Sport

T20 International: Carnival or cricket?

Published

7 years ago

June 30, 2017

Laugharne & Hundleton Cricket Club: T20 Swalec Stadium

THE NATIONAL T20 I NTERNATIONAL between England and South Africa attracted over 15,000 spectators to the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff last Sunday (Jun 25) who were entertained royally by a performance that could have graced the West End stage.

Cricket can no longer be the pastime of the gentry, enjoyed of an afternoon on a village green in Middle England, where the Lord of the Manor XI played his workers; winning of course, with his grace ensuring he scored runs and took wickets to rapturous applause from the gathered throng of villagers, many of whom either work for him or had someone who worked for him.

This quintessential snapshot of cricket is a generation once removed and there is more chance of the noble game being played on the moon before its return.

Cricket is rich in history and the T20 format is heavy in entertainment value and rewards, for the England and Wales Cricket Board, Glamorgan County Cricket Club and the players. The bandwagon that is T20 sees players making a living at this format of the game, travelling to the Caribbean for the Calypso League, Australia for the Big Bash and the Indian Premier League. Adorned by those who follow the game these can live long in retirement.

Cricket is a sport; to achieve such rewards requires determination, success and luck. Ask thirty six year old Kevin Pieterson, or his mouthpiece Piers Morgan for their views on T20 cricket, some three years after Pietersons sacking by the ECB. A maximum of four hours game time compared to those who play ‘Test’ or County cricket, with seven hours of cricket each day, over four or five consecutive days.

T20 in Cardiff is an advert for the Capital City and Wales. Supported by the Welsh Government and the quango, ‘Visit Wales’ the influx to the economy goes beyond a matchday, with supporters returning on family holidays. That investment is the cricket, in a stadium designed to accommodate 16,000 people with an infrastructure to support it.

The SWALEC stadium has pedigree for producing the product, the recent ICC Champions games bear testament. Supporters follow the brand ‘Team England (and Wales) but they follow also the trail to Cardiff. The experience is everything and Cardiff is an attractive enticement; an International ground in the heart of a City.

Getting to game isn’t easy from west Wales, as Larter and Chris Williams [Lawrenny Cricket Club], testify as their National Express bus leaves half an hour after the end of play, to Kilgetty before taking the train to Narberth, and acquiring the ‘Family Taxi Service’ home. Plans can be made as the game will finish at the designated time of 5:40pm; short, sharp, full on razzmatazz and T20 appeal is unquestionable.

South Africa elected to field in overcast conditions series decider. Mangaliso Moshele dropped the old fashioned ‘Up N Under’ from Alex Hales as a passionate Wenglish crowd erupted. Morne Morkel squared the game accompanied by blaring music, flame throwers, TV replays and card waving, finger pointing spectators; 13-1 for cricket lovers but marketed to the Satellite spectator. This carnival of cricket appeals to all ages, where gender plays no part. Greeting the two teams entrance were Cricket Wales Girls teams.

England have rested skipper Eoin Morgan with the score at 1:1 in the series; baffling as their next ‘white ball’ game is 83 days away. But it hands Dawid Malan [Middlesex] his debut. He scored his first international run courtesy of a ‘six’; no mean feat on this stage when the ball is coming at 90mph. Small margins dictate a win or loss; South Africa’s fielding, particularly Andile Phehlukwayo was gifting the game to England as Malan became the highest scoring England T20 debutant.

The crowd, knowledgeable of the ‘stage play’ being performed to realise its building to a crescendo witness South Africa ensure the ‘Lions’ roar becomes croaky on 165-5 as the ‘Up N Unders’ were now being held. England closed on 181-8, which most of the crowd feel will be enough; just.

England resume with 22 – year- old Tom Curran milking the crowd for all his worth as he dive bombs in celebration of a wicket. Performances and charisma put bums on seats and Curran is the marketing gurus pin up as he ignites Wenglish choir. The Lager helps, both for those deep notes and for the attuned ears, and now the enigmatic conductor, AB Devilliers arrives.

AB lays bare the challenge to youngster Crane, where AB will do well to maintain South Africa’s record of 14 victories from the last sixteen series deciders. Half way stage and the visitors require 118 from 60 balls. AB dumps Cranes first four balls: 4,6,6,1. From the last ball he pings it to the hands of in front of the Fosters stand, to ‘Queens Another One Bites the Dust’. Number 44 Crane comes of age as he grows to ten foot tall on the back of the singing, becoming a giant in the Land of my Fathers. He’ll be back to Cardiff again; perhaps even beyond if he can persuade mum and dad to come on holiday.

England safely secure the ‘Up N Unders’ and the Boks have lost their spring, allowing the hosts Union Jack pyjama kit to shine brightly as the catching culprits at the crease for South Africa seek redemption. Adam Ants 1981 ‘Stand and Deliver’ as the mathematics show two runs a ball required for victory. On-field wickets only count in this game, although Moshele was superbly caught in the crowd by a paying spectator. His moment in the limelight shared on the Big Screens around the ground and Channel 402 across the World. Tick the box on that bucket list challenge before ‘Bomber Curran’ has one more finale as the game ends, 162-7.

Winners? England, by 19 runs, taking the series 2-1. Debutant Dawid Malan as man of the match. 15,000 supporters, a smiling CEO of Glamorgan Hugh Morris and those vendors trading within the stadium.

‘Hey Jude’, this crowd will also tell you it’s the business in and around Cardiff this weekend who will also be winners. Beyond this, Visit Wales and the Welsh Government will have statistics to prove the games true value, after the obligatory ‘Mexican Wave’ concludes.

News

2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards Finalists announced

Published

17 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE finalists for the 2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards have been announced.

In total, 252 nominations were received and, following a selection meeting, the judging panel has named 39 finalists.

Matt Freeman, Manager of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide nominations.

“Every year it gets harder to narrow the nominations down to three finalists and once again the quality of the nominees was enormously high.

“The number and quality of nominees just shows the strength of the sporting scene here in Pembrokeshire.

All the finalists will be invited to a grand presentation ceremony at Folly Farm on Friday, November 29th, where the winners will be announced.

The ceremony will also reveal the winners of two further categories – the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award.

The awards are organised by Sport Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire County Council’s sport development team.

They are sponsored by Sport Pembrokeshire, Valero, Folly Farm and Pure West Radio.

The awards aim to recognise those people who have excelled in sport over the last 12 months, or who have given their time to coaching and organising grass roots sport.

Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2024 – Finalists

(In alphabetical order)

Coach of the Year

Francesca Morgan (Swimming)

Philippa Gale (Netball)

Tom Richards (Tennis)

Female Sporting Achievement

Gracie Griffiths (Race Walking)

Helen Carrington (Powerlifting)

Seren Thorne (Shooting)

Male Sporting Achievement

Jeremy Cross (Tennis)

Rhys Llewellyn (Athletics)

Sam Coleman (Powerboat Racing)

Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement

Carter Heywood (Football)

Hugo Boyce (Cycling)

Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)

Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement

Cerys Griffiths (Swimming)

Chloe John-Driscoll (Shooting)

Ffion Bowen (Football)

Disability Sport Award

Evelyn Thomas (Powerlifting)

Jules King (Crossfit)

Marc Evans (Cricket)

Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award

Finnley Walters (Boxing)

Jac Johnson (Gymnastics)

Lewis Crawford (Boccia)

Unsung Hero

John Laugharne (Rugby)

Owen Shanklin (Pool)

Sue Christopher (Surf Lifesaving)

Team Achievement of the Year

Alan Evans, Andrew Evans & Michael John (Short Mat Bowls)

Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club

Pembrokeshire County Bowls Team

Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year

Chaos Thunder U12’s Netball Team

Hakin United AFC u16’s

Neyland Yacht Club Junior Sailing Team

Young Volunteer of the Year

Anna May (Tennis & Surfing)

Caitlin Chapman (Netball)

George Richards (Cricket)

Club Organiser

Nadine Tyrrell (Gymnastics)

Nick Shelmerdine (Cricket)

Paul Hudson (Short Mat Bowls)

Club of the Year

Camrose AFC Women & Girls Football

Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club

Strength Academy Wales Cymru

Pictured above: The 2023 Club of the Year winner – Pembroke Cricket Club.

Sport

This week’s Herald local rugby roundup

Published

3 days ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

Preseli Men concede late points to lose basement clash

Gorseinon 33 – Crymych 31

Crymych faced a heartbreaking defeat after leading 31-19 midway through the second half. Despite a promising start and a solid performance, Crymych allowed Gorseinon their first win in seven league starts due to a late try and a successful conversion. Crymych skipper Carwyn Phillips marked his milestone of 250 games with commitment alongside teammates Jon Hill, Iestyn Wood, and Llyr Davies. Osian Davies, Eilir George, and Lee Griffiths all scored tries, with George converting each, securing a 21-12 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Phillips added a bonus-point try, also converted by George, but Gorseinon surged back. Wingers Luke Evans and David Rees, centre Josh Hamer, and flankers Ben Morris and Iestyn Lewis each scored, with Tim O’Reilly’s crucial fourth conversion handing Gorseinon the win.

Premiership Division

Otters hold on to break their duck

Bonymaen 27 – Narberth 29

After six league defeats, Narberth clinched their first win in a nail-biter against fellow strugglers Bonymaen. The Otters built a 29-8 lead with tries from Will Blackburn, Ashley Sutton, and captain Tom Powell, with Jon Rogers converting and adding two more goals. But Bonymaen’s 19-point late surge nearly turned the tables as tries from Nathan Brooks, Andrew Richards, and Garin Williams narrowed the gap.

In the final moments, Narberth showed resilience to hold onto their slim lead, with hooker Tom Clarke earning the man of the match for his relentless work rate.

Division One (West)

14-man Seasiders hold on for a narrow win

Tenby United 17 – Yr Hendy 15

Tenby United preserved their perfect record, edging out Yr Hendy despite playing with 14 men after Lloyd Thomas received a red card early on. Thomas’s ejection forced tactical shifts, with Geraint Jones moving to outside half and Gwion Jones taking over at full back.

Captain Tom Barrass scored Tenby’s try after a turnover, with Geraint Jones adding a penalty for an 11-3 halftime lead. Yr Hendy’s Tyler Payne landed four penalties in the second half, but Tenby maintained their defensive discipline, securing a narrow 17-15 victory with man of the match Gethin Bradney leading with tackles.

Division Two (West)

Borderers bag deserved win

Nantgaredig 20 – Whitland 25

Whitland fought back from a 3-10 deficit to overcome Nantgaredig in a hard-fought match. After an extended break for an injury and a field switch, Whitland’s pack took control in the second half, with tries from Rhys Nicholas, Owyn Griffiths, Jack Mason, and Johnny Thomas, who also added a penalty.

Despite three tries from Nantgaredig’s Mark Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Aled Beynon, Whitland maintained their lead, showing consistency in both forwards and backs for a solid team performance.

Division Three (West)

Codd stars as Blues fend off Pontyberem

Pontyberem 13 – Haverfordwest 23

Haverfordwest centre Jack Codd’s 13 points helped his team overcome Pontyberem, who were still seeking their first win. Pontyberem took an early 10-0 lead, but Haverfordwest responded, with strong contributions from pack players Jonathan Mason, Mike Phillips, and captain Karl Busch. Rhodri Lewis opened the scoring for Pontyberem, but Codd’s accurate kicking sealed the win.

Division Four (West) A

James leads Saints to derby success

St Davids 31 – Llangwm 18

Will James shone for St Davids, scoring twice as they defeated local rivals Llangwm in challenging damp, cold conditions. Despite a strong start from Llangwm with an early try from Morgan Rees, St Davids struck back through James, who capitalized on a pass from Will Savage. Further tries from Nathan Foster and Iwan Davies extended the lead, with St Davids up 21-13 at halftime.

In the second half, Callum Jenkins scored for Llangwm, but James added his second try, and Zac Morgan secured St Davids’ fifth, sealing their 31-18 victory in this well-supported derby.

Bulls win at Bierspool

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 12 – Teirw Crymych 22

Teirw Crymych edged out Pembroke Dock Harlequins at Bierspool for their fourth win, with tries from Hedd George and Sean Wilson building a 12-0 lead. The Harlequins responded through Craig Barnett, but a late try and conversion from Adam Phillips sealed Crymych’s win, taking the margin just beyond a bonus-point range for the hosts.

Scarlets outlast Dreigiau Emlyn in thriller

Pembroke 36 – Dreigiau Emlyn 32

Pembroke pulled off a thrilling win at Crickmarren with six tries, including scores by Weatherall, Edwards, and Luke Hartland. Veteran forwards Brayford, Wiseman, and Palmer controlled the set pieces, while Dreigiau Emlyn countered with five tries of their own. Despite Emlyn’s persistence, Pembroke’s disciplined play earned them a narrow 36-32 win.

Sport

Division Three match reports: Key wins and dominant performances

Published

3 days ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

Clarbeston Road II 2-3 Neyland II

Neyland II narrowly defeated Clarbeston Road II in a close 3-2 encounter. Clarbeston’s Jack Wood and Henry Lucas found the net, but Neyland II clinched the victory with goals from Zac Owen, Korey Arran (penalty), and Mason Morgans-Hurley. Despite their win, Neyland II remains near the bottom of the league, hoping to build momentum from this result. Clarbeston Road II’s defeat keeps them in 10th place with 9 points from 12 games, reflecting a challenging season thus far.

Goodwick United II 5-0 Camrose II

League leaders Goodwick United II continued their dominant form, securing a comfortable 5-0 win over Camrose II. Goals from Ifan Mathias, Gary Reynolds, Sion O’Sullivan, Thomas Phelps-Jenkins, and Tyler Booker highlighted their attacking prowess. Goodwick sits firmly at the top with 34 points and an impressive +33 goal difference, showcasing their strength this season. Camrose II, however, remains near the bottom with just 7 points, struggling to improve from 11th place.

Haverfordwest Cricket Club 2-1 Pendine

Haverfordwest Cricket Club fought hard to edge out Pendine 2-1, with goals from Jordan Harrison and Liam Sheehan. This victory lifts Haverfordwest CC to 5th place on 17 points from 12 games, giving them a boost in the mid-table standings. Pendine, despite Julian Blewitt’s goal, stays in 4th place with 19 points, within reach of the top but facing stiff competition.

Letterston 6-1 Kilgetty II

Letterston put on an attacking display with a dominant 6-1 win over Kilgetty II. Simon Jones led the charge with a hat trick, while Morgan Miles, Robert Hedley, and Jordan White added to the scoreline. This result strengthens Letterston’s position in the table, bringing them to 16 points, just a point behind Haverfordwest CC. Kilgetty II, meanwhile, drops further down with 11 points and a -14 goal difference, indicating defensive struggles.

Pembroke Borough 6-2 St Florence

Pembroke Borough extended their strong form with a decisive 6-2 victory over St Florence. Jake Campbell and Jordan White each scored twice, with Luke Hendry and Jack Walker also contributing. Pembroke Borough remains secure in 2nd place with 25 points from 12 games, keeping up the pressure on league leaders Goodwick United II. St Florence, however, continues to struggle for consistency, sitting in the lower half of the table with 11 points.