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Pembrokeshire cricketing quartet represent MCC
A little piece of Pembrokeshire cricketing history was made during the recent cricket season when no fewer than four cricketers from the county represented the Marylebone Cricket Club in a friendly match against Aberystwyth University.
Played on the university’s excellent cricket pitch, the intrepid four were Dr Roger Burns and Steve Jones (Burton), James Salter (St Ishmaels) and Darren Thomas (Carew) – and all four played a part in a good draw for the MCC as they amassed 241 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs and then restricted the students to a solid 197 for 9 wickets.
Dr Roger leads the way
Roger Burns has been a member of MCC for a number of years and was selected to play in Aberystwyth as a regular playing member of the squad which makes sorties all over the country to represent the world-famous club and when he learned that the team was likely to be short of a few regulars he recruited well from Pembrokeshire and all four played a part in their successful trip. Leading the way was the good doctor himself as he scored 43 not out in good time, sprinkling his undefeated innings with boundaries from his familiar left-handed stance.
James catches the eye
James Salter also caught the eye as he batted really well to score 29 runs before he was adjudged lbw to James Murrow-Ford. The Tish teenager also claimed three wickets in a couple of pacy spells and the team manager said in his match report to MCC that James would be an excellent candidate for consideration as a probationary member of MCC, high praise indeed!
This view was backed up by Roger Burns, who said, “I was delighted with the way that James performed because he batted really well and looked sharp with the ball and in the field. I knew that he was a promising young player and he certainly showed that he is a credit to family and club with his performance on and off the field. I am sure he will be invited to play in other matches at some time.”
Positively involved
Also positively involved were the other two Pembrokeshire stalwarts, who have served their clubs and county with distinction for lengthy periods as players and captains. Steve Jones picked up three wickets with his canny slow stuff and Darren Thomas also got his name on the wicket-takers’ sheet as he also bowled really well. Unfortunately, neither was needed in the batting stakes but played their parts in the field, with Dr Burns saying afterwards, “Both Darren and Steve were great representatives in Aberystwyth and it was a pleasure to see them playing for MCC alongside James and I. It was a marvellous day out and they certainly played a big part in its success as they mingled well with the rest of the team and the opposition.”
It all added up to a superb day and with everyone doing well our Pembrokeshire quartet will be able to tell their grandchildren that they represented the world-famous MCC in cricket!
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