Alan Lewis Jones became one of the club`s youngest ever players when he made his first-class debut as an 16 year old against Gloucestershire in 1973 at Bristol. The left-handed opener subsequently played for Young England, and in 1975 the 18 year old showed his immense promise against the Australians at Swansea, hitting a rapid 55 during a century partnership for the 1st wicket.

After completing his college studies, A.L. secured a regular place in the county`s side, but it wasn`t until 1984 that he registered his maiden Championship hundred, against Gloucestershire at Sophia Gardens. After several years of waiting to pass this landmark, it proved to be a huge boost to his confidence, and he scored four more centuries that season, to finish 1984 with 1811 runs in first-class cricket.

But just when he was poised to confirm his potential, Jones sustained a shoulder injury in the opening Sunday League fixture of the 1985 season, and spent several months on the sidelines. It sadly proved to be a serious injury, and inhibited his fielding and throwing. After a further operation and a period of rehabilitation, Jones was forced to retire from the first-class game in 1986. (Submitted by Andrew Hignell - April 2000)