Wells Jones, a stockbroker in South Wales, was one of the leading batters in South Wales during the 1860s and 1870s. During his career, he played club cricket for Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, besides playing a dozen times for Glamorganshire from 1867 until 1875.
During 1870 he came close to scoring the first century for Glamorganshire as he made 51 and 85 against Monmouthshire at Cardiff Arms Park. His county debut had come in July 1867 when he was chosen in Rev. CP Wood’s team which played Gloucester CC. In the match at the Spa Ground, Wells scored 9 and 11 besides claiming eight wickets.
During 1870 he came close to scoring the first century for Glamorganshire as he made 51 and 85 against Monmouthshire at Cardiff Arms Park. His county debut had come in July 1867 when he was chosen in Rev. CP Wood’s team which played Gloucester CC. In the match at the Spa Ground, Wells scored 9 and 11 besides claiming eight wickets.
His first inter-county match took place at the Arms Park during June 1869 he scored 55 and 24 against Monmouthshire, whilst his last appearance came in August 1875 against. His final appearance for the county side took place at the Arms Park on 10 and 11 August 1875 against Breconshire.
Had the Glamorganshire club not folded he would have played for them on many more occasions. Instead, he became a regular in the South Wales Cricket Club’s team and went on their London tours in 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1880, 1881 and 1882. On 10 and 11 July 1878 he also played for the club in their prestigious game against the Australian tourists at Swansea.
Wells had also turned out for Monmouthshire against Breconshire at Usk in 1871, whilst his final match of note came on 24 and 25 August 1883, at the Arms Park, when he played for East Wales against West Wales.
Born in Cwmbran, he had worked initially for the National Provincial Bank of England in Bridgend before becoming Manager of the branch of the London Provincial Bank in Cardiff Docks. His career changed direction in 1879, as a result of a friendship with Alexander Thackeray with whom he regularly played for Cardiff and the South Wales CC. Wells duly became a stockbroker and acted as the manager of Thackeray and Co.
JONES, Edwin Wells
Born: Cwmbran, Monmouthshire, December 1842.
Died: Penarth, 23 July 1923.