We sat down with well known umpire Jonathan Twigg, who as the majority will be aware was a fine cricketer before he took up umpiring. Jonathan spoke to us about cricket in Pembrokeshire currently as well as about some of the great players from 'back in the day' so to speak.

Firstly thanks for giving us your time to catch up, having hung up the spikes so to speak do you still get to watch a lot of cricket over the summer?

I do; most often from the best seat in the house as an umpire. One of the best things about cricket is its ageless and there is always something that could and often does, happen. It’s still remains, and always will do, a great day out. The prestige associated to games in Pembrokeshire and a willingness to change the rules to adopt innovative ideas (eg power plays) now also makes it an attractive spectacle for neutrals and dare I say it, non cricketers.

How do you feel Pembrokeshire cricket compares to now to twenty years ago?

The pitches, outfields (credit the ground staff) and the way the game is played have improved in that time, and no matter what era, the cream will always come to the top. Individually players are on par from 20 years ago, although the impact of losing Professional cricketers to the county, has in my opinion weakened the game. On a match by match basis a Pembrokeshire side can go toe to toe with their rivals from ‘up the line’ but collectively, over a season the current Pembrokeshire sides wouldn’t compete.

The South Wales Premier League is years ahead of the Pembrokeshire League and those currently running the game need to look to the future and not hamper after the past. It’s great to see players who made their mark in Pembrokeshire plying their trade at clubs further east, like Kurtis Marsh (Swansea), Tom Davies (Carmarthen Wanderers) and Simon Holliday (Dafen Welfare).

It’s an incentive to any young player with ambition to follow in their footsteps. Neyalnd are a dominant club locally and in fairness that didn’t happen over night. They have built themselves up over the last decade, the players buying into the ‘all whites’ philosophy and their back office is second to none. They will continue to attract players of all ages who want to commit to playing good cricket and I can’t see any side challenging them over a full season.

Having seen some great players over the years, who are the best batsman and best bowler you’ve seen grace Pembrokeshire cricket?

There have been many, across the decades but I’ve chosen two who I played with. I will say Dave Lovell (Lamphey) and Steve Phillips (Haverfordwest) were two who contributed with bat, ball, in the field and an understanding how to manage a game situation. They also put buns in seats as games where they were involved invariably attracted crowds and an atmosphere to match.

Batting wise I’d plump for Alan Sexton. When he was at the top of his game there was no one better to occupy the crease. He held no fear of opposition bowlers but he was also charismatic in his demeanour off the pitch. He liked nothing better than snuggling into a round at the bar with his opponents and again, he was charismatic in his approach to socialising!

Bowing wise I’d nominate Colin Williams, who was at the other end of the spectrum to Alan! Colin had a worth ethic to admire and he was a lot more canny than batsmen gave him credit for. He opened the bowling for Wales for many years and that was testament to his commitment the art of quick bowing and his willingness to put in the hard yards at training. Even on the Racecourse, which wasn’t renowned for its quick, bouncy track I’d often be 30+ yards back at slip.

How important is it that your former club Haverfordwest are back in the first division?

Pembrokeshire needs a strong Haverfordwest team in Division 1. That said, league tables don’t lie and whilst it was a shock to see them relegated two years ago, they bounced back immediately. To celebrate their bicentenary this season makes it even more important to see them mixing it in the top echelon and Chris Phillips as skipper will be key in ensuring the Club runs smoothly on and off the pitch. They have some very talented individuals, but the key is getting them to gel as a team every week.

On a personal level, what was your fondest memory in cricket?

In 1998, one week after marrying Suzanne (and cancelling the honeymoon to play in the Harrison Allen Final), I put Dave Lovells first ball in a Bowl final through the ice cream van window! I was told by the County Club Secretary later that year that the vendor buggered off because of the damage and claimed loss of business against the County Club!

We were rank under dogs on the day against Lamphey who were the king pins, but we had a brilliant team spirit which galvanised the crowd and the neutrals in our favour. It was nearly pitch black when a teenage Simon Williams got an edge to wicket keeper Huw Scriven which sealed a memorable occasion, one which lives long in the memory. 

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