Jack Johns took a wicket with his first-ever ball in county cricket when he made his Championship debut for Glamorgan, against Somerset at the Arms Park in 1922.

However, it proved to be the 36-year old off-cutter’s only appearance at first-class level, and given his fine record for Briton Ferry Town CC, he would have played more often for Glamorgan had the Great War not interrupted his career.

His Championship debut had come in mid-July 1922 when regular off-spinner Jack Nash was struggling with a leg injury. It proved to be an eventful first day as Glamorgan, after winning the toss, were bundled out for 99 by Somerset who then had an hour and a quarter to bat before the close on the rain-affected first day. During this time, they slipped to 64/7 as Jack opened the bowling and with the first ball of the innings had Sydney Rippon deftly stumped by wicket-keeper Norman Riches who was standing up to Jack In his fourth over Jack added a second scalp as Jack MacBryan was clean bowled leaving Somerset on 3-2 before stumbling further to 77 all out.

Jack’s first game for the county had been the Minor County match against Monmouthshire on his home ground at Briton Ferry in 1920 when he took 6/44. His brother Tom, a more classical off-spinner, but an equally effective performer for Briton Ferry Town CC had also played for the Welsh county in their days before gaining first-class status.

JOHNS, John                   

Born – Briton Ferry, 15^th October 1885      

Died – Neath, 10^th January 1956

Best performances for Glamorgan

In Minor county cricket – 6/44 v Monmouthshire  at Briton Ferry, 1920.

In first-class cricket – 3 and 2/29 v Somerset at Cardiff Arms Park, 1922.

	M	I	NO	RUNS	AV	100	50	CT	ST
Minor County Championship	1	2	0	0	–	–	–	–	–
Minor County Friendlies	1	1	0	0	–	–	–	–	–
First-class	1	2	1	4	4.00	–	–	–	–

	Balls	M	R	W	AV	5wI	10wM
Minor County Championship	24	0	16	0	–	–	–
Minor County Friendlies	168	3	102	11	9.27	2	1
First-class	108	3	62	2	31.00	–	–