Geraint enjoys his whole range of sports

Geraint Rees has just started year nine at Sir Thomas Picton School and he enjoys his sport there, as well as being one of those talented youngsters emerging in the county who seem to excel at a whole range of sports.

Geraint is almost 14 years old and started playing cricket for Neyland U9s as a six year old after initially watching dad play and then going up to the Athletic Ground. He was selected for Pembrokeshire at under 10 level and has played for the county for last four years, captaining the side on many occasions.

Memorable moments

His performances earned him Welsh trials at under11 and he was invited to Welsh Development Training at Neath for the past four years. Geraint currently plays for Neyland U13s, U15s and Ormond Youth team and made his debut for Neyland Seconds this season. His first senior game was at Hook, and he was batting alongside dad when Rees senior reached 100, (something for both to remember!) Geraint finished the game on six not out and took 1 for 19 when he went on to bowl, whilst dad was run out for 103 – but readily admits that it was not Geraint’s fault!

Ever-improving figures

Geraint normally bats at number three for the county and usually bowls first change and has previously been leading run scorer and leading wicket taker. He has worked hard in the nets and scored his maiden 50 this season for Neyland in an under 15s game at Pembroke Dock and also scored 69 not out for Pembrokeshire under 13s against West Glamorgan in July. His best bowling figures are for his school team (STP) when he took 7 for 1 in 3 overs against Ysgol Dewi Sant this season.

Rugby start – and a try at Stradey Park

Outside of his cricket, Geraint began playing for Neyland under 8s when he was six and has progressed through the age groups, often playing for the age group above as he’s been coached by Peter Davies initially, then Peter Hughes. He played in the centre outside Tom Hughes but plays outside half when playing in his own age group, which he really enjoys.

His best season for Neyland in terms of scoring tries was at under 9 level when he scored 50 tries in the season, including one at Stradey Park, before the Scarlets moved grounds. In this particular game he played with a broken finger, against his mum Jane’s wishes, and was really glad that he did as he could say he scored at the famous old ground in Llanelli!

Young Mariner

Last season Geraint transferred to Milford Haven RFC, as there was no team for his age at Neyland, playing at outside half under coach Mike Carew and helping Milford under 13s have a successful season, scoring nine tries in the process. He is now looking forward to playing this season with the under14s and also playing outside half for his school team at STP.

Goal-grabber at Camrose

Despite being busy with those two sports, Geraint started playing for Camrose under 12s with coach Phil Jones two seasons ago. He had been playing well for his school team in the under 11s competition and then invited to join Camrose, who won the league and cup with Geraint scoring 34 goals as he played up front alongside Morgan Thomas. Last season he played in the under 13s side which won the superb treble of league, cup and West Wales Cup, scoring 28 goals. He managed to score eight goals in one game against St Clears and also scored in the 2-1 Cup Final win over Clarbeston Road at Marble Hall.

Golf successes

Geraint is also following his dad into golf and has been a member at Milford Haven Golf Club since age of five. Inevitably he finds it hard to find time to play regularly with so many other sporting commitments and his handicap of 36 is something on which he is likely to improve soon- but he has already won a number of trophies at Milford, both individually and partnering his dad to victory in the Peter Harries family tournament. They also joined Martyn Inward and Phil Davies in coming runners-up in the Llangwm Cricket Club Golf Day. He enjoys playing other courses to and has already played at Celtic Manor, St Pierre and Forest of Arden.

Even more sports – and favourites

When time allows, Geraint also enjoys playing tennis and swimming (where he won races at School Gala when attending Neyland Junior School), and in all these activities he enjoys the full support of Lyn and Jane, who was a keen horse-woman in her younger days, plus older sister Beth. His grandparents Colin and Yvonne are also very keen and travel from their home in Solva to watch him play cricket and football – and he and dad watch events like the Welsh Golf Open at Celtic Manor, cricket at the Swalec Stadium and Welsh rugby at the top level.

And finally . . .

Geraint is a keen Manchester United fan but his favourite footballer is Gareth Bale, whilst James Anderson (Cricket) and Leigh Halfpenny (Rugby) are other heroes of his. But it is playing this range of sports that he enjoys most and there is no doubt that one day he might have to specialise – but until then Geraint Rees will continue to thoroughly enjoy all that he does so well on the sporting fields of Pembrokeshire!