CRICKET News from Pembs-Sport

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The people who count in local cricket

There are two groups of unsung heroes in Pembrokeshire cricket without whom the game could not go ahead – and they are the umpires and scorers, who are affectionately known as the ‘Third Team’.
We have already highlighted the terrific work undertaken by the men in white coats so now is an appropriate time to look at the work done by those ladies and gentlemen who keep score, week in, week out throughout the cricket season.

Works of art from the ladies

The way that they keep their books is a work of art in its own right, with different colours to highlight each batsman and bowler, so that they can even point out to an eager player where they have conceded runs or from where a batsman has been most successful.
Jayne Cole at Haverfordwest and Wendy Bradshaw (St Ishmaels) are two such ladies who do a superb job for their teams in the first division – and they not only keep score but join another ace scorer in Janice Webb in placing the score sheets on the internet as they e-mail them to interested parties that not only include the local press but also the Pembrokeshire Fantasy league cricket website!

Fellers also do just fine!

The fellers involved in the first division are all experienced old-timers like Peter Hughes and Dave Richards, who do a great job respectively at Narberth and Cresselly, as does Malcolm Thomas at Lawrenny, who doubles up as the official scorer for the Pembroke County Club matches.
John Laugharne is one of the newer recruits as a former player at Neyland, where he is now assisted by Jenny Seaton, whilst Hazel Poole really does a good job for Saundersfoot and Clarissa Lewis has just started out at Herbrandston. That just leaves Carew, who currently don’t have a dedicated scorer – but are assisted by experienced and former players!

Bags of experience in Division Two

In Division Two there is no doubt that the most experienced scorers are Ros Phillips (Haverfordwest) and Joy James (Hook), who not only keep scores so expertly but are also heavily involved in the running of their clubs, and are also adept at dealing with the many nuisance calls during matches from members of the local press!
Mark Venables can lay claim to being one of the youngest members of the scoring fraternity at Burton, not only keeping an accurate and pristine scorebook but sometimes using a computer programme on his lap-top to show his all-round expertise.

Always eager to help!

Johnston are lucky to make use of Delyth and Emma Summons, with Steve Mills (senior) also willing to step in when needed – but Carew again are unlucky in not having a regular scorer. Des Brace is very much an unsung hero with Cresselly seconds and Ann-Marie Jenkins has come on in leaps and bounds – with partner Rob Benjamin often ready to step in with Whitland seconds to fill the breach as an added bonus!
Helen Griffiths has developed into an eager scorer at Pembroke Dock as she watches husband Glyn and son Scott – and it is an identical situation at Stackpole where Claire Cox scores as husband Owen and son Huw take part. Finally, Llangwm used to have Jeff Saies and Janice Brick, but at present can call on Stewart Beresford to sometimes step in to complete a smashing group of individuals who serve Pembrokeshire cricket so well – and are always eager to help!