Fraser's found his perfect job - and relishes the challenges!
Our latest ‘Star of the Month' is a professional journalist but we are delighted to give Fraser Watson our prestigious trophy, not only in recognition of his obvious skill with words but also for his genuine love of sport and a real willingness to encourage others to find a sporting niche whilst still remaining firm in his belief that he has to voice his opinions candidly.
It is fair to say that Fraser has ruffled a few feathers in his time but says that he doesn't enjoy that aspect of his job but is always ready to listen to the opposing viewpoint and allow them to provide a balanced answer. This is especially so on social media sites like Face Book and especially 'Twitter' where his live blogs keep those unable to attend matches to follow the action almost ball by ball!
Widespread coverage
This has been especially evident in the past when he did just that at the Senior Cup Final at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium, at the Harrison Allen Bowl Final at Cresselly, and at the Welsh Cricket Cup Final at Sophia Gardens, where he tweeted about Neyland just missing out on a surprise win over Ammanford.
"It takes an immense amount of focus and a lot of time in cricket but I get lots of thanks for it and is well worth the time," he told us.
And Fraser is well qualified to write about sport because has been an avid participant since his time at Croesgoch Primary School, where he played in a good football team that included Tom Jones and whilst playing for St Davids rugby juniors played under Gerald Miles at the old Cardiff Arms Park in the Welsh Finals at under 9 and under 11 levels.
Sport in school – and university
As he grew a little older Fraser played football at Solva in a team coached throughout by Ronnie Beynon and then Shane Morrissey as they beat Herbrandston in the Wiltshire Cup Final
When he took his degree in English at Cardiff University he was already playing on the wing for Llanelli and had one game for The Scarlets in a midweek friendly at Harlequins before representing the university in his final year as part of a strong squad.
Football in Australia and then back to Borderers’ rugby!
"When I took a year out and went to Australia I returned to football action with the quaintly-named Boogee United, who played a tidy standard in Sydney - but when I came back home I played rugby for St Davids for a while and enjoyed the company of some genuine characters lead by Jack Dudley and by player/coach Ianto Davies, who has also been a wonderful servant of the club.
"But then I joined Whitland to play at a higher level for five really enjoyable years and had a terrific time but decided it was time to return to St Davids to finish off my playing days."
More football, athletics and cricket
On the football front, Fraser also played for Micky Ellis at Haverfordwest County when the McWhirter League started up and he was joined by James Gwilt, Steve 'Squashy' Allen, Simon Gilderdale, Lee Hudgell and Nathan Thomas; and he still turns out for Solva when he has time.
As a nipper he also ran for Pembrokeshire Harriers and was chosen for Wales as a travelling reserve in the 1,500 metres steeplechase against the other Home Countries at Brecon. His most recent success in athletics came when he won his category in the ‘Ras Dewi Sant’ organised by ‘Man-Up UK’.
“I carried a muscle injury into the race, “admitted Fraser, “so my main aim was just to finish – and I found it really tough going.
“I was mightily relieved just to finish in one piece and I must admit I was a bit dumbfounded when I was told that I had won silverware!”
Although Fraser would readily admit that he is not the best cricketer in the county, he plays where needed for Llanrhian Cricket Club and umpires other times - and is the club's Hon Secretary, linking closely with skipper Richard Reed.
Love for journalism
He began his journalistic career when he contacted Gordon Thomas; the sports editor of the Western Telegraph, to ask for some work experience and found himself offered a job as a general reporter until there was the chance of a move into sport.
"I have learned so much from Gordon and Bill Carne that has held me in good stead and I couldn't wish for a better job," he admitted with a chuckle!
"In my seven years there is no doubt that the biggest change has been the growth of social media and I enjoy that too, although there are dangers in over-use - and I hope for many more years of involvement."
There is no doubt of Fraser Watson's dedication to sport in our county and for that reason we are delighted to name him as one of our ''Stars of the Month' in recognition of all that he has done, with plenty more still in the pipeline!