GLAMORGAN LEGEND ‘SHEP’ DIES AGED 90
GLAMORGAN’S leading wicket-taker Don Shepherd has died aged 90. People from across the cricket community have spoken of their memories after the former Glamorgan bowler died on Friday.
The off-spinner, from Port Eynon in Gower, remains the leading wickettaker in Glamorgan’s history, having claimed 2,174 victims in a 22-year career with the Welsh county.
He featured in two Glamorgan wins over Australia, bowled them to a Championship title in 1969, and was one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year in 1970.
Hugh Morris, Glamorgan chief executive, said: “Shep was a true legend and there will probably never be a bowler like him in the history of the county game. But Shep was more than just a wonderful bowler.
“He was a fine and loyal man who give his best for the club at all times and formed an integral part of the great Glamorgan side of the 1960s which twice beat the Australians and lifted the county crown.”
“Always prepared to help and advise others, ‘Shep’ was a fine mentor for so many cricketers, not just in Glamor- gan but all over the cricketing world and his sad passing will be felt by so many. We extend our deepest sympathies to Joan, his wife, and the rest of his family.”
Glamorgan Chairman Barry O’Brien said: “The club has lost one of its greatest players and undoubtedly it’s finest-ever bowler. Shep was a man who stood for all that is good about Glamorgan County Cricket Club, and someone who always played the game in the right spirit.
“He was a proud and loyal Welshman and, like so many others who watched him over the years at the likes of St Helen’s and the Arms Park, I am proud to have seen him and shared in his outstanding success while wearing the daffodil sweater.”
Former England and Glamorgan cricket star Robert Croft tweeted an emotional tribute and said: “A light has gone out with the passing of The Great Don Shepherd. Some never meet their heroes, I luckily did and “Shep” was 100 times more x”
The Professional Cricket Association added: “We are very sad to learn of the death of @GlamCricket great & PCA founder member Don Shepherd at 90. Our thoughts with family & friends.”
Pontarddulais Cricket Club said their thoughts were with Don’s relatives and said: “Sincere condolences to the great Don Shepherd’s family and all at @GlamCricket @Marespool #ripdon”
Former England cricket coach and commentator David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd said: “Sad news ...One of the great men of cricket.”
The cricket legend was inspired by his grandfather to take up the game, as he used to score for the village team of Port Eynon.
He played four games at Gowerton Boys’ Grammar School with no practice.
The turning point in his sporting career came when he got called up for National Service and was stationed at Worcester – there he played for the armed forces station against Gentlemen of Worcester, where the county officials offered him a six-month contract based at Lord’s in 1948.
At the end of the 1948 season he played for Glamorgan seconds in Exeter against Devon – the same year the county won the 1948 Championship.
He played his first Championship game in the first match of 1950 against Surrey at the Oval – it was the same ground he played his last match on in 1972.
Among his career highlights was beating the Australians in 1964 and 1968.
He said he was not concerned at missing out on England honours.
Shepherd previously said: “It never worried me. I played for MCC against the West Indians at Lord’s in 1957, and I played for a Commonwealth team under Australian captain Richie Benaud.
“If I’d been an Australian, he told me I would have played quite a lot of times.
“But there were so many terrific offspinners around towards the end – Fred Titmus, David Allen, John Mortimore, Ray Illingworth – and they could bat, while I was a bit of a slogger.
“I was happy enough doing what I did and what happened to me through my life.”