The command of the coach

Listening to his every word. Nick Shelmerdine at a Lamphey
training session last year
Across the county the season is coming to an end, for our All Stars cricketers at least.

 It's a short season for them, only eight weeks but an enjoyable one nonetheless. 

 The weather has helped of course but from the myriad of social media posts sent out on the ether its plain to see that games such as yes, no, wait, wheelbarrow races and having them run through a guard of honour from grown ups makes the kids smile, assuring the first aim of the programme, that of enjoyment, has been met.

 Whether or not those kids will go on to play for their respective senior teams in the future remains to be seen, but for now, cricket is in their consciousness.

 Running a junior section is not easy, it requires dedication, organisation, understanding and a way with kids that doesn't come easy to some.

 I know this from exerience.

 Looking after your own kids is hard enough, trying to look after up to 30 others is often impossible.

 This is where teachers come in.

Teachers have a gift. I've noticed them first hand.

 They speak and the kids listen. They explain what going to happen in the session and the kids understand. Often it's just a small hand gesture and the kids get it straight away.

 In Lamphey we have our own. His name is Nick Shelmerdine.

 A sports teacher in Carmarthen, he has a command over the kids that is difficult to replicate.

 I've tried it and failed.

 I've observed how he does it. The way he talks, walks, uses hand gestures and such like but no matter how hard I try, I just haven't got what he has.

 Whereas when he tells the kids what to do, they do it; when I'm running a session on my own it's the other way around. Or it feels like that at least!

 Other clubs have these magicians too you only have to see the social media posts to notice that.

 In the grand scheme of things, they are quickly becoming the most important asset of any club; without them you may not have a team of tomorrow so for the future of the game, make sure you look after them well.

 Best of luck to our regional teams heading off on tour too and of course the coaches who are in charge of them.

 It won't be easy but the memories will last a lifetime.

 Team of the week:

 1) Jonathan Williams (Hundleton) 118 v Burton 2nds
2) Kurtis Marsh (Kilgetty) 113 n.o. v Llangwm
3) Steve Alford (Pembroke Dock 2nds) 109 v Neyland 3rds
4) Ross Hardy (Kilgetty) 106 and 3-56 v Llangwm
5) Matthew Kiff (Llangwm) 105 v Kilgetty
6) Matthew Davies (Whitland) 101 n.o. and 2-50 v St Ishmaels
7) Scott Richards (Carew 2nds) 96 n.o. v Lamphey
8) Jack Harries (Pembroke) 6-60 and 47 v Whitland 2nds
9) Davy Johns (Narberth 2nds) 5-14 and 64 n.o. v Lawrenny 2nds
10) Dean John (Herbrandston) 5-17 v Llanrhian
11) Adam Davies (St Ishmaels 2nds) 4-18 v Llanrhian 2nds

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