With Glamorgan’s finances in a wafer-thin state, 1911 saw the Club hire professionals on a match-by-match basis, rather than offering season-long retainers. As a result, Henry Bainton, a journeyman professional was chosen for the away match with Staffordshire. It proved to be his only appearance.
At the time, Henry was attached to Cardiff CC for whom he played for a couple of years before moving to Scotland where he played for the Grange club in Edinburgh. He had first played with success for the Trowbridge club in his native Wiltshire, before having a trial with Worcestershire during 1907. Henry failed to secure terms with the West Midlands club, but his appearance for Glamorgan during 1911 gave him another chance to showcased his abilities with the bat. He duly made an unbeaten 72 against the powerful Staffordshire attack, having the previous August enjoying a purple patch with the ball, taking 8/16 for Cardiff against Swansea, and 6/23 against Clifton.
How the Glamorgan selectors must have wished they could have afforded his services more often. Henry was also a decent footballer and during September 1910 he played in a trial match for Cardiff City against a local club. Playing at inside-left, he headed a goal in the victory but no terms were offered and after completing his contract with Cardiff CC the following summer, Henry sought employment elsewhere. He never though fulfilled his ambition of playing League football and regular county cricket.
BAINTON, Henry George.
Born – Hilperton, Melksham, 25 January 1886.
Died – Chippenham, November 1942.
Batting and Fielding Record
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| Friendlies | 1 | 2 | 0 | 89 | 44.50 | – | 1 | – | – |
Bowling Record
| Balls | M | R | W | AV | 5wI | 10wM | |
| Friendlies | 12 | 0 | 22 | 0 | – | – | – |
Career-best performances:
Minor County Friendlies – 72* v Staffordshire at Stone, 1911.