South Wales Cricket Association
Established 1926

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Chairman's Message

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Neil Hobbs, Chairman

Having just completed my first year as Chairman of the S.W.C.A. I now look back on the last 12 months and wonder where the time went.
The 2009 Season, was for the third year running interrupted by bad weather, but having said that we had an exciting climax to the season. Ammanford retained the Division 1 Title, Ynystawe won Division 2, Maesteg Division 3, Cimla Division 4 and Porthcawl Division 5.  The 2008 League Cup Final between Briton Ferry Steel and Mumbles was finally played at the end of May, and was probably the most exciting final in a long time, and it was decided on the last ball of the match in Mumbles favour. The 2009 Final will now be played in early May between Dafen and Ynysygerwn. The 1st Division “Batsman of the Year” went to Lee Thomas (Mumbles) who scored 913 runs and the “Bowler of the Year” to Andrew Phelps (Port Talbot Town) with 45 Wickets.
I would like to thank Antur Insurance for their continued support, and also for introducing the "Performance of the Month" award during the season. In May, Osian Evans (Drefach) won, in June Andrew Rowlands (Briton Ferry Steel), in July Rhodri Reynolds (Margam) and Jamie Lewis (Skewen) won the award in August.
We did change our Cricket Ball supplier in 2009. Lord’s were given the contract, but there was not total satisfaction with club’s regarding this change. For 2010 we are to continue with Lord’s, but we shall use a much better grade of Cricket Ball. Unfortunately for club’s we have had to increase the price and I would ask that you keep us informed as to the quality of the balls provided.
On a sad note, I would like to mention a few people who passed away during the year. Former Chairman and Life Member Bill Edwards passed away in November and in July umpire Alcwyn Jenkins was fatally injured in a match at St. Helens and Phillip Holding “Oggy” passed away in February, they all have given distinguished service to the S.W.C.A.
Now I would like to look forward to the 2010 season, which will see the biggest change in the structure of the S.W.C.A. for quite some time. There will be 5 Teams playing in the newly formed E.C.B. South Wales Premier Cricket League. The teams taking part are Ammanford, Pontarddulais, Port Talbot Town, Swansea and Ynysygerwn and I would like to wish them well in the new league. Therefore with 41 teams remaining, we shall have 4 Divisions in 2010.
We still have a shortage of Umpires, but it is nice to see that some former players are remaining in the game, and giving something back by donning their white coats on a Saturday. We can still use some more and anybody interested should contact our Umpires Administrator Mr. Richard Lewis.
Please make a note for your Diary that the S.W.C.A. Presentation Dinner is held on the first Friday in October.

Finally, I hope we all have an enjoyable Season.

Neil Hobbs (Chairman)

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