llanrhian
cricket club
Llanrhian
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Cricket club
T
hese are exciting times down at Llanrhian CC. In terms of size, stature, and facilities, the club remains one
of the smallest in Pembrokeshire – and yet continues to punch well above its weight as the first XI prepare
for another year in the top division.
Two seasons ago, the club returned to Division
One after a 27 year absence – and under the
captaincy of Ben Jones, battled against all the
odds to survive relegation on a dramatic final
day.
A win down in St Ishmaels, and results in three
other games going their way, remarkably saw
them lift themselves to safety after spending 17
consecutive weeks at the foot of the table.
Last season, Geraint Morris took over the
captaincy, and this time there was no relegation
battle as the team continued to grow in stature
– finishing fourth in what proved to be a record
breaking summer.
As proof, all-rounders Gareth ‘Cadfael’ Davies
and Dominic Wright received call ups to the
Pembrokeshire County XI, who play prestigious
fixtures against other regions in Wales and
England -while Jack Jones enjoyed a superb year
with bat and ball and received the club’s Player
of the Year trophy.
Meanwhile the second XI also enjoyed a
good season, as they narrowly missed out on
promotion from Division Five.
This summer, both sides will be looking for
more of the same as the first XI, under the new
guidance of captain Paul Lewis and vice-captain
Richard Reed, will be looking to again cement
their place in the top flight.
And the second XI, led by club stalwart Tony
Kitchell, are targeting promotion with their
combination of youngsters and experienced
veterans!
But of course, the club is about so much more than
on field performances – and over the years has
provided a number of characters that help make
it such an integral part of the local community.
Chairman David Halse leads a small but hard
working committee, that includes renowned
former players Alun ‘ush’ Davies and Morgan
‘the moon’ Miles, who along with groundsman
Colin Holness put in long hours to prepare the
pitch and outfield.
Meetings of course, take place at the club’s
favourite watering hole, the Sloop Inn, Porthgain,
which players have long frequented after games.
Another former player, Ted Joyce, and his
partner Jane Jenkins, have worked tirelessly off
the field to ensure the club keeps up to date with
financial, administrative, and welfare issues,
while Rob ‘beaver’ Morris has been instrumental
in the club’s recent resurgence, helping secure
sponsorship far and wide.
44 Issue 07