Changes at the top in county's cricket (From Western Telegraph)

Changes at the top in county's cricket

There was a change at the top when Pembroke County Cricket Club recently held its annual general meeting at Haverfordwest Cricket Club, with Dave Morris taking on the role of chairman after Phil Thomas had finished his three-year stint.

There were also minor rule changes made, including one about halting leg-side bowling in senior cup matches but attempts to change the league's scoring system were thrown out, with one not even reaching discussion because of the fact that Haverfordwest CC didn't nominate a seconder who was a member of the County Club!

Morris, who played for Cresselly in his heyday and was a Welsh Schools player and county regular, is also assistant secretary of the Pembrokeshire Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers.

He appealed to players and clubs to accept decisions made by the County Club in a sporting spirit.

He also praised Phil Thomas for his unstinting efforts, a view reflected by County Club President Stan Richards, who chaired the rest of the meeting.

The president suggested that Phil Thomas had been one of the top three chairmen that he could remember, and he was pleased that the former chairman would continue for the next year as previous past chairman.

Also newly elected as vice-chairman was Trefor Evans, the former Whitland player and current umpire, while Micky Phillips was elected as the new junior league organiser and David Loosmore took over the reins as child welfare officer.

Another hard-working official returned to office was hon treasurer Rowley Phillips, who produced a very healthy balance sheet and was pleased to announce that another 40 new members had joined the County Club since the previous agm.

Also returned unopposed was assistant hon secretary John Harries, who reported on the 2004 season, with Brian James again returned unanimously as grounds advisor.

Sadly though, for the second season in succession there was no nomination for the key post of hon secretary as Billy Marchant's shoes continue to be too big for the County Club to fill. Marchant remains on the executive committee alongside Nick Evans, Euros Jones, Andrew Phillips, Tony Scourfield and a new recruit in Phil Tallett (Stackpole).

The senior selection committee of Hilliard Davies, Nick Evans, Dave Morris, Stan Richards and Phil Thomas remains for another season intact, with Nigel Arthur, Caryl Brace and Rob Simons joined by newcomers Chris Campbell, Elaine Scale, Steve Jones and Nick Evans joining them for 2005 youth and junior selection committee.

Amendments passed included the fact that all clubs must have adequate Public Liability Insurance and a child welfare officer.

Clubs not eligible to play senior cricket in the county might be considered for entry into youth and junior cricket, if they are close to Pembrokeshire's borders.

This was regarded as important in view of the fact that the County Club now runs the area as a Welsh region, a significant step forward for the future of the game.

At the end of the meeting, Ray Kane presented level one and two coaching certificates and congratulated those involved, since their services in the new region could be widely used.

In attendance to collect their level one certificates were Graham Salter (St Ishmaels), Alan and Lisa Sexton (Haverfordwest), and John Summons (Johnston), while all the candidates for level two, Russell Jones (Fishguard), Phil Sutton, Alex Kemp and Andrew Williams (all Haverfordwest), Jackie Williams (Herbrandston) and Caryl Brace (Carew) were congratulated on their success.