Whitland Cricket Club is now rightly regarded as one of the best clubs in the county, with a superb pitch, outfield, clubhouse and other facilities – and a talented young side that is well led by Edward John.
 
Ed is 26 years of age and has played cricket for as long as he can remember, following in the footsteps of his father, Colin, who was not only a stylish batsman but highly respected as a coach who has overseen all of the club’s spectacular success in the Ormond Youth Cup. His mother Angela also works hard in the club’s cause and his sisters Sarah and Alys have also played for Whitland.
 

Early start to his cricket

 
Like most cricketers, Ed set of in the game by playing in the garden of the family’s home, just a cricket ball’s throw from the ground at Springhill, where the nets were also extensively used by as he joined Jonathan Thomas, Iestyn Scourfield and the older Matthew Davies, all now established first-teamers, in practice sessions that sometimes lasted all day, and often into the evenings as well.
 
He started out playing matches as a nine year old and two years later played in a Harrison-Allen Bowl match (something that wouldn’t be allowed now!) when Whitland were a man short against Herbrandston and he fielded third man at both ends and didn’t bat!
 

County recognition

 
His play as a batsman and spin bowler soon earned him recognition at county junior level and for West Wales, captaining them at every level and often playing a year up. But it was in one such match with and against players a year older that he lost a tooth when he top-edged a ball into his mouth – and has won a protective helmet ever since!
 
Ed was also included in the Welsh squad throughout the age groups and regularly attended the training sessions at Cardiff, Neath and Ebbw Vale. Sadly he never made the team.

“I was eventually told that I was too small,” said Ed with a chuckle, “but I never saw it that way at the time and felt really disappointed not to get even one chance in the team.
 

Ormond Cup disappointment and joy

 
Ed played in the Ormond Youth Cup Final for the first time when he was 16 against a very good Llanrhian outfit that included Gareth Davies and Geraint Morris, and was chosen as captain. They lost at Carew but Ed was again skipper the following campaign against Llangwm and not only raided the Ormond Cup aloft as skipper but received the ‘Man of the Match’ accolade for his innings of 63 not out and 33 not out.

“We had a really good side that included Jonathan Thomas and Jonathan ‘Fox’ Davies, who has just returned from his amazing Australian tour with the British and Irish Lions.”

 
Other sports

 
Outside of his cricket, Ed is a useful all-round sportsman who used to play football for St Clears and then Cardiff University, where he was studying for his degree in pharmacy. He also played rugby as a scrum half for Whitland juniors but stopped after under 16 level because he couldn’t really find time to fit it in.

“I also like running,” admitted Ed, “and took part in half marathons at Cardiff and bath before I entered the Berlin Marathon with my girl-friend, Ceirios Jones. It was amazing, with huge crowds, bands on almost every corner, and such support that it was great to just take part. I finished in three hours and 30 minutes, just a little behind the winner, the great Haile Gabrisalasi!

“I also play golf off a handicap of 22 but work in the pharmacy keeps me busy and I can’t devote time to golf and cricket, which has to come first.”
 

Ready to travel for Whitland

 
Whilst in college Ed played against the likes of St Fagans and Aberystwyth in midweek but always made it home at the weekends so that he could play for Whitland.

It’s the same story now because after qualification as a pharmacist his pre-registration season saw him only ably to play every other Saturday – and even now it is quite difficult sometimes to make it to evening games on time. This determination to be involved has paid off, however, because it resulted in him helping Whitland to the final of last season’s Harrison-Allen Bowl.

 
Undoubted highlight

 
It proved to be the undoubted highlight of his cricket so far because Whitland overcame their ‘underdogs’ label to beat league champions Carew.

“I managed 30+ in both innings,” said Ed, “and it was a great day out for the team, which really sticks together, and our supporters.

“It was especially brilliant for the former players in the club like my dad, Trefor Evans,  Paul Webb, Hilliard Davies, Dai John, Brian Cook and all the others who have helped to make this club what it is.

“It also gave us access into the DR Morris Cup competition and so brings more quality competition to Whitland. We lost in the semi-final last season against a very good Neyland team and it was another part of our learning curve.”
 

Special invitation in New Zealand

 
Ed’s cricket education was heightened at the start of this season when he received a phone call from last season’s skipper Matthew ‘Titch’ Davies, when Ed was in New Zealand.

“‘Titch’ was injured and asked if I would be happy to captain the team for 2013 and I had no hesitation in saying yes. I asked Mark Lee, who had captained our first team for a few years before ‘Titch, if he would be my vice-captain. I couldn’t have a better one because his wealth of experience and cricketing know-how has been invaluable.”
 

Further ambitions

 
Ask Ed about ambitions and he would admit that more Harrison-Allen Finals would be great, and being first division champs even better in some ways. A few more centuries would be another target, having scored a couple already. He made 109 against Pembroke in a league match and 116 at Llandyssul in a friendly. He might have doubled that number but was twice caught out in league matches when he had reached a nervous 99!

 
And finally . . .

 
“I just want to see Whitland continue to grow in stature,” Ed told us, “with some very talented young players having forced their way into the side, and others looking good to follow them as they gain experience in the seconds.

“I think I am very lucky to be involved at Whitland Cricket Club, where there are so many real characters that it would be impossible to name them all.”
 

PHOTOS:
Ed looks to hit out
Ed John
Ed square cuts nicely