‘JDD’ Davis was a stalwart member of Neath CC, and his success as a batsman in club cricket during the years prior to the Great War saw the civil engineer make three appearances for Glamorgan – one each in 1909, 1910 and 1911.

The son of a leading iron, steel and timber merchant in Neath, he first played for the Gentlemen of Glamorgan against their counterparts from Carmarthenshire at The Gnoll in 1907. A good friend of Tom Whittington, he followed his pal into the county side in 1909 at Swansea against Carmarthenshire as Glamorgan’s selectors gave opportunities to several amateurs in the west of the county to display their talents.

However, the Glamorgan innings was dominated by Norman Riches who struck 141 before the declaration came on 228/7 with ‘JDD’ still with his pads on awaiting a chance to take strike. The Glamorgan bowlers then enforced the follow-on before clinching an innings victory with Davis having played an anonymous role in the victory. His next appearance, against Carmarthenshire at Swansea in mid-June at least saw ‘JDD’ claim a catch but with Whittington and Charles Elers each scoring hundreds, he did not get an opportunity to bat.

This finally came the following year when Buckinghamshire visited The Gnoll during mid-August with John making 27 besides taking catch as the Welsh county secured an innings victory. ‘JDD’ served on the committee of Glamorgan from 1907 until 1926, besides being secretary of Neath CC until after the Second World War. He also acted as secretary of the Welsh Engineers’ Association.

DAVIS, John Darelan David.

Born – St. Mellons, Cardiff, 27 January 1879.
Died – Neath, 27 November 1950.

Batting and Fielding Record  

	M	I	NO	RUNS	AV	100	50	CT	ST
MC Championship	3	1	0	27	27.00	–	–	2	–

Career-best performance  

Minor County Championship – 27 v Buckinghamshire at The Gnoll, Neath, 1911.