WA Cricket is mourning the loss of former Western Australian cricketer Ronald Bowe, who passed away recently, aged 85.
Vale Ronald Bowe
Bowe represented his state on three occasions in First Class cricket, all in 1968. His first opportunity came as a result of a thumb injury to regular opener Keith Slater in the penultimate match of the 1967-68 season against Queensland.
The opening batter made his debut against Victoria in Melbourne in February 1968 and was called into action straight away when Victorian captain Bill Lawry won the toss and elected to bowl. Bowe’s crucial innings, which was described by WA legend John Inverarity as “heroic”, was spread over two stints as he succumbed to severe cramps in stifling conditions and was forced to retire hurt.
Bowe’s 86, together with Inverarity’s 173, helped Western Australia to a first innings score of 405 and would help set up a 10-wicket win. That win over Victoria saw Western Australia claim its first Sheffield Shield title since 1947-48.
The right-hander played his other two First Class matches later that year, including one against the might of the West Indies in a tour match at the WACA Ground. The West Indies attack on that occasion featured Wes Hall, Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Charlie Griffith. His only other appearance for Western Australia came little more than a week later against Victoria on home turf.
Bowe finished with 110 runs at an average of 22 from six innings at First Class level. Following his time playing, Bowe also served for thirteen consecutive years from the late 1980s to early 2000s as a selector for the state side.
He also had a key role to play with Fremantle District Cricket Club, where he was player number 401 and a Life Member. Bowe captained Fremantle to the 1966-67 First Grade premiership and served on the committee during his time at the club.
A highly talented athlete, Bowe also excelled in the Western Australian Football League, managing 58 games for South Fremantle between 1959 and 1965. Bowe made a reputation for himself as a speedy mover on the wing.
Away from sport, Bowe was also a high school mathematics teacher.
WA Cricket extends its deepest condolences to the Bowe family.