Star of the Month – November 2019
Micky’s marvellous at sport admin!
The name Micky Phillips has become synymous over many years with being an outstanding administrator in both Pembrokeshire Football and Cricket but is also worth mentioning that he has been a more than useful participant in both sports and is a real gentleman on and off the field.
Perhaps that is why he is so highly respected across our county and as a result we feel privileged to present him with our 'Star of the Month' award for November 2019.
At the moment Micky has taken a deserved rest from helping to run local cricket after undertaking a variety of roles such as Assistant Secretary, Junior League organiser and Hon Treasurer of the Pembroke County Cricket Club for 14 years and an even longer stint taking on the same role at Haverfordwest Cricket Club, where he has played for well over 30 years and still had a few games in the 2019 campaign.
Joined in the management of local football . . .
But on the football front he has followed playing the game for Johnston, Haverfordwest Cricket Club and Solva, joining the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League Management Committee and is still fixture secretary 17 years later as well as being hon treasurer. In these roles he works closely with other stalwarts in Brian Hawkins, Trefor Morgans, Ian Baker, Phil Devonald and Ceri Morgan amongst others in running Pembrokeshire Football.
A measure of his dedication to the cause can be gauged from the fact that this commitment prevents him from refereeing locally (and he's a good ref!) so until recently he has officiated for the Carmarthenshire League (which has certainly increased the mileage on his car!), but has stopped now because of family commitments.
. . . After a long time out on the pitch
In his playing days Micky had eight good seasons at Johnston as part of a very strong squad that included the likes of Gary Stephens, Chris Walters, Steve and Richard James, Dave Dickinson, big John Codd, Mike Griffiths, Chris Collins Micky and Tony Algieri, to name but a few.
"I liked playing centre half or full back," admitted Micky, "but I played virtually everywhere, including one match in goal against Goodwick United which ended in a 0-0 draw. I was really chuffed but brought back to earth with a bump when I was told in no uncertain terms it was only because our defence was so good!
“I had three division one winners' medals and played in the Senior Cup Final at the Bridge Meadow, where unfortunately we lost 2-0 to New Hedges/Saundersfoot.
“I also played for Haverfordwest when we formed a team from the cricket players and two and a half seasons at Solva, where my father Douglas had previously been president, before back to The Racecourse to end my playing days."
Cricket late starter
On the cricket front Micky was a relatively late starter as he was 24 before he played regularly, setting out in the fourth XI at Haverfordwest under Peter Lewis's captaincy and finding himself leading the team the following campaign.
"I eventually moved through the teams, mainly as a regular with the seconds, but did have one year bowling for the firsts where his best figures were 6-15 on The Racecourse against Narberth.
“I was soon brought down to earth again when my young son Chris, who has also played quite a time for the club, asked me who had been injured for me to be chosen for the first team!”
His best-ever figures were 7-4 playing for the thirds but he also enjoyed winding his fellow team mates up about his batting ability and the number of times he was not out.
Cup cricket success
Micky played in six Alec Colley Cup Finals in seven seasons for Haverfordwest 2nds; winning four of them, and even now, at the age of 58, is still willing to help out when needed.
"I was roped in for six matches in the recent campaign but that really is enough now," he says with a chuckle!
As a life member and trustee of Haverfordwest Cricket Club, Micky has served the club well off the field as well, with14 years as club treasurer, "I was very happy with that but then Rob Summons and Bill Carne persuaded me to become the fixture secretary of the Pembroke County Cricket Club, taking over from Martin Rees - I really have to learn to say no to such people!"
And finally . . .
The commitment that Micky has shown is evident but it is typical that he praises a list too long to mention for helping him in all he has done.
"My wife Kathryn has always been 100% supportive, as have and son Chris and daughter Sarah, who now lives in Dubai and provided us with a lovely grandson Arlo, who is already kicking a football!
Ask people around football and cricket fraternities to name administrators they respect and it is a fair bet that for most the name of Micky Phillips will feature highly - and is one of the reasons why we have named him as our 'Star of the Month' for November, another being that he is a gentleman of sport, who represents all that is good in football and cricket in our county!