When Llangwm first XI found themselves without a scorer for a match earlier in this cricket campaign Toby Asson stepped in to fill the breach, despite the fact that he was disappointed at not playing, and it is this selfless attitude that picks this young sporting all-rounder out from the crowd, as well as his undoubted ability.

He has also started refereeing schools’ rugby after volunteering to go on a Welsh Rugby Union Course and is also aiming to achieve his Gold medal in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme after successfully negotiating the Bronze and Silver components, but more of that later.

Cricket still his No 1 sport

Toby would regard cricket as his No 1 sport, playing the game since I was 7, and being quick to praise the terrific help he has received right up to today from the likes of hugely-respected club coaches in Dai Davies and Stuart Beresford.

He also enjoyed a new experience recently when dad Geoff played his first game for Llangwm Seconds to help out and the Asson father and son duo opened the batting.  Sadly there was no memorable score as Geoff departed for4 but Toby carried the family flag well with 25 runs in a total of 47 all out!

Family matters...

“My dad and mum Pam, who played in the local ladies’ league for over 20 years, representing Llangwm and Burton, have always ferried me around to games and training sessions for club and county across the country, my brother Dom is also a very keen sportsman and I have had terrific support from all the family, including grandparents Barry and Janet Childs, my other brother Ben and my girlfriend Caitlin.

“My grandad set me on the road by playing in the garden or taking me to watch Glamorgan and England, and has also provided another reliable taxi service!”

Best cricketing moments so far

Ask Toby about his best moments so far in cricket and he might list his 68 for Hook in the Ormond Youth Cup quarter final in 2014, batting out for a losing draw with Phil Llewellyn for the firsts against Whitland last year, and 5-29 for Llangwm 2nds last season

“I was delighted to score 50 for Llangwm first team this season, take 4 for 12 in a Harrison-Allen Bowl match; and my 101 and 4-32 in the same game for the 2nds a few weeks ago was arguably my best ever game.

“Hitting the hundred was a special moment, shared with Thomas Carrington who also hit 162 not out as we shared a partnership of 176 – and it was the first time that either of us had scored a century.

Still involved at Cleddau Reach School

“I am also a member of the Llangwm Cricket Club committee, and was sorry to see a great character in John ‘Turmie’ Skyrme pass away this year. I love playing for my village, and alongside my playing I help to coach the under 11s and 13s whenever I can, as well as assisting the Mr Groves, head teacher of Cleddau Reach to coach his cricket team.

“We’ve reached the Welsh finals for the last five years, and for the past two years my younger brother Dom - who is also a keen sportsman – has been a part of Cleddau Reach’s success, making it even more special! 

“I particularly enjoy this because Mr Groves was one of the people who got me into cricket and I played my first game for Llangwm School.”

Enjoying challenges outside sport

In rugby, Toby took up reffing as one of his areas for the D of E and he joined others from Tasker Milward in walking about 45 miles along the coast path, starting in Goodwick and eventually ending up in St Davids.

“It was during the winter months so we stayed in a bunkhouse en route and for the next challenge we are going to walk across the Preseli Hills, hopefully in slightly better weather!”

Toby is just about to start his second year A Level studies at school, where it is typical of his willingness to get involved that he has been chosen by his peers as head boy for the year.

“I regard it as a great honour,” admitted Toby, “although it was nerve-wracking having to make a presentation to all the sixth form before they voted.

“I also had to have an interview with the senior staff but to be honest that wasn’t quite as stressful as my presentation to all the sixth form!”

Rotary Leadership enjoyment

Toby has also been involved in the Rotary Youth Leadership course, which runs at national level after being one of two successful applicants with Haverfordwest Rotary Club joining 28 others from all over Wales on a residential course in the Brecon area.

“Again it involved an interview and writing a CV before we went, with the aim of the week being to teach leadership skills through outdoor activities like coasteering and canoeing, alongside loads of other physical and mental challenges, which were great fun as we stayed at the Storey Arms Activities Centre.”

Taking up the rugby whistle

Toby used to play rugby in the front row but admits he found it tough going after one nasty injury so he asked Llangwm RFC about reffing and they sorted out his chance to join 20 others on a daylong course in Haverfordwest before officiating at an under 13s match between Llangwm and Milford Haven for his debut.

The league matches are a bit tougher but I have enjoyed my reffing and also helped Kenny Davies with a few cup games later in the season, which was more good experience. In general the players are good – it’s just some of the parents who get too involved on the touchline!

It all adds up to a young feller who really enjoys being part of our sporting scene – and long may Toby Asson carry on with his commitment and genuine enthusiasm to the fore!