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Phillip’s on the up and up in Welsh cricket
At 11 years of age Phillip Llewellyn has already confirmed his considerable promise in cricket by being selected to play for Wales at his age group, the talented young off-spinner also representing the county and claiming wickets at regular intervals.
He started out at just eight years of age with Neyland under the watchful eye of Martin Jones and now plays for the Pembrokeshire under 11 team coached by Ian Poole and Adrian Griffiths, who make sure that his talents are developed carefully with sound advice at regular practice sessions and matches.
Hard work rewarded
At Neyland, where he plays for the under 11s and under 13s, he has a top score of 33 against Llangwm (batsmen have to retire when they reach 30) and best bowling figures of 3 for 8 against Llanrhian under 13s. He first played for the county at under 10 level and his best batting came on a successful tour to Ipswich where he scored 39 against Lancashire – and he and good bowling figures of 4 for 37 when the team played Carmarthenshire away.
Such performances earned him recognition by the Welsh selectors and it was the start of a real commitment that he had to show as the squad was whittled down from 40 to 24 and finally to 16. This meant travelling to coaching and assessment sessions in Newport and Cardiff on at least six occasions over a period of time but it all proved worthwhile because he received the letter confirming his selection for the final squad and the chance to play for his county.
Proud moments
Ask him about proud moments and he would say that one of the best was when he was presented with his Wales cap and the rest of his Welsh kit. So far, he has been chosen on no fewer than four occasions, marking his debut against Worcestershire with two wickets and a good catch.
Then the match against Leicestershire was rained off but he was soon back in action again with a wicket against Warwickshire, plus a wicket and run out against Bedfordshire. As to his batting for Wales, Phillip has yet to make it to the crease because the Welsh team is very strong in that area of the game!
Family support
Phillip gained his interest in cricket during back-garden sessions with his dad Alistair, the well-known Llangwm all-rounder who could also spin the ball as well as score runs aplenty, whilst mum, Julie Llewellyn used to play cricket as a good bowler with Llangwm ladies so it is no wonder that Phillip should shine in the summer sport. He also gets plenty of support from his nanny, Avril Platten, who scores for Llangwm CC and watches almost all of his games, whilst grandma, Christine Little, also gives lots of support.
Other sport
Phillip also enjoys rugby and he plays as hooker, and hopes to play in the forthcoming season for Llangwm CP, where he has had terrific support in sport from head teacher, Mr Nick Groves, and sports teacher, Mr Huw Benbow. He would also like to play for Llangwm, as he again follows dad because Alistair also played in the No 2 shirt alongside Phillip’s uncle, Julian Platten.
And finally . . .
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