Ken Morris Memorial Cup owes so much to Richard!

When the delayed 2018 Ken Morris Memorial Cup Final was recently held at its traditional home at the Lewis Lloyd Ground in Narberth someone who was really delighted was Richard Howell, who has been closely involved in its organisation for third teams across the county since its inception around a decade ago.

He arranges all the preliminary round matches and acts as unofficial press officer for them, sorts out all the trophies for the big day, sorts out teas with his smashing wife Rhian, plus his parents Heather and John.

In fact, he has been so busy that it is only now that we have finally been possible to catch up with him to present him with our special award, albeit one month late!

Still plays for his team

Not content with his key role in this very popular competition, however, Richard is still a regular player at the age of 53 and as always doesn't really mind for which of the club's teams he is chosen for, as he has done for almost 40 years.

It was an attitude recognised by Narberth Cricket Club five years ago when he was honoured to be elected as a Life Member - and was equally delighted when Rhian was also given life membership last season for all her efforts in the background as assistant secretary - whilst their son Jordan, a talented all-rounder, continues the loyalty theme as he has already been the youngest captain for Narberth.

Developing skills

But Richard started out at Kilgetty as an 11 year old because he knew someone there but when he met up with the likes of Paul Phillips and Greg Morris in school he joined them at the Lewis Lloyd Ground and was usually one of the reserves most weeks until he finally got in the side and played as a batsman with the county teams at under 14 and 15 levels alongside Paul Phillips, Geoff Martin (Hook) and Chris Campbell (Burton).

He soon developed his bowling skills as well and played for Narberth in three Ormond Youth Cup Finals, winning two of them and being chosen as man of the match in the first one. Later on he also played in a Harrison-Allen Bowl Final where they lost to Carew.

Cup captain and a hospital visit!

"Bobby Simons was a major influence on my development at that time," explained Richard.

At second team level he played in a winning Alec Colley Cup Final and skippered the side in another where he was only involved in the opening stages after sustaining a nasty cut to the webbing of his finger after going for a difficult low catch.

"I had to go to South Pembs Hospital and then Withybush, and it was over bar the shouting when I finally got back," said Richard with a wry chuckle!

Football involvement too

Across Jesse Road at the town's football club Richard has also been involved as a centre forward with the seconds in his much younger days - and his also busy as an administrator - as well as doubling up as their linesman whenever needed.

But it is cricket that occupies much of his spare time and Richard has already started the organisation of the Ken Morris Cup for 2019 - and there is no doubt about his commitment to the cause after his family was friends with the late Ken Morris.

"I just want to make sure it carries on annually," he told us,

And we would like to recognise his sterling work by making him our 'Star of the Month' for June 2019!