A triumph at the Swalec Stadium
This section of pembrokeshiresport.co.uk is well used to throwing a few brickbats around so it is a pleasure this month to look back on the Ashes Test in Cardiff and give a huge pat on the back to Glamorgan Cricket Club and everyone involved in making sure that the clash was a triumph of the field as well as on.
Many pundits, especially those on radio and television, felt that Glamorgan might have over-reached itself in applying for such a prestigious match, especially with the ground in need of so much pre-match development. But the architects and builders got it right, the ground was ready in plenty of time and even the pitch, which had received its share of criticism, was up to scratch, if a little slow. It looked a picture for all five days and I spoke to some first-time Australian visitors who thought that that the walk from the city centre, past the magnificent castle, alongside the River Taff and through Bute Gardens was a sight to remember.
Pembrokeshire cricket folk there in numbers
A huge number of cricket lovers from Pembrokeshire flocked to watch the test and thrilled at the skills shown on the field, which produced the perfect argument for having five day tests as well as the glitzy 20/20 stuff and the one-day internationals played over 50 overs per side. Everyone I have since spoken to about the match said that their day(s) at the game were very special with Richard Merriman, the Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers, summing it up when he said,
“It was brilliant, everything went like clockwork and the stewarding especially was outstanding.”
Spot on service
Whoever had done the public relations with staff had got it right because there was a warmth and friendliness from everyone working there, from those who took the tickets and searched bags, through the stewards at each entrance to the experts in the hospitality areas – there was a warm smile and a word of welcome. When two dopes ran on the field on the last day they were summarily dealt with and an announcement to the fact that they would be prosecuted ensured there were no repeats to mar that cracking last day.
Trefor Evans, the Chairman of the Pembroke County Cricket Club, travelled up from Whitland and was delighted with the way things turned out.
“The standard of play was immense, it was hard, uncompromising and just how an Ashes Test should be – I only wish I could have stayed to watch all five days.”
Some lucky folk from Pembrokeshire did just that and as well as very affordable hotels in the city centre there were the huge number of bed and breakfast establishments in the Cathedral Road area so that watching throughout wouldn’t break the bank.
Lasting memory
My own lasting memory will be of the time at the end of Thursday when Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting achieved their centuries and, to a man, the crowd stood and applauded such excellence. It was spontaneous, warm and true recognition of great innings that deserved such recognition – could you imagine a football even rugby crowd doing such a thing?
It all added up to a great event that will long remain in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to be there – and all I can say in conclusion is roll on the next test match at the Swalec Stadium, if it is anywhere near as good as the first one was!
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