T20 Cricket – Final word:
PembrokeshireSport.co.uk would like to have the final say on the Pembrokeshire T20 Midweek Competition which has been an amazing success and was blessed with gorgeous weather for the semi-finals and final at Imble Lane, with the pitch looking fantastic after all the hard work by the Pembroke Dock men and women.Much of the praise must, however, go to Craig Butland, whose idea it was two years ago to see more midweek cricket and as Craig told us that this season there have been 37 matches played in the competition – an amazing fact.
His enthusiasm has rubbed off on clubs, scorers and umpires, with seven men in white coats happy to help on a regular basis. Last season’s big day ended in torrential rain and Saundersfoot won the inaugural event, with a bowl-out ata single stump. This season every ball was bowled and watched by a big crowd.
As Craig told us,
“I decided to create the new midweek T20 competition last season because I was missing playing; it was a frustrating and difficult time for me on a personal level with injuries so whilst I had the time on my hands I wanted to keep busy and implement something I’ve always wanted to do and see here in Pembrokeshire.
“As the season is short, the cup matches are earlier on in the season and if you are eliminated it doesn’t give many further opportunities to play midweek competitive cricket.
“We arrange a lot of friendlies at Pembroke Dock CC and I thought this would add that competitive nature to what we do. I have been overwhelmed with the support to date and there seems to be a lot of positivity shown towards it, which I’m really pleased with. It’s been a busy and condensed five weeks to start, with the aim of it becoming a regular and longer competition over the next few years.“And judging by the comments this year we are on the right track. We have produced a bright and breezy programme, acquired quality trophies and tried to modernise the way we look at our cricket in the county.
“I am also grateful for the total support provided by Bill Carne and Gordon Thomas at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk, including their final effort on Monday.”
Craig played for the Dock Fire in the competition and received a runners-up memento but we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk believe that Craig Butland deserves more recognition and we are delighted to recognise his efforts in our own quiet way!
