We'll meet again

posted by John Winn

Matches in the Pembrokeshire League Division 1 rarely make the headlines but last September one did and for the wrong reasons. The game in question was between Carew and Cresselly and a act of gamesmanship by Carew skipper Brian Hall which gave his team the title but was considered sufficiently contrary to the spirit of cricket by league officials that, whilst the official record will show Carew as 2017 champions, they will begin the new season on April 22nd with a Division 2 game against Cresselly II. Hall's decision to declare his side's innings at 18 for 1 handed the match to Cresselly on a plate but denied their opponents the opportunity to gain sufficient points to take the title thus ensuring the tarnished crown went to Carew. In the words of The Cricketer, Hall's action 'saw an ocean of opprobrium engulf him'. Oh my Brian Rose of 1979.

There is however another twist in the tail for with both clubs having entered the Village Cup, two of only five teams in the Dyfed Group, fate has decided that both having received byes in the first round the two sides will meet on Sunday May 27th in Round Two. Away from the crucible that is Pembrokeshire cricket, holders Reed from Hertfordshire will begin the defence of their title with a trip to Langleybury. Defeated finalists Sessay who because of their promotion to Yorkshire Premier North can only enter a second XI this year will make the short trip to Silton near Northallerton.

Last year's semi finalists were Worcestershire outfit Astwood Bank who will be at home to Exhall and Wixford, members of the Cotswold Hills League, and Aston Rowant from Oxfordshire who will travel to Kingston Bagpuize.

First round matches are scheduled for April 29th and  I am tempted to make the short journey over the River Ure to a game at Alne who take on Heslerton, based near Malton and members of the Scarborough Beckett League. The full draw can be found at nationalvillagecup.com together with more about the unsavoury events involving Carew.

Westerdale ready to roll

Following the AGM of the Langbaurgh League, and as expected, Westerdale have served their year's probation and were entered into full membership by a unanimous vote and an application by Yarm CC to enter their third XI, previously members of the NYSD Sunday League, was equally well received. One item remains to be settled before the new fixtures can be finalised. Nunthorpe from the leafy suburbs of Middlesbrough, who since leaving the Cleveland League in 2014, have made their way through the divisions of the Darlington and District League but have maintained a second XI in the Langbaurgh, have been accepted into the NYSD but as yet have not decided where their second XI will play. The players will decide 'as soon as possible' whether this will be the D and D or the Langbaurgh.