The inaugural ‘Aled Davies 100’ will take part at Carew Cricket Ground on Sunday, 22^nd August where the first-ever games to be played in the county under the exciting new format being televised nationally at the moment will take place between host club Carew, neighbours Cresselly and Lawrenny, plus a combined Hook/Llangwm team.
 
Funds raised from this innovative competition will go to the ‘Aled Davies Memorial Fund’, set up in memory of the former top cricketing all-rounder who sadly passed away three years ago last March after playing for both Carew and previously Cresselly, as well as for Pembrokeshire and Wales.
 
He was also a very good goalkeeper with Carew for many years and in both sports was held in huge esteem by colleagues and opponents because although he was naturally competitive he was the first to share a pint in the bar afterwards.
 

Son Tom outlines the family’s commitment

 
Following in his father’s footsteps is his son Tom, who was one of the best all-rounders in local cricket before he went to play for Carmarthen Wanderers, and also plays in goal for Carew, and will captain The Rooks this season.
 
 He told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk,
“My mother Wendy, sister Hannah and I, alongside Dad’s brothers Huw, Gari, Ceri and Lyn, wanted to do something to mark dad’s  involvement in sport and so we have set up the fund with a view to helping local youngsters who need a little financial help, or clubs setting up new junior teams or needing kit. He loved working or playing alongside youngsters so we all thought it was appropriate.
 

Innovative thinking

 
“The ‘Aled Davies 100’ will be played annually at Carew and will feature the three local clubs in Carew, Cresselly and Lawrenny, plus a guest side which will change each year. He was very competitive and so clubs must commit to bringing a strong team to play for a magnificent trophy made by his old pal, team mate and brother-in-law Gerald Hicks.
 
“We have invited a combined Hook/Llangwm team to start off because dad always said if he had to move clubs he would have liked to play alongside the genuine characters at Hook or his old pals at Llangwm.
 
“The umpires will also come from the competing clubs so we will have Gareth Brace (Carew), Glyn Cole (Cresselly), Jonathan Willington (Hook) and Simon Richards (Llangwm) as match officials.




 

Superb support already but still room for more help

 
“There has been terrific sponsorship and all four clubs will have their very own coloured kit, and we are thrilled that a big raffle linked to the top-quality programme designed by Clive James, which could be entered via a QR code inside and so is now closed, has already raised almost £3,000 and although there is no charge for entry, donations may be made towards the fund if desired.”
 
Similarly, anyone unable to attend but wishing to make a donation may use the social media outlets organised by Tom under the ‘Aled Davies Memorial’ heading.
 
The semi-finals will be played simultaneously, starting at 12 noon, with Carew taking on Cresselly on the main pitch whilst Lawrenny meet the Hook/Llangwm team on the top pitch.
 
Then the winners will start their ‘Aled Davies 100’ final on the main pitch at 4pm and it is hoped that a large crowd will turn out to support such a worthwhile cause, enjoy the spectacle of the county’s first ‘One Hundred’ competition; the spectacle of the big hitting, coloured kits, music, hot food and bar available throughout what should be an absolutely brilliant day!