Bert Somers-Vine

Bert Somers-Vine, who died in Johannesuzg, South Africa, on June 6, was a batsman and change bowler who played for Transvaal between 1931-32 and 1945-46. He also appeared in wartime first-class cricket in South Africa and in December 1942 captained the Rest of South Africa to victory at the Old Wanderers ground, Johannesburg; over an Air Force X1 skippered by Walter Hammond. In ten first-class matches Somers-Vine scored 508 runs in 19 innings, with two not outs and an average of 29.38. His best score, and only first-class century, was 119 for Transvaal against Rhodesia at Bulawayo in March 946 in his last first-class innings. Somers-Vine's most relevant first-class innings however was 90 out of 176 scored for Transvaal v Griqualand West at Kimberley in January 1940; it was by far the highest innings of the match and ensured victory for his side. After his retirement Somers-Vine, a lawyer, was active in cricket administration. He was on the Transvaal cricket board of control for 18 years, serving as vice-chairman for six of these years. He was also instrumental in the building of the new Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg.
The Cricketer