Griff is going really well with Cresselly – indoors and out

There is a group of talented young cricketers emerging at Cresselly and one of them is Griff Jenkins, who, like some of the others are continuing family traditions because their fathers are long-time players, like his father Stefan, who also doubles up as the club’s secretary.
 
“Cricket is my main sport,” admitted Griff, “but I also love playing football since I started out in both sports.


“I’ve played Cricket for Cresselly since Under 9s and have played through the age groups through 11s, 13s, 15s and Ormond Cup. I’ve had some great coaches in Cresselly from Simon Cole and Christian Phillips, my dad Steffan, Tom Arthur and Richard James.”


This season has also seen Griff join dad, Tom and Ollie Rowlands, Charlie Arthur, Archie Hillier-Wood and Tom Arthur in the club team which joined the indoor league set-up and achieved an excellent second place in the second division at their first attempt, making a slow start but gradually improving to such an extent that they all made useful contributions to gaining second spot in the table.
 

In senior cricket as a 12-year-old

 
“I was fortunate to make my debut for the seniors by the time I was I was 12 when I was picked by my skipper Neil Lewis. I’ve really enjoyed playing senior cricket and even made my debut with my Bampi, Clive ‘Boxer’ Jenkins, which was a really proud moment for both of us.
 
“Thanks to Matthew Lewis as captain I played for the second team last year and was able to play with fellow youngsters Ollie Arthur, Lewis Mason, Iori Thomas, Tyler James and Milo Jones, which was great because I was gaining experience all the time.
 
“I was also really fortunate to play in a first team fixture against local rivals Carew in the Village cup last year, which was a really special moment as it meant playing in the same team as my dad and playing against my Uncle Sion, who recently moved ‘down the hill’.

Towards the end of the game, I was batting with my dad and facing Sion from the garden end. Despite pleas from my father to keep my head down, my eyes lit up at the thought of putting Sion in the gardens, but he unfortunately had the last laugh and I was clean bowled! My highest score in senior cricket so far is 45 against Stackpole.”
 

Loved playing cricket through county and West Wales age groups

 
“I’ve been really fortunate to have been involved in both county and regional cricket. My coaches Steve ‘Clew’ Lewis and Simon Williams as well as Jonny ‘Bap’ Lewis and Dai Morgan from Kidwelly CC have really helped to push on my game. I’ve had the pleasure of playing some really good teams across Wales and some brilliant private school teams from across the border.


“I hit my first 50 playing for West Wales and last year I was able to hit my second 50 against Monmouth Schools on my home ground in Cresselly and I’ve also represented the school at all age levels under my Cresselly coach Phil ‘Taffy’ Williams.”
 

Enjoys being a ‘stopper’ in football!

 
“I also love playing football - having started at Lawrenny Football Club but more recently signing for Kilgetty due to lack of numbers in the Lawrenny side. I normally play centre half and enjoy the aerial battle against the strikers. I don’t score many goals but love to try and stop them!”

Sports lovers who have watched Griff play football tell us that his no-nonsense approach in games his similar to his cricket, where he plays with a maturity beyond his years!
 

Favourite players locally – and nationally

 
“As I’ve grown up in Cresselly I love to watch Charlie Arthur play. He’s broken in to the firsts and takes loads of wickets and hits the ball hard - all the things I want to do. I also enjoy watching my coach Tommy ‘The Egg’ Arthur play as he is so passionate about Cresselly and has always been so helpful to me. On the TV you can’t go further than Joe Root or Ben Stokes as favourite players. They are just box office stars.

“Moving forward, I hope to continue playing senior cricket for Cresselly and want to open the batting for the thirds and score as many runs as I can. I’d love to get the chance to play in the seconds more consistently but I’ll play where ever I’m picked. I’m lucky to have my mum Lisa and dad, who take me to all the games and watch and support although I also rely on lots of other people for lifts when my brothers, Arthur, who plays for the under 13s and Osian, under 9s, are playing at the same time!”
 
We at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk have enjoyed watch Cresselly’s development in the indoor cricket league in the recently-completed season and having seen Griff Jenkins prowess with bat and ball, plus his fielding, can safely say that the future of Cresselly Cricket Club is assured as they continue their treadmill of young talent, of which he is very much a part!