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 Kieran Griffiths is one of those talented youngsters who can turn their hand to most sports and as well as being a very good young footballer and rugby player, is already, at 11 years of age, a Welsh international in cricket.
Kieran is a very talented opening batsman who can also bowl medium pace and he certainly links a natural talent to hard work because he can often be seen practising in the nets at Haverfordwest Cricket Club, with his dad Adrian, himself a Welsh international at senior level for a number of years, giving him lots of advice and encouragement.
Early start – and success
Like most youngsters, though, Kieran began playing cricket in the family’s back garden – and also enjoying the chance to play alongside older lads at The Racecourse when he was there watching dad skipper Haverfordwest to a string of trophies. By the time that he was nine years old he was playing for the Haverfordwest under 11 team that was coached by Andrew Phillips, and also plays for the under 13s this season. His top score has been 30 on a number of occasions, because batsmen have to step down then, and he has also picked up his share of the wickets too.
He represents Pembrokeshire under 11s, where Ian Poole and dad are the coaches, and in a match against Mid Glamorgan at Kilgetty he scored his maiden century as he included 16 boundaries in his 103 not out. He also scored 78 runs last season in a match at the Aberystwyth Festival as his batting has gone from strength to strength.
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 Eye catching displays
His performances certainly caught the Welsh selectors’ eyes because he was invited to attend trials, with six sessions at Sophia gardens followed by two days at Monmouth School and after reaching the last 40, last 24 and then final 16 to play for Wales, was delighted to play in all the matches.
He scored 70 against Herefordshire at Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd, and then 55 against Leicestershire on the Midland tour, this match played at Kegworth Cricket Ground.
Other sports
Outside of his cricket, Kieran also plays football for Prendergast Villa, where Matthew Hughes is the under 12s coach, enjoying his role in the centre of midfield where he can run all day and tackle as if his life depended upon it.
He also played rugby last season for the county under 11s as a gritty scrum half and made it the Dyfed team as a bonus. He was also invited to the final trial for West Wales Schools but the family were away on holidays and so he missed his chance! He is the county under 12s squad for the forthcoming rugby campaign, however, and is already looking forward to that!
Grateful for help
Ask Kieran about help he has received and, as well as Ian Poole and dad, he would mention mum Sharon, sister Nina as great supporters, plus Mr Matthew Vaughan and the rest of the staff at Fenton School in Haverfordwest.
There is no doubt that Kieran Griffiths is a very committed and likeable young man who loves being involved in sport and there is no doubt that we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk will be hearing a great deal more of him in the future!
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