REWIND: The Vale of Glamorgan police officer who's sporting prowess saw him represent Wales internationally

By Ellyn Wright

24th Apr 2022 | Local News

Image via South Wales Police
Image via South Wales Police

The achievements of a historic local police officer are being celebrated by South Wales Police in an upcoming booklet, due for release later this year.

Billy Spiller was born on 8 July 1886 and raised in the village of St. Fagans, near Cardiff.

In 1904, at the age of 18, he followed his father, who was also named William, and his older brother Harry into policing.

In a career spanning over thirty years, Billy served as an officer in communities of Cardiff, Hirwaun and the Vale of Glamorgan.

He gained several promotions throughout his service and was acknowledged for his compassionate approach to policing on number of occasions.

While serving as an officer, Billy was also acknowledged for his abilities in the sports of rugby and cricket.

Between 1910 and 1913 he made ten appearances for Wales at an international level. He scored a fine try on his Welsh debut against Scotland in 1910.

He scored four tries in the red jersey and play a part in the Grand Slam winning team of 1911. This Wales team won the Triple Crown, a feat they were not to achieve again for almost four decades.

In cricket, Billy represented Glamorgan at Minor and later County Championship level.

His finest hour at the stumps came in July 1921 when he scored the club's maiden first-class century in a match against Northamptonshire.

Billy died in St. Fagans, the village of his birth, a month short of his 84th birthday.

100 years on, South Wales Police recognises the sporting achievements of Billy Spiller whilst also remembering his services as a police officer.

     

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