‘Robbie’ Roberts had an illustrious career with the RAF, and had the left-handed batsman from Pontardawe been available more often, he could have had a highly successful career with Glamorgan.
Robbie played four times for the county during the mid-1930`s, with his debut coming during 1934 against Warwickshire at Swansea in 1934 when Maurice Turnbull was absent on England duty. After making a composed and unbeaten 47, Robbie kept his place for the next match, against Somerset at Downside School, but as his military training began, he only played once in 1935, and twice during 1936.
After the Second World War he also played for the Combined Services and showed his class by scoring 52 against the 1947 South Africans at Portsmouth. He duly rose to the rank of Air-Vice Marshall, besides acting as the Director of Personnel Services for the Ministry of Defence (Air). Between 1966 and 1968 Robbie also acted as Director General of RAF Ground Training, and was awarded both the CBE and OBE for his efforts.
ROBERTS, John Frederick
Born – Pontardawe, 24th February, 1913.
Died – Uplands, Swansea, 20th April 1996.
Best performance for Glamorgan:
In first-class cricket – 47* v Warwickshire at Swansea, 1934.
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| First-class | 5 | 6 | 1 | 86 | 17.20 | – | – | 3 | – |