End of an era as Billy hangs up his boots (From Western Telegraph)

End of an era as Billy hangs up his boots

Pembroke County Cricket Club Annual General Meeting:

The recently-held AGM of the Pembroke County Cricket Club saw the end of an era as Hon Secretary Billy Marchant stood down from an office he has held with distinction for 17 years.

It was the quietest AGM since he started since there wasn't the need for a single serious vote and not one item was debated. The main changes decided were that play will start earlier next season and umpires will be paid more for completed league matches.

In his usual report of the year, Marchant outlined cricketing events at county and league level, starting with Junior Cricket and ending with the progress made by ladies in our county which has seen several of them achieve Welsh international status. He also outlined the cup competitions and thanked all of the sponsors who have helped support the County Club again. He also thanked clubs for their support, umpires and coaches for their dedication, and the local press for such superb coverage.

Also included in his final speech was mention of the excellent work undertaken by the Acting Assistant Hon Secretary, John Harries, whose appointment full time was confirmed at the AGM. Mention was also made of the County Club's attempts to become a region, with Robert Simons and Chairman Phil Thomas spear-heading the drive, that the Groundsmans' Association had been formed- and the fact that the new Child Welfare Act is to be implemented this season.

He concluded his report by asking everyone to seek a replacement for him and offered support for anyone prepared to undertake the role of Hon Secretary. He was thanked for all his yeoman efforts by Phil Thomas and received travel vouchers from members and clubs in recognition of his work.

Phil Thomas and his vice-chairman Dave Morris continue in office, Roley Edwards remains as Hon Treasurer and Stan Richards was unanimously appointed President for a second time in recognition of his tireless support of cricketing matters in the county. Brian James (Ground Advisor) and Graham Morris (Junior League Organiser) were also returned whilst Bob Flute takes on the new role of Child Welfare Officer.

On the management committee, Trefor Evans, Nick Evans, Euros Jones, Tony Scourfield and Andrew Phillips were returned with a vacancy still to be filled - with Hilliard Davies, Dave Morris, Stan Richards, Nick Evans and Phil Thomas as the Senior Selection Committee. The Youth and Junior Selection Committee of Brian Griffiths, Nigel Arthur, Hugh Davies, Paul Kemp and Bob Simons was also returned unopposed.

Other proposals passed were agreed, clubs who are from outside Pembrokeshire and drop out cannot return after a two-year period, and a player suspended properly by one club cannot play for another club during the period of the ban. Also changed was the rule which now says that if a team doesn't have at least eight players half an hour after the start of play cannot continue the match - and if both teams have fewer than eight players the match is declared void.

Umpires are to be paid £15 if a league match is completed, with incomplete matches and cup matches still at a charge of £10.

In other changes, if a team is awarded points for the opponents' non-fulfilment then the points awarded shall equal the highest points earned by any side in that section on that day - and all league games throughout the season will now start at 1.45pm.