Sam Moss was typical of the journeymen professionals who enjoyed a brief career with Glamorgan in the Club’s early years during the 1890s. But whereas many played for the Welsh county late in their caree when they were well past their best, it was Sam’s youthful and energetic performances whilst playing in South Wales which first brought him to the public’s attention and led to opportunities with other counties.

Born in Salford, and raised in the Manchester area, Sam secured a position with the Hill’s Plymouth club in Merthyr Tydfil for 1890 and during the next two years, he proved to be amongst the fastest bowlers in the club cricket. His success resulted in his selection in 1892 for Glamorgan against a Colts XXI at Swansea. He took 11/8 in their first innings and 4/2 a second time around, with his success soon coming to the attention of the Lancashire officials.

The following year, Sam played club cricket for Bury and Enfield, besides featuring in the Lancashire Club and Ground side, plus their 2nd XI team. However, there were a few who questioned his action and in the match in 1894 against Surrey 2nd XI he was called for throwing. With doubts over his action, Lancashire did not offer him terms and Sam subsequently secured professional appointments with Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1895, Haslingden in 1896, and Bacup between 1897 and 1900.

He also played for Staffordshire in Minor County matches between 1897 amd 1900, but in the latter season he was called again for throwing in a match for Bacup in 1900. Despite the stigma attached to being called, Sam subsequently secured positions from the early 1900s onwards at Barnsley, Batley, Burslem, and Walsall, before playing his final years with the Padiham club.

He retired from playing after the Great War and retained a keen interest in cricket, especially as his son Ernie was making his way in League cricket in Northern England. To Sam’s great pride, Ernie was drafted into the Glamorgan side for their match against Lancashire at Blackpool in June 1923, but tragically, two months later Sam was killed whilst walking along a railway line in the Featherstone area to watch a game.

MOSS, Samuel.                                                                                    

Born – Salford, 1867.

Died – Featherstone, 7 August 1923.

Batting and Fielding Record  

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

  Bowling Record  

	Balls	M	R	W	AV	5wI	10wM
MC Friendly	92	10	10	15	0.67	1	1

Career-best performances

Minor County Friendlies – 2 and 11/8 v Colts XXI at St. Helen’s, Swansea, 1892.