Pembrokeshire Vets are showing the amount of Cricket you play doesn't have to decrease as you mature in years. In fact, for many of the Pembs Vets they are now playing more games than ever. They make for a well organised team and tough opponent for whoever the take on. 

When you think about it, the more mature cricketers in the county generally have more time to play games. Often their children are now older and career wise these men are often in a position where they can more easily move work for a game of cricket so to speak. It's great to see the Vets playing so often and more importantly playing with smiles on their faces. 

We spoke with Andrew Williams from the Vets to get more information on the coming season and a bit about the team. 

Pembrokeshire Vets seems to be going from strength to strength, what have you guys got lined up for current season?

The season started with the indoor league where we had a successful season finishing 4th, just narrowly missing out on finals day. As soon as indoor finished we started net sessions which will take us up to the start of the outdoor season. We have lots of games arranged with hopefully fixtures against Wales Over 50s and 60s plus XL Wales. We have entered the Pembs T20 competition and will play against school sides, Pembs Under 17s, some club sides and the odd touring side. 

Tell us a bit more about the team, how many playing members do you have and how often do you play?

We have so far 36 paid up members this year and the outdoor season has not yet started. We will probably have over 40 members when we get going.

We try and get as many games as possible with last year some weeks playing 3 games. It is tough to juggle as majority of the members play for clubs and we have many in the Welsh Over 50s and 60s squads, so when Harrison Allen, Alec Colley and Ken Morris are going on it is harder to get fixtures, plus we rely on teams giving us grounds which can be difficult with so much cricket happening.

All Vets players seem to thoroughly enjoy playing with players in their own age bracket, how is this different to club cricket when you play with all ages?

For me the best thing about playing seniors cricket is that are all like minded, we play to win and are very competitive but go out and enjoy ourselves on the pitch with less pressure than what we would have in a club league game. Plus, you are playing with and against some top cricketers you have played at a high level through the years.

You obviously play a lot of cricket, however do the vets get together socially too?

We have a very good social media presence posting pictures of the games and presentations we make. After the game, the majority of players will stay after the match for a pint and we have awards for "man of the match" and our "ducky ducker award" given for something someone did during the game that stood out. We also have full playing kit whites and coloured which does help unite the sides, a club tie we present the club that provides us with a ground a plague to put up in their club house.

A bit of fun to finish out of the vets we want to know in your opinion...

Biggest joker?

We have many but "Minky" probably stands out with his fresh meat boys and motorbike or chainsaw when he takes a wicket.

Biggest moaner?

At our age we can all moan a bit but the great thing about the group is the banter, there are some real characters playing senior cricket. The WhatsApp group can keep you amused for hours!

⁠Fullest plate at tea?

The Tish boys of Kevin Bowen and Stuart Carpenter do love a tea between innings

First to the bar afterwards?

Paul Webb is always keen for a pint after nets often putting up on the WhatsApp group "is the bar open?" in the Neyland hub.

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