The Indoor Cricket League organised by the Pembroke County Cricket Club has started really well for the 2017 season as nine teams are doing battle at Tenby Leisure Centre to see who will go forward to the Welsh Championship as this county's representatives.
 
It is a significant time for the competition because Wendy Bradshaw, who has been a wonderful organiser, has stepped down because of family commitments and there is a willing volunteer to take over in Peter 'Jack' Davies, who is sure to match Wendy's enthusiasm and willingness to see that the competition is run well.
 
"I know that I have a big pair of high heels to step into," admitted Peter with a typical chuckle, "but I know that if I need any advice I only have to phone Mrs B and she will be readily available to give advice.
 
"She has been a brilliant administrator and supporter for indoor cricket and I can only promise to do my best as her replacement."
 

Hon sec Steve is delighted

 
Steve Blowes, the Hon Secretary of the Pembroke CCC, told us,
"We fully recognise the brilliant work done by Wendy Bradshaw and were concerned about finding a replacement so we are very pleased that Peter has stepped in with an enthusiasm and common-sense approach that bodes well for the future.
 
"We are pleased that we have nine teams for this indoor campaign and hope that all the teams fulfil their fixtures - and other clubs look to join next season."
 

In the front row of rugby players

 
Peter is best known as a very good rugby player in his own right after starting out in his home area of Swansea, playing in the front row for Bonymaen and Cross Keys.
“I also had a few games with Swansea and Neath at first team level but they tended to be when we travelled up into the valley clubs on wet Wednesday nights, which always seemed tougher in the bad weather against some very big packs!”
 
“Then work brought me to Pembrokeshire and I met up with the late John Preece at the Gulf Refinery, who did so much work for rugby and cricket in the town, and he invited me to join Neyland, which I did.
 

Staying in Neyland – and loving his involvement

 
“I had originally planned to stay for perhaps a couple of years but then I met my wife Gill, who is from the very sporting Morris family, which was the best move I’ve made, and we’ve been happy in the town ever since!”
 
As well as being a terrific prop or hooker with the Pembrokeshire All Blacks, playing his last game at the slightly advanced age of 49, he also helped Steve Evans with some coaching of the senior side – and became junior coaching organiser with Neyland RFC where one of the best-known festivals for junior rugby players attracted clubs to The Athletic Ground from as far afield as England and Munster, in Ireland.
 
His organisational skills were very much in evidence as he sorted out entries, the draws, referees, food and a whole range of other details on a very busy day that attracted huge crowds and where every participant received a memento.
 

Cricket as a second sport . . .

 
On the cricket front, Peter played for Neyland as an opening bat, mainly with the seconds and third teams.
"I used to open the batting but have to admit I was a bit of a slogger and my best score of 93 was brought to an abrupt halt when I was caught on the boundary looking to clobber a big six.
 
"Being so involved in the town's rugby set-up meant I had to call a halt to my cricket after a while but I used to go along to watch the firsts with Gill, whose son Phil Davies was playing as a young all-rounder alongside Sean and Patrick Hannon, Gregg and Andrew Miller, Patrick Bellerby and Nick Koomen.
 

. . . And helping others in the game!

 
"Then one day at Carew one of the players suffered a dislocated finger and I had my first-aid kit from the rugby in the boot of the car - and quickly put it back in place.
 
"Team captain Gregg knew I had trained a first aider as a youngster and asked me if I fancied going along to the matches to help out and since then my role has widened somewhat since as well as tending minor injuries I also write out the team sheets and put the pitch markers out before the game (but not afterwards because by then I have usually worked up a considerable thirst)!
 
"I also collect the match-day subs for Sean Hannon, who is now captain, and anything else that helps take some pressure off the skipper."
 
"The players are happy for me to treat them on the field although when Gregg sustained a dislocated finger against Haverfordwest he said he would prefer to be treated by opponent Dr Simon Holliday, who duly fixed the problem,” but as Peter told Gregg afterwards, ‘Doc’ Holliday normally treats matters of the mind, and not stuff like damaged fingers."
 

Enjoyed watch indoor cricket – and now heavily involved

 
It was a similar story in the indoor game because Peter popped along more and more to watch Neyland play - and when Sean Hannon took over the reins he was also delighted that Peter was at as many games as possible because of his first-aid knowledge – but also because Peter’s genuine enthusiasm was a boost for all the Neyland players.
 
That sense of enjoyment is being continued at the Tenby Leisure Centre because Peter has attended all the early games to get acquainted with the players from all the teams. Not only has he given them every encouragement but has helped Neil Croucher by umpiring at square leg, checking that the scoring is being completed, contacting the local press to provide details and even taking pictures for them to use!
 

And finally . . .

 
Peter would be first to play down his role and is adamant that all he wants is to see the indoor league go from strength to strength – and there is already positive proof that he is on the way with his aim.
 
Wendy Bradshaw has told us that she thinks Peter Davies is doing a great job and we wouldn’t dare disagree with that redoubtably top lady – and we wish this real gentleman of sport every success in the future of indoor cricket in Pembrokeshire!