With the rapid approach of Christmas and the current horrendous weather, cricket might seem the furthest sport away for enthusiasts in our county but for one group of people it was the main topic of conversation when they met up together.
The executive committee of the Pembrokeshire Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers met for their annual pre-Christmas lunch at the Harp Inn, Letterston, and as well as looking forward to the test series in South Africa there was good news on the local front as Huw Davies, the PACUS trainer, was able to tell the group that there were already six prospective new umpires signed up to take the umpiring course in the New Year.
“We are pleased but not satisfied yet,” Huw said, “because we want to have fully trained, neutral umpires in as many of our Saturday matches as possible.
New blood always vital
“There is sometimes a turn-over of match officials because some umpires inevitably reach retirement age, so new blood is vital.”
His view was endorsed by Trefor Evans, The PACUS hon treasurer and rightly regarded as a senior umpire.
“I enjoyed playing at Whitland for many years but there comes a time when you have to retire from the game – and umpiring keeps you in the game with the best seat in the house for top matches in the county.”
There was further good news when chairman Dave Brandon announced that PACUS had received a training grant from the Community Chest Fund so there are further plans in the air for improving the training of umpires throughout 2016.