Welcome to our fifth set of ‘Sporting Snippets’ as we look back with some lovely characters from local sport and laugh with their little ‘magic moments’ that were brought to our attention in the old 'West Wales Guardian' over 20 years ago!
 

‘Horlicks’ was a top man in local cricket!

 

One of my best pals in over 30 years of playing cricket was the late Peter Hall, surely one of the most naturally gifted all-rounders ever to grace Pembrokeshire Cricket as he played with such distinction for Wales, Carew, Lamphey and especially the Pembroke County Cricket Club. This little story shows his sunny nature that made him one of the best-liked cricketers around as well as being hugely respected by all in the sport!
 
In the 1992 Harrison-Allen Bowl Final one of the quotes that made me laugh concerned the fact that Carew’s ace run-maker Peter Hall batted in a helmet during the first innings against Haverfordwest but was totally bare-headed when he went out to open the second innings.

Afterwards the character known to all as ‘Horlicks’ was asked on a number of occasions for his reason, - some suggesting that perhaps The Town’s bowling had slowed down because of the terrific tea.

“Not at all,” replied Mr Hall with a typical smile on his face, “It was spoiling my hair style!”

A few were struck dumb but I had a quiet chuckle and no little envy because we were the same age and not many 45 year olds, including me, were gifted with the curly hair he still possessed!
 
 

Chipped tooth for ref Don – but no sympathy

 

When he was an excellent referee of football in Pembrokeshire one of my favourite whistlers was Don Maclean Walker who was known for his sunny nature – but I couldn’t resist printing this sad saga after FOUR of his reffing colleagues phoned to tell me about it!
 
Don was officiating at a match between Solva and Lamphey when his eagerness to always be in the right place at the right time saw him try to blow his whistle whilst on the move and his Acme Thunderer struck his teeth and caused one of them to be chipped.

Needless to say, there was no sympathy from the players (who all had a quiet chuckle) and poor old Don had to visit his dentist for some running repairs.

His colleagues in the middle were even more unsympathetic and at the next meeting was greeted by the whistling of ‘All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth’!

It is good to report that all’s well that ends well and don has again got a perfect set of gnashers – and is able to give his sunniest smile again as he continues to referee in style!
 
 

Film star Gary Cooper did NOT play for Haverfordwest Cricket Club!

 

In one of our recent Snippet Sessions we mentioned Gary Stephens’ good humour in reminding his manager at Haverfordwest Cricket Club that he had played football in Pembrokeshire for 30-odd seasons and he was the ex-Haverfordwest County, Pembroke Borough and Johnston star left back – and not a famous film start named Gary Cooper.

As we said at the time, Gary wore a card around his neck for the next match to remind Tudor Walters about his name – but I didn’t quite tell the full story because it seems that the Cricket Club’s football team was also punished with a fine by the Pembrokeshire League for playing a non-registered player named G Cooper!

Team boss Tudor took the leg-pulling with the good nature that is part of his persona and I wouldn’t mind betting he paid the fine out of his own pocket - and after doing a good job as a manager he took up refereeing and became a more than useful man in the middle!
 






 

Lost ball stops rugby match at Ty Ddewi

 

When St Davids RFC were celebrating their 40^th anniversary there was one Saturday when the club’s both teams were at home – and so ‘The Stiffs’ had to play against Tenby United Third XC on the school pitch just across the road – with interesting consequences:
 
The Saints first team were entertaining Newport (Pembs) RFC and the seconds were able to watch the first five minutes before trudging across the road, where play started at a pace but was brought to an unexpected halt when a Saints’ player booted the ball into an adjoining corn field.

But after a search that eventually involved most players, plus the one man and his dog watching, the ball still hadn’t been found – and only then was it discovered that it was the only ball that had been brought!

A committee man was despatched to fetch a replacement but when he returned it was discovered that the ball wasn’t inflated enough to make play possible – so a different gentleman was sent to fetch another ball – and both teams had understandably lost a little bit of interest by the time the game restarted!

But they gradually warmed to matters and after a real battle, where The Seasiders won 13-7, they got back to the clubhouse as the firsts were about to send out a search party – and matters ended well because they all enjoyed a few pints before the Saints ‘Big Night’ was celebrated with good food, more beer and a real walk down memory lane!

 

 Tight shorts for Dean

In 1992 Dean Hadley was a very promising 19 year old player with Tenby United, having served his apprenticeship with Milford Haven, starting out in the second row but ending up as a terrific prop until he suffered back problems – and this little story shows he was a growing boy even then . . .
 
In the Tenby United v Llandovery match there was a moment when talented young second row Dean Hadley almost had his shorts ripped off and there were some wolf whistles amongst the ladies as the referee stopped play for Dean to change them.

Unfortunately the replacement pair seemed way too small for a growing lad but he managed to yank them to doubt being expressed by supporters whether he would be able to run in them – and there was laughter when a wag in the crowd shouted, “Make sure you don’t go dancing in them!”

There were also bets being laid about how long it would be before they split but Dean had the final word because he somehow managed to play well, despite the obvious restriction – and young Mr Hadley continues his progression as a regular member of The Seasiders’ first team!

 

Simon gives up his holiday to play cricket at Imble Lane

 

One of the undoubted highlights of games played at Pembroke Dock Cricket Club a number of years ago was the Bryn Rowlands Memorial Match, where the club played on a Sunday against an invitational team selected from around the county – and when Stackpole cricketer Simon Edwards was invited he caused quite a stir . . .
 
Simon had been invited by Bryn’s son Meyrick, a very talented cricketer who has sadly passed away, and waltzed into the changing rooms alongside Mackie Harts at Imble Lane with his kit bag as usual slung across his shoulder, said ‘Hi boys’ to everyone and plonked himself down in the corner.

When Meyrick thanked him for coming the Stackpole cricketer said he was so delighted to be asked that he had left his young family on holiday, driving back just to be there – and everyone was immensely impressed by his effort and said well done to him throughout the game.

But in the bar afterwards, following a few pints of cider, our Simon let the cat out of the bag – the blighter had indeed driven back from his holiday – but they were only staying in a caravan in Angle!
 
HAVE A GOOD NON-SPORTING WEEK!