Lovell: Lips still sealed over secret talks (From Western Telegraph)

Lovell: Lips still sealed over secret talks

Secret talks among members of the Pembroke County Cricket Club (PCCC) have led to a split which leaves the upcoming season at risk of becoming a farce, writes Patrick Alexander.

This is the rumour circulating in the wake of a secret meeting held last Tuesday where, it is said, representatives from six of the ten First Division teams said they would not play Lamphey this season.

There has been widespread discontent among players about legal action taken against the PCCC by Lamphey player, Dave Lovell, following his recent two month ban.

Rumours of a split have been fanned by the suggestion that two teams who agreed to play Lamphey have also been boycotted by other members.

PCCC honorary secretary, Bill Marchant said: We obviously got told there was a meeting but neither I nor anyone else from the committee was there. The PCCC does not support or condone what is going on.

Asked what effect a split would have on the season, he said: That would be drastic. It would have a dreadful effect. We just cant have clubs threatening not to play each other. Its not on.

Pembroke Cricket Club secretary, Chris Asperassa, said he did not attend the meeting. He said anyone who attended from the Pembroke club did so as an individual rather than as a club representative. When asked if Pembroke would play Lamphey in the upcoming season, he said: It would be an internal club decision. Nothing has been decided yet.

Carew Cricket Club secretary, Gethin Evans, was also unaware of anyone from his club attending the meeting. He said: Ive heard a lot of this going on but Ive not been involved in any of it.

Maurice Cole, the chairman of Cresselly Cricket Club and landlord of the Cresselly Arms at Cresswell Quay said:

Personally, I would carry on playing as normal. Just because we agree to play Lamphey it doesnt mean we condone what Lovell is doing, but its all getting out of hand.

Lamphey secretary John Green was disappointed to hear of the secret talks and told Telegraph Sport:

Were surprised that clubs would take this view on Lamphey. Its disappointing as we have no issues with the County or them with us. All the players want to do is play cricket and theyre looking forward to the start of the season.

Despite contacting the secretaries of all First Division teams, The Western Telegraph was unable to find anyone able to comment on what was said at the meeting.