Cyril Smart

Cyril Smart was one of the most explosive county batsmen during the 1930`s, and in 1935 he created a world record by hitting Hampshire`s Gerry Hill for 32 in an over at Cardiff Arms Park. The right-hander struck the Hampshire bowler for 6, 6, 4, 6, 6 and 4, with the latter four being just inches short of crossing the boundary for another amazing six. Earlier in the 1935 season, Smart had given another display of bold hitting, with 114* against the South Africans. What was remarkable about this innings, was that it largely came during a record tenth wicket partnership of 131 with Wilf Hughes. Their efforts helped to save Glamorgan from defeat, and Smart celebrated his hundred with a huge six lofted high out of the Arms Park, and straight through the plate glass window in the foyer of a hotel in Westgate Street! In all games in 1935, Smart established a club record with 30 sixes, and six of these came in his career best 151* against Sussex at Hastings.

Smart had initially played for Warwickshire from 1920 until 1922, before joining Briton Ferry Town as their professional and qualifying for Glamorgan. He made his debut for the Welsh county in 1927, but he did not secure a regular place until 1934. It was not long before his big hitting made him a popular figure with Glamorgan`s supporters and he passed a thousand runs every summer bar one from 1934 until 1939.

During the War, Smart appeared in every one of Glamorgan`s wartime friendlies, often at great inconvenience to himself, but he was keen to support the club that had shown so much faith in him. When the Championship resumed in 1946, he helped out Glamorgan for one final season, before retiring to run a pub in Abertillery. (Submitted by bAndrew Hignell - June 2000)