New Kids on the Block
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| The Nomads |
The annual competition for our county's third teams, will have a new team among the usual suspects with the Nomads making their debut later this week.
Formed around eight years ago and made up of a mixture of young and old together with experienced players with a smidgen of non-cricketers, the team have been granted a place in this year's competition and many are predicting they could lift the trophy at their first attempt.
Skippered by Richard 'Dickie' Reed, the team will be known to many throughout the county after playing a series of friendlies over the years although in recent seasons, finding fixtures is more difficult.
The Ken Morris Cup provides them with the fixtures they crave and adds a bit of competition for what is primarily a knock-about side.
"The concept was created by those who couldn't play on weekends but who like the game and find 20/20 midweek matches more feasible," said Reed.
"The culture behind the team is based on enjoyment. It's more about the collective and enjoying opportunities as opposed to a win at all costs mentality.
"We're looking forward to the challenge though and are quietly confident of success, but our main aim of entering is just to have a regular round of matches."
There are murmurings of discontent about them being in the competition however with some clubs suggesting they are not quite as 'social' as they suggest.
It's difficult to argue the case with some of the players at their disposal.
Former Narberth all-rounder Ollie Cook is a playing member as is Llechryd's Johnny Lewis (formerly of Kilgetty) and Lawrenny's Will Randell.
Reed himself played for Kilgetty and Saundersfoot while club fonder Gareth 'Gizmo' Morgan could have easily cut it as a division two player if not more, had he been inclined to play league cricket.
"We're not going to pack our team with reputation as it could otherwise put people out of joint," added Reed.
"We want to be a positive force in the competition and garner good relations between teams."
Cup organiser Richard Howells hopes so too
"They approached us last year to play but the fixtures had already been done," he said.
"It's going to be interesting to see what happens.
"It's a popular competition. It gives youngsters a chance to play cup cricket but we've always had a few first teamers sneak into it.
"Robbie Hicks played once as did Brian Hall and Dai Davies.
"It's getting harder for third teams in the county so maybe having unaffiliated teams is the future. A team from Narberth (containing ex-Maenclochog players Jamie Bohata and Gary Nicholas) asked to compete this year but we didn't have a space for them."
The cup is run by Narberth cricket club in memory of former player, Umpire and a staunch supporter of grassroots cricket, Ken Morris.
It is not arranged by the county club so having unaffiliated teams is not an issue although Howells is keen for it not to become a pub competition.
"I think the competition will be stronger because of them entering," added Howells. "But it needs to be based on trust."
Reed agrees.
"If we progress, we progress. If we don't we don't. We're going to make it a fun atmosphere and play tongue in cheek and what happens next is unknown."
What is known is they play the game as it should be played and also, that none of them are in this week's team of the week!
Team of the week
1. Chris Fitzpatrick 102 - Haverfordwest v Cresselly
2. Harry Fuller 92 not out - Whitland 3rds v Kilgetty 2nds
3. Ben Field 86 - Haverfordwest v Cresselly
4. Patrick Bellerby 84 - Neyland v Lawrenny
5. Gary Philips 77 & 2-29 - Llangwm 2nds v Whitland 3rds
6. Stuart Carpenter 76 not out & 2-26 Tish 2nds v Neyland 2nds
7. Kevin Pearce 74 not out - Laugharne v Lawrenny 2nds
8. Rhys Beard 7-14 - Llechryd v Pembroke
9. Rhys Davies 6-37 - Carew v Saundersfoot
10. Phil Sutton 5-9 - Neyland 3rds v Pembroke Dock 2nds
11. Andrew Miller 5-57 & 48 not out - Neyland v Lawrenny
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