Visitors to Herbrandston Cricket Club who haven’t been there for a while would be astounded by the changes because as well as huge improvements in the wicket and outfield, the changes in the rest of the facilities have come about because of the hard work and commitment of members.
 
Especially impressive is the clubhouse and equipment storage area, where their modern mowers and other things needed playing-wise are to be found, with a comfortable bar area and space to relax in, excellent kitchen facilities, spacious changing rooms - and space upstairs for a proposed meeting room/viewing gallery.
 

Ground recognition as reward for hard work

 
The work undertaken over many hours a week during the season by groundsman Andrew Willliams have really paid off, as can be seen by the number of runs scored in league matches – and being chosen as one of the neutral grounds for the semi-finals of the Harrison-Allen Bowl provided a huge compliment from the Pembroke County Cricket management committee. So well done ‘Wills’ on a job being well done!
 
The old-timers who played for Herbie when they were in their pomp would look in amazement, and pride, especially those like the John Brothers, Hughie Devonald, Glyn Banner and wicket-keeper Reggie Phillips, who is still going strong in Southampton - because today’s team is following them as the club finished in the top half of the first division table, with a number of talented youngsters alongside their ‘senior citizens, who are also playing a part.
 

Senior citizens still going strong

 
These include Nathan Banner, who has returned to the club this season and injected a belief in the whole squad, not only with his high-quality play with bat and ball, but also showing others how to use their ability to win matches.
 
Then there’s Kristan Bennett, still a combative all-rounder and Dean John, who seems to have been around forever but has been in a rich vein of form - plus Paul ‘Pickles’ Nicholas, now bringing on youngsters in the seconds but playing in the first when needed, and taking wickets too.
 
His twin sons Harry and Jack are now established as county-class players, despite being in their early 20s, who together provide quality play as either bowlers, batsmen or wicket-keeper.
 

Robbie leads on the field – and ‘Mr Herbrandston’ Reg is still sorely missed

 
Skipper Robbie Hood is one of the most under-rated leaders in the county and his slow bowling forms a vital part of the Herbie attack, especially early in the innings, whilst he can also bat well when needed - and Herbie are well-catered for in leadership with Robbie about.

 

Then the most influential figure of all was surely Mr Reg Owens, who was unable to play the game he loved after his early school days since he was struck down by polio - but became ‘Mr Herbrandston’ because of his absolute dynamism and knowledge regarding development that served the club for so many years and he was still heavily involved when he sadly passed away.


 
Luckily, Reg’s smashing wife Josie is still very much involved as Hon Treasurer to keep a close eye on finances.










 

Club officers are clearly focussed on success

 
Gary Davies then stepped in to this vital role, even though he knew he had huge boots to fill, but the former Marloes batsman has done a great job and is, like Reg, totally committed after playing for so many years, and still umpiring the seconds when needed, alongside a lot of time spent at the club!
 
His children Ryan and Charlotte have also played for Herbie whilst wife Diane also helps with organising teas during the season with Clarissa Lewis, who is an expert scorer and does a great job for the second team and for The Welsh Seniors, as Robbie Hood’s wife Emma continues the family theme by scoring for the first XI.
 
Herbie now has a new chairman in Dai Malloy, who also plays alongside his son Charlie, a key player despite his youth, with bat, ball and in the field, and already involved with the county at senior level – and Dai has earned his reputation for high organizational skills and ability to get things done.
 

Fathers and sons play a part

 
Other father and son combinations who have contributed over recent years have been Robert and Atticus Kingston (another all-rounder), plus Johnnie ‘Bap’ Lewis and his son Dillon, who is developing into another talented teenager who bats and bowls.
 
Johnny is vice-captain of the seconds to Ian Milsom, who is now a vice-captain of one of the four Welsh Seniors’ teams for his age group – and both work very hard in encouraging the growing number of juniors who are flocking to Herbie from the village and surrounding areas.

Then there's Morgan Britton, who is sure to be a fantastic Herbie batsman for many years to come, and his father Ashley, who is sadly sidelined by a back innjury but never misses a match watching his talented son play.