It is with great sadness that the St. Helen’s Balconiers report on the passing of Gwyn Richards (Maesteg Celtic Cricket Club & Glamorgan).
Gwyn Richards, a key member of Glamorgan`s team that reached the final of the Gillette Cup during 1977, died suddenly on Saturday 14 October at the age of 71.
Gwyn played for Glamorgan from 1971 until 1979 and during 1977, the off-spinner and batter bowled several critical spells during the 60-overs competition, especially in the semi-final against Leicestershire at Swansea, where Gwyn returned the outstanding figures of 12-4-17-2. Later in the match, he also gleefully shared in a productive partnership with wicket-keeper Eifion Jones which saw Glamorgan to victory with fifteen balls to go and a place in a major one-day final at Lord’s for the first time in the Club`s history. Gwyn also bowled an excellent containing spell in the final against Middlesex, conceding just 23 runs from his 12-over allocation, in addition to taking the wicket of Graham Barlow.
Maesteg Celtic Cricket Club wrote “Everyone at the club are devastated to hear of the sudden passing of our former captain, chairman and Glamorgan legend, Gwyn Richards. Gwyn played a massive role in our club’s history and always gave his valuable time to help the youth of Maesteg.”
Gwyn supported many St. Helen’s Balconiers events including the recent Annual Awards Presentation Dinner held on the 4th October 2023.
He played 2nd X1 Championship Cricket for Glamorgan CCC from 1969-1979.
Played for Welsh Schools Played after his First Class Career for Maesteg Celtic Cricket Club.
He also played for Briton Ferry Steel, Gowerton and Pontarddulais.
Statistical details on Gwyn’s career can be found at https://glamorgancricketarchives.com/gwyn-richards/
