Lyonel Hildyard was typical of the amateur cricketers without any direct connection with the area who, solely through the influence of Jack Brain, appeared sporadically for Glamorgan during the 1890s.

In the case of Lyonel, the right-handed batter had been a friend of Jack’s at Oxford University, yet despite not having any residential qualifications, he played for the Welsh county in their friendly against Gloucestershire at the Arms Park in May 1891. Lyonel had first played in county cricket for Somerset in 1882 before going up to Oxford and featuring in the university’s team which defeated the 1884 Australians. The following summer, he topped the Oxford batting averages, and established a reputation as a first-rate fielder at cover and a safe catcher in the slips.

He was the third son of the Headmaster of Bury Grammar School and, given his links with Lancashire, had appeared for the Red Rose county in eight matches during 1884 and 1885 before graduating and being ordained into Holy Orders. Lyonel had initially been a schoolmaster at St. Andrew’s College in Chardstock, which led to his appearances for Somerset.

Between 1894 and 1908 Lyonel was a minor canon of Windsor before becoming rector of Rowley. He remained here for the rest of his life with an oak portal being erected in the vestry to commemorae his contribution to the local community in East Yorkshire after his death in 1931.

HILDYARD, Rev. Lyonel d`Arcy.

Born – Bury, 5 February 1861.
Died – Hull , 22 April 1931.

Batting and Fielding Record  

	M	I	NO	RUNS	AV	100	50	CT	ST
MC Friendlies	1	2	0	4	2.00	–	–	1	–

Career-best performance

Minor County Friendlies – 4 v Gloucestershire at Cardiff Arms Park, 1891.