George Edward Mansell Heath was a Hong Kong-born professional right-hand bat and fast-medium bowler who played 132 times for Hampshire between 1937 and 1949. He won his cap in his debut season and was awarded a Testimonial in 1951, after he had left the county. Early in his career Heath's lively bowling showed great promise and in 1938 he took 97 wickets (avge 23.77), but as with so many other player; the Second World War upset his career greatly and though he continued to be a valuable member of the side, he rarely repeated his early form. In June 1947, however, his best first-class innings analysis, 7 for 49 against Derbyshire at Portsmouth, played a big part in the side's victory. Heath's career figures - 404 wickets at an average of 28.11- confirm his ranking as a good county quick bowler who under different circumstances may have been much better.
Robert Brooke