Rev. William Price holds a very special place in the annals of Welsh cricket as he scored a century in his first-ever match for Glamorganshire. Remarkably, it proved to be his one and only match for the county having been chosen to appear in the side, led by Rev. CP Woods, against Gloucester CC at the Spa Ground. Batting at number four in the first innings he made 2 before opening the batting second time around and making 103 as the game ended in a draw.
Born in Crickhowell and educated at Jesus College, Oxford, William had several other decent scores to his name at county level, chiefly for Breconshire for whom he had made his debut in 1862 against Monmouthshire. In 1867 he also made 56 in their match with Herefordshire whilst two years later he made an unbeaten 69 against Radnorshire.
He was also a member of the South Wales Cricket Club and went on their London tours in 1864 and 1865. In 1874 he also played for the Gentlemen of South Wales against the Players and made a match-winning innings of 61* against the paid players.
Had it not been for his clerical duties as the Curate of Lilleshall and Harborne, the statistics suggest that he could easily have made a living as a professional cricketer. His last match of note came in 1879 when he played for Breconshire against the pupils of Christ College, Brecon.
PRICE, Rev. William James
Born – Crickhowell, 1843.
Died – Thornbury, March 1908.