Walter Roffey, an Old Harrovian, played in one Minor County Friendly for Glamorgan as he was chosen in their scratch XI against Cardiff and District at the Arms Park in August 1893.
At the time, the county hierarchy were assessing his credentials and prospects – despite his private schooling – as a potential professional having impressed as an all-rounder on Surrey’s junior staff, with Walter having made a forthright 54 for Surrey 2nd XI against Hertfordshire at The Oval in July 1889. The cancellation of the Minor County fixture with Wiltshire originally scheduled for August 1893 led to a trial game involving prominent members of Cardiff CC as the Glamorgan selectors ran their eye over Walter and other triallists. He failed to score a run besides doing little of note with the ball and was not called up again, despite later success – as an amateur – for the MCC and Incogniti.
Walter subsequently ran a highly successful grain merchants and became Chairman of the Home Cereals committee. During the Great War, he also served as Minister of Food during 1917 and 1918, and with the support of David Lloyd George, he suggested some radical solutions to overcome the fuel and manpower shortages which the nation faced. These included reducing the output at many breweries – something that met with opposition – but, thankfully, the position eased and Walter’s radical plans never saw fruition.
The husband of Lady Constance Roffey, he was knighted in 1918 and lived at Batans Hall, Wingfield in Surrey.
ROFFEY, Sir George Walter.
Born – Brentford, 21 May 1870.
Died – Templecombe, 13 March 1940.
Batting and Fielding Record
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| MC Friendly | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – |
Bowling Record
| Balls | M | R | W | AV | 5wI | 10wM | |
| MC Friendly | 182 | 8 | 90 | 4 | 22.50 | – | – |
Career-best performance
Minor County Friendly – 2/39 v Cardiff and District XI at Cardiff Arms Park, 1893.