It is often felt that the weight of leadership can affect a player’s form in any sport and at any level but this certainly hasn’t been the case with Rhys because he has led from the front, taking wickets on a regular basis with his right-arm fast stuff and featuring well in the Carew batting charts.
est skippers in the county and leading players who are far older and more experienced than he is.
But Rhys takes the responsibility with the laid-back approach that is all part of his nature and says that he has enjoyed every support from the likes of Nick Scourfield, Ian Sefton, and Brian Hall – and is delighted to see younger players of the calibre of his cousin, Tom Davies, Shaun Whitfield, Lewis Hicks and Tom Scourfield beginning to create the next pages in the club’s long history.
Following in family’s footsteps
That Rhys should become a very good cricketer comes as no surprise because he is very much part of the ‘Davies Dynasty’ established at Carew, with his father Gari as a more than useful wicketkeeper/batsman and mum Julie now roped in to be the first team scorer, despite admitting to us that she is always very nervous when her boy is batting or bowling.
Rhys’s sister Mari plays for Cresselly Ladies and has had Welsh trials, whilst uncles Aled and Ceri are former Welsh international fast bowlers and the former is still plugging away with the third team whilst the latter is the first XI’s team manager.
So it was natural that Rhys would play after going along to watch dad play and he was soon playing for the club’s junior section and also in a county under 10s side run well by Nigel Arthur which included the likes of Carew team mate Scott Helmich, Steve Inward (Llangwm), Lee Summons (Johnston), Scott Arthur (Cresselly), Henry Durrant (Neyland) and Iestyn Scourfield (Whitland).
It was a very talented squad so no surprise that they more than held their own against regions ‘up the line’.
South African tour a real highlight
One of the undoubted highlights for Rhys in his teenage years was his trip to South Africa with the Dyfed Schools’ squad, organised by John Prickett.
“We played Botswana Schools fairly soon after we got off the plane,” Rhys said, “and lost narrowly, but we won two of our other four games against strong opposition.
“As well as some great games of cricket we were lucky enough to watch the World Cup Final between Australia and India where the Aussies won, thanks to a century from skipper Ricky Ponting – it was amazing!”
“We also saw what life was like in the shanty towns and as a complete contrast went to Sun City and also visited a safari park as part of a great trip which I wouldn’t have missed for the world.”
“I’ve also scored a couple of centuries, against Haverfordwest and Llangwm, as other memorable moments.
Rhys has also played football for Carew as a hard-tackling defender, youth rugby for Narberth, and he really enjoys his darts at the Jeffreyston Inn, where he’s had a few 180s.
Early start to first team – and success aplenty
By the time Rhys was 17 he had gained a regular place in the first team – and in the intervening years has enjoyed his share of success, not least when he helped his village side to the league championship, which is perhaps less glamorous that the cup competitions but usually indicates the best team overall, and five runners-up medals to show how highly Carew features in the pantheon of Pembrokeshire Cricket.
“My first Harrison-Allen Bowl final came against Narberth in 2008 and I was quite nervous before the start – but delighted when I managed to take four wickets in the first innings and two more after tea to help Carew win before we celebrated in style for the rest of the weekend.
“Then we beat Haverfordwest two years later as Ian Sefton was outstanding - and again I had a few wickets and managed to be at the crease at the right time to hit the winning runs.
“In 2012 we started as hot favourites to beat Whitland but I didn’t get my Bowl hat-trick as David Dunfee was the star for Whitland as they picked up the trophy for the first time in their history.
“They also knocked us out this season in the quarter finals, which was a massive disappointment for me as captain – but there’s always next season” says Rhys, with a typical chuckle!
County appearances
As well as playing for the county throughout his junior and youth days, Rhys has also appeared for the county senior team, as he did in a cracking match last season against a strong South Wales team on an excellent wicket at Imble Lane, Pembroke Dock.
“We successfully chased 290 runs to win and I managed 30-odd, and really enjoyed playing with some very good players from Pembrokeshire against opponents who were far more experienced. It is a pity that there aren’t many county games.”
Village Cup ventures
Like most of his Carew colleagues, Rhys loves the club’s involvement in the Welsh and Village Cup competitions, especially in the latter where they were just one match away from a place in the final at Lords.
“We played Valley End CC on their ground in Surrey and they scored a massive 270 before the heavens opened and the game was abandoned.so that they had to travel to Carew the following Sunday, minus a few players who had jetted off to play in South Africa.
“We were delighted to restrict them to 160 but they knocked us over for 135 with the aid of an Aussie bowler who was easily the fastest I ever faced – I still haven’t seen the balls I faced!”
This season so far
So what of this season?
“Rob Scourfield said he wanted to step down as captain and after a bit of thought, plus a chat with some senior players and chairman Gethin Evans my name was put forward and I was unopposed at the AGM.
“The boys have been brilliant and I know that the old-timers are always there for advice if I need it – and I’m pleased we also have talented young players breaking through as a bonus.”
Rhys scored 84 in the first match against Whitland and has had a couple of other decent knocks, as well as taking his share of wickets.
“It’s all about being part of a team and I am very conscious of maintaining Carew’s proud record,” admitted Rhys.”
But having known Rhys since he was a nipper we are confident that he will continue with his aims because he is Carew through and through – and long may he continue to lead the village side with a smile!