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Runs and wickets galore for Jonathan
Jonathan Strawbridge is one of the new breed of talented young cricketers to emerge from the county’s coaching set up over recent years and this good coaching, allied to natural skill, flair and commitment has produced a very talented young cricketer indeed.
Jonathan has played all of his cricket for Fishguard, following dad Gary into the Fishguard first XI and catching the eye at county junior levels as he has captained his age group with a maturity beyond his years. He led the Pembrokeshire under 15s team to the final of the national competition which was played as a day/night match against North Wales at Sophia Gardens, and although the county youngsters lost they played superbly and Steven Inward scored a memorable century. He was also chosen for Wales at under 17 level but sadly was unable to play because of a back problem.
Key role for county juniors
Jonathan was unlucky to be run out early in that tussle but played a key role in the semi-final against West Glamorgan, which was played at Haverfordwest, top scoring with 48 to send Pembrokeshire into the excitement of a first match under floodlights.
Steven Inward had joined Jonathan in a big win against the Vale of Glamorgan in a county match where Pembrokeshire were chasing 240 to win but were struggling a little when the pair joined forces and batted so well that they won by eight wickets. Steven again scored an undefeated century and Jonathan supported really well with 89 not out as the pair shared an unbroken double century stand.
Ormond Cup man of the match
Jonathan again showed his batting prowess in this season’s Ormond Youth Cup Final as Fishguard took on holders Whitland in a great match at Carew. He led Fishguard by example as he stroked no fewer than ten sixes as he scored 77 not out in the first innings and 59 in the second innings – and although he was understandably disappointed by his team’s defeat he had some consolation in the fact that he deservedly received the man of the match award.
Back garden start
He started out in cricket with games in the back garden and was soon playing for Fishguard as a ten year old, forcing his way into the county set-up and also getting himself selected for the West Wales squad. He made his first team debut at 12 and initially was a very promising fast bowler but sadly he has suffered from back problems and so switched to spin bowling with a degree of success –and his best figures for some time came in the semi-final of the Ormond Cup this season when he switched to medium pace, coming off just five paces, and grabbed six wickets for only five runs!
Sporting all-rounder
Jonathan can certainly claim to be something of a sporting all-rounder since he played in goal for Fishguard from under 10 to 16 levels under the guidance of Brian Morris, was selected for the county against Aberystwyth and last season played between the sticks for Fishguard Sports. His best match was when the Sports beat Camrose in the quarter final of the Second Division Cup and won on penalties as he made the match-winning save. He is also a more than useful golfer and table tennis player – and played for Fishguard School in basketball.
Major sporting love
But it is cricket which is his major sporting love and although he has yet to score a maiden century he has reached the nervous nineties a few times and it is only a matter of time before he breaks the magic three-figure mark. His bowling is also an asset because he can bowl quickly when his back allows and doubles up as a useful spin bowler. Ask Jonathan about support and he would be quick to nominate parents Gary and Anne, whilst sister Ellen (14) plays netball and hockey, and younger brother Owen (10) is setting out in the game of cricket. He will receive every help from Jonathan because big brother is already a qualified coach and ready to impart his skills and knowledge to others as a real bonus from one of the most talented young crickets in the county in Fishguard Cricket Club’s all-rounder Jonathan Strawbridge.
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