Pembrokeshire Junior Cricket is fast approaching the end of a two-year probationary period, operating as one of the nine autonomous regions of the CBW Regional Pyramid System. Their performance over the last two years will therefore decide whether they sink or swim as a participating and competing region of Wales. There has never been a more challenging time for the game in Pembrokeshire as preparations are made to enter the Winter Coaching Programme. In their first season the Pembrokeshire Junior Cricket representative county teams (U10 to U15) have, overall, 'held their own' while competing in Welsh national competitions and festivals. Out of 26 inter-regional matches played, they won 11, tied one and lost 14; not a bad start for the first year of their trial period in the higher echelons of Welsh Junior Cricket. Their U15 team led the way by reaching the final of the national competition played at the famous Sophia Gardens, and the U12 team reached the 'play-off' stages at their national festival. The U10s won seven of their eight matches played during the season, including all three matches at the inaugural Welsh U10s Festival staged in Aberystwyth - the only regional team with a 100 per cent record! This season has shown a slight overall improvement to date with eight matches won and eight lost, with eight still to play. This season's U15 squad have once again excelled by reaching the national final, which will take the form of a day/ night encounter of 50 overs per side under the Sophia Gardens floodlights in pyjama-styled clothing. A terrific experience for the young players, this match will start at 4 pm on Friday, August 18, and any travelling support will be much welcomed, What we now have to do is build on this promising start and, to this end, the Pembrokeshire Association of Cricket Coaches are preparing another stimulating winter programme of coach education courses, Dragon coaching and county squad training which will help prepare the coaches and young cricketers of Pembrokeshire for the demanding, but enjoyable, times ahead.
