Sport

Dai Williams: A Personal Tribute

Published

5 years ago

August 25, 2021

James Hemingray

Written by Jon Coles

DAVID WILLIAMS, known universally as Dai, the President of Pembroke Cricket Club, died earlier this week.

Although he had been in declining health for some time, his death followed a short admission to Withybush.

To the end of his life, his conversation would become animated when he spoke about cricket: a sport he loved and he served over the course of a long life, well-lived.

David – Dai – taught at the Coronation School in Pembroke Dock before it closed and merged with Pembroke Grammar School at Bush.

There, he had the chance to influence young lives and to encourage his students to make the best of his talents.

But his contribution to Pembrokeshire sport – particularly junior sport – spread that influence across Pembrokeshire.

He really was Mr Pembroke Cricket.

He had a distinguished playing career himself, captaining a First XI containing strong characters such as Eifion Powell, George and Keith Hulbert, Derek Skone, and his great friend Johnny Jones.

I first met Dai when I turned up at the nets at Pembroke when I was around sixteen years old. I wanted to be a quick bowler and propelled a few deliveries down the concrete strip under his eagle eye.

He gave me a few words of encouragement in a Pembrokeshire accent as broad as the Cleddau that turned into more than a few laughs when I tried batting.

There was, he barked, a lot to work on.

Back then, Pembroke were ever-present in Division One and the Second team were a strong and experienced time. There was, however, still a midweek league, and I got my first taste of senior cricket in it.

There would be Dai, watching at the side.

Vee-neck jumper, baggy trousers, argyle socks and open toed sandals. His eyes scanning the play while he gossiped with other spectators.

He’d offer his opinions if you asked him. And you’d better be prepared for him to tell you if you’d mucked up or made a silly mistake.

One of my fondest memories of those years is from 1984, when Pembroke fielded a Third XI against a Saundersfoot Second XI at a time when neither team was in the league.

It was a baking hot Sunday afternoon at Saundersfoot, and we bowled out the home team for not many over a hundred.

Dai opened the batting with Eifion Powell.

Both had retired from playing and the young players watching didn’t have much of an idea what to expect. Our number three batsman was padded up and practising his shots in expectation of an early trip to the crease.

He waited.

And waited.

We saw a masterclass in manoeuvring the ball around the field, between the fielders, and the art of ‘quiet tap’, where the bowler leaks runs without realising what’s going on.

Both Dai and Eifion never gave Saundersfoot a sniff and we won the game by ten wickets.

And that was the last time I saw him play.

But years later, when I returned to Pembroke, there he was at every home game.

Vee neck jumper, baggy trousers, argyle socks, open-toed sandals. His eyes scanning the play while he gossiped with other spectators.

He’d kept on coaching Pembroke’s juniors and was one of the pioneers of junior cricket in Pembrokeshire.

His love for the game was exceeded only by his love of coaching young players to be better, to do more, to play cricket hard but to enjoy the experience.

His hair was a little greyer around the temples, but he was still keen for his young charges to do well.

Come tea, there he’d be, walking across the outfield from his usual seat near the gate, ready for a cup of tea, a sandwich, and a cake.

He’d chat away with the older players, his friends among the opposition, and remind those he’d coached that he had an eye on them.

By damn, there were a lot of them.

There still are.

After the game, he’d be in the rugby club over the road carefully counting out his money for each beer and happily accepting any free drinks offered to him.

He was, for such a short man, larger than life in every respect.

Dai Williams was one of those people you could imagine going on forever.

I saw him for the last time a couple of years ago.

His hair was grey and still swept back from the brows.

Vee neck jumper, baggy trousers, argyle socks, open-toed sandals. His eyes scanning the play while he gossiped with other spectators.

There are many who will remember him far better as a man, as a coach, and as a rock on which junior cricket could depend for so many years.

But when I remember him, it’ll be the familiar bark of his voice and his love for cricket and imparting his knowledge of the game that will linger longest.

News

Fresh Hamilton wage claims raise new questions for Haverfordwest County fans

Published

30 minutes ago

May 4, 2026

Herald Sport

Scottish reports of late and short wages add a new and more immediate concern for Bluebirds supporters already watching problems elsewhere in the same football network

REPORTS in Scotland that Hamilton Academical players were paid late, with some allegedly underpaid ahead of the club’s final game of the season, have added to scrutiny around the football network linked to Haverfordwest County AFC chairman Rob Edwards.

The latest claims were reported by Lanarkshire Live Sport and the Daily Record.

The relevance for Pembrokeshire lies in the links between Hamilton and Haverfordwest through Rob Edwards and Morley Sports Management.

Hamilton has previously stated that Morley Sports Management owns 100 per cent of 1874 Holdings Limited, and that 1874 Holdings in turn owns 97.5 per cent of Hamilton Academical FC.

Haverfordwest County has previously said Morley Sports Management has been the business vehicle behind Edwards’ takeover and funding of the Bluebirds since 2020.

Earlier this month, Haverfordwest County A.F.C. Ltd faced an HM Revenue & Customs winding-up petition at the High Court in London. The case was dismissed on April 15, but only after reaching a live hearing at the Rolls Building, with costs ordered against the company.

Separately, 1874 Holdings has faced a winding-up petition in Scotland. Hamilton later issued a statement acknowledging that petition, while saying the claim is disputed and that the company is seeking dismissal.

The latest Scottish wage claims come against a background of previous disciplinary action involving Hamilton. Earlier this year, the club was punished over failures to pay players on time and in full, resulting in a points deduction following an independent disciplinary process. Hamilton acknowledged that outcome in a club statement.

Companies House has also shown 1874 Holdings with overdue accounts and a strike-off notice. Those are separate processes from a winding-up petition, but they add to the list of recent off-field issues involving companies in the same football network.

There are also operational links between the two clubs. Haverfordwest publicly credited chief executive Beccy Nuttall with key work during the club’s licensing process earlier this month, while Hamilton has also announced Rebecca Nuttall in a senior role there.

The timing of the Haverfordwest case also drew attention because the club announced on April 8 that it had secured both its UEFA licence and FAW Tier 1 licence for the 2026-27 season, even though the HMRC petition remained live at that stage and was not disposed of until April 15.

The Herald contacted the Football Association of Wales for comment on the licensing position last week, but had received no response at the time of publication.

The Hamilton wage claims remain reports from Scotland, and there is no suggestion that Haverfordwest County AFC is facing the same issue. However, the developments are likely to be of interest to Bluebirds supporters because they concern companies and senior figures linked to the same wider football operation.

Sport

Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

21 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level

CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.

The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.

Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.

The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.

The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.

Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.

The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.

Sport

Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals

Published

21 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success

TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.

The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.

Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.

The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.

Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”

Caption:

Winners: Tenby United RFC’s under 14s celebrate their District H final victory.