St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

Item

PH288

Object ID

PH288

Type

Photograph

Rights Holder

CIC

Provenance

Brian Simpson

Season

1957-1958

Description

Photograph, B&W. Swansea 1st XV v Group Captain Ranji Walker's XV 14th September 1957. Small tears to sides and larger one to bottom of print. Repaired with acid-free tape. Dimensions: w9 1/4" x h6 3/4" (w23.5cm x h17.2cm)

Info

This team photograph depicts the Swansea fifteen who played against Group Captain Sydney George "Ranji" Walker's team - known as Ranji walker's XV - on Saturday14th September 1957 at St Helen's ground, Swansea. The image taken by the South Wales Evening Post, . was one of a pair, the other being Ranji Walker's XV. A copy of that image resides in the Ranji Walker's XV scrapbook in the StHelen's Archive. Walker's XV toured annually from 1949 to 1958. Walker selected players who were either internationals or likely to become so. His sides were always a difficult opposition. The idea of the venture was born out of the friendship of Ranji Walker and Swansea Hon. Secretary Cliffe Prosser and the first ever fixture was against Swansea. Walker's XV also played against Newport, Llanelli, Cardiff, Harrogate in England, and in Ireland against Wanderers (Dublin), Dolphin and Galwegians. In this particular fixture in 1957, Swansea emerged winners by 12 points to 6, tries being scored by Bryan Richards, John Jeffries and Brian Mullins. Dudley Thomas kicked a penalty. For Walker's XV Oliver Grieveson of the Headingley club kicked two penalties. The players in the Swansea team photograph were identified with the help of former All White Islwyn Hopkins, who played in the match and appears in the photograph. They are as follows: Back Row (L to R): Viv "Matty" Davies (linesman), David Rowlands, Billy Davies, Brian Ford, Islwyn Hopkins, N G (Glyn) Davies, Ian Jones, Gordon Morris. Front Row (L to R): Brian Mullins, John Jeffries, Alan Prosser-Harries, Teifion Williams (Capt.), Dudley Thomas, Bryan Richards.