‘Scriv’ loves his rugby and cricket!

If ever there was a list created  of 'Unsung Heroes' in all sports locally then there is no doubt that one close to the top would be Richard Scriven, who has been a player, coach, committee man and administrator at Llangwm RFC for more years than he would care to remembers.


Known as 'Big Scriv' alongside his smaller and younger brothers Huw and William, he has also been a useful wicketkeeper/batsman with Burton and Haverfordwest, and has recently started out as one of the youngest umpires in the county, much respected by players, as he puts that playing experience to good effect.
 

Still battling to keep The Wasps buzzing

 
His recent involvement at Pill Parks has been all the more praiseworthy because he has fought harder than anyone else to make sure that Llangwm continue to field a team, no matter what the circumstances, as the only village team in the county.


One of his successful attempts at raising awareness of the club's need for more players came in an impassioned plea on Face Book where his words certainly struck a chord worked because they fulfilled every obligation in playing in Division Three (West) A for the season.

Scriv said:

"Calling all present and ex-Llangwm RFC players, committee, supporters or anyone who has enjoyed a night/day in the only true village club still in Pembrokeshire.

"If your heart still makes you look for the Wasps’ score line on a Saturday night, and it’s Llangwm RFC you look for, hoping for a shock, hoping for a win, hoping we didn’t have a hiding, and just thinking of the club, characters, or just because of this note makes you smile, makes you sad or just makes you think.
 
"Now the club really need you, because we only have 13 fit/not injured available players registered, the ones who go out every week to try and cause that shock, play a bit of rugby or not get that stuffing, just for the love of the club – please let us know.”
 

Helping out in cricket – and donning his white coat

He also proved his eagerness to help other clubs in similar distress, no matter what the sport, because when Johnston Cricket Club found themselves short of players he gave up his umpiring for a couple of weeks and helped them out by playing instead!

 
Richard took up umpiring two years ago when he decided he was getting a bit long in the tooth to play his best in the Summer Sport that he decided to take up the white coat and after good coaching from Huw Davies, Trefor Evans and Dave Brandon he qualified as un umpire and took to it like a duck to water.

In his debut season in the middle he joined veteran umpire John Williams in umpiring the Allan Brown Cup Final at Whitland and in the 2018 season he was chosen to officiate in the superb Harrison-Allen Bowl semi-final between Neyland and Cresselly - something that rarely happens to such relatively inexperienced umpires!

He has also been voted on to the Executive Committee of the Pembroke County Cricket Club and as well as his regular duties there he has doubled up as the provider of music at the county's finals, as well as being DJ at The Wasps' local derbies so that a good evening’s singalong is assured in cricket or rugby.
 

Versatile player and captain too

On the rugby front, 'Big Scriv' played at prop or full back, alongside playing for The Wasps in every other position except hooker, where he admits he was a bit big to fit in the middle of the front row over a period spanning something like 30 years!

In that time he was captain for two seasons of a good side that included Tim Pounder, John Whitticombe, Gareth Bevan, Wayne Davies, Henry Thomas, Keith Locke, Simon and Darren Brick;  team manager, coach, fixture secretary and Hon Secretary - and even today, never misses a match alongside the likes of Scott Gregory, Bruce Evans and James 'Kiwi' Griffiths.

"I've spent a lot of time in sport but I've been very lucky to have terrific support from my wife Emma and children  - as well as my parents Bill and Rayleen. It has been great to be so involved, especially at Pill Parks."
 
His presence there has undoubtedly been a major factor in Llangwm RFC’s continued survival and we are really pleased to make Richard Scriven our ‘Star of the Month for January 2019!