlies | 4 | 7 | 1 | 86 | 14.30 | – | – | 1 | – |
First-class | 1 | 2 | 0 | 27 | 13.50 | – | – | – | – |