As players dust off their cricket equipment and clothing in readiness of the start of the season on Sunday (Apr 28), another team of equally important persons have been preparing themselves for the sound of leather and willow.
The Pembrokeshire Association for Cricket Officials held their Annual General meeting at Haverfordwest Cricket Club on Monday (March 24), where veteran umpire Trefor Evans took the reigns as Chairman for the next three years, a role which he will combine with the Safeguarding Officer. The equally venerable Arthur Brady continues in his role as Secretary and Match Appointment Officer, Dave Brandon remains in situ as Assistant Secretary with Rober Ridge continuing as Treasurer.
Members present stood in silence to remember those who snicked one behind from the cricketing family before the formal business of the meeting started. On conclusion there was a hearty discussion around the new league rule brought into Pembrokeshire Division 1 from the recent County Club AGM, where legside bowling would be deemed a wide.
The comradery built up between those who take their place at the best seat in the house for cricket allows the Association to build on its roots laid down umpires in times past under the guidance of Major Tim Protheroe-Beynon. Also included in the Association name are the scorers provided by each Club, who form a formidable team to allow the beautiful game to flourish.
Attracting new blood remains a concern, not only in Pembrokeshire but across Wales and the ECB, where potential incumbents now continue to ply their trade as players with the snowballing advent of Senior Cricket. A recent course at Neyland Community Hub run by Training officer for Wales ACO Chris Jones didn’t see a new name to be added to the list for the forthcoming season, where there is a pathway to officiating at Premier League level (achieved by Simon Richards & Jonathan Twigg) enroute to international and First Class cricket Appointments.
Currently the Association have enough participants to cover Division 1 games this season, although some of these may not have two colleagues standing together even. The opening weekend fixture appointments have not been released as yet, with the opening round of games see, Cresselly hosting Llangwm, Bicentenary celebrating and last season’s Dan Jones Cup Division 2 champions Haverfordwest welcoming Saundersfoot to the Racecourse, Lawrenny entertaining close rivals and last season’s league runners up Carew, whilst newly promoted Whitland make the long journey to St. Ishmaels. Defending champions Neyland host Narberth at the Athletic Ground in pursuit of the James Morris Memorial Cup, a trophy the ‘All Whites’ haven’t relinquished since Carew lifted the cup in 2017.
