South Wales Cricket Association
Established 1926
Chair's Message
Starting off as I
usually do with the weather during the season, on the whole it was one of the
better summers for a while, with most of the games being played, that was until
the last Saturday of the season when some teams were hoping for results which
could have a bearing on promotion or relegation, unfortunately only a handful
of game started, but no matches were concluded due to the heavy rain.
On Sunday 31st August the last ever cricket match took place at St
Helens, Swansea after 150 years. Two Clubs have now combined to form Swansea & Civil
Service Cricket Club for the 2026 season at their new home in Sketty Lane. I
would like to wish them well for the future.
Division 10 Champions were Cowbridge, Division 9 Aberystwyth, Division
8 Penlan, Division 7 Briton Ferry Steel, Division 6 Briton Ferry Town, Division
5 Gorseinon, Division 4 Carmarthen Wanderers, Division 3 Pontarddulais,
Division 2 Llangennech and Division 1 Champions and winners of the “Dan
Radcliffe Trophy” were Maesteg (who had to wait a few weeks for their promotion
to be confirmed by the ECB) who will replace Dafen in the South Wales Premier
Cricket League.
The T20 Finals Day saw Pontarddulais beat Port Talbot Town to win the
Senior Cup , and
Landore beat Swansea Civil Service to win the Intermediate Cup, I would like to
thank Pontarddulais Cricket Club for hosting the finals day.
Gorseinon represented the SWCA in the national T20 plate competition.
The SWCA representative side beat Pembroke County at Ammanford and
Whitland, MCC at Pontarddulais then helped Cimla celebrate their centenary with
players picked from the lower divisions. Thanks to Paul Rees (coach) Brian
Jones (team manager) and Jon Finn for all their hard work.
Every year I thank the officers and the members of the management
committee for all they do during the year, This year I want to mention 2 people
in particular.
Secretary Steve Jones who has served in the role for 20 years, it gave me great
pleasure in presenting him with the 2025 chair’s award, then there is Eric
Lewis (chair of the grounds committee) or
Mr, Llangennech who sadly passed away last October we both joined the
management committee in 2001.
Thanks also to our sponsor Mr Barry Clement of Clean Rescue and lastly
to Mr, Mike Price who has written a book about the history of the SWCA which
have been handed out to clubs but are available if anybody requires a copy.
The Presentation Evening at the Diplomat Hotel was a great success, the
Division 1 Fairplay trophy went to Llandysul and Division 2 to Llangennech. Thanks
to our President our guest speaker Geoff Miller was outstanding, he was also
able to get David Gower to speak at the Centenary / Presentation Dinner in
October this year.
Next year will be a big year for the Association as we celebrate 100
years of cricket in South Wales, there is a pre tour dinner on Saturday January
24th 2026 at the Towers Hotel, then in February the centenary tour
heads off to Cape Town in South Africa.
There are representative matches to be
played through out
the season, more details will be announced in the new year.
We have had 2 new clubs join the Association, Glynneath Miners Welfare Cricket
Club and Lampeter Cricket Club, so there will be 106 teams playing in 10
divisions this season.
Can I ask clubs, please, please can you make sure all players are registered on
the play cricket site, this seemed to be a problem last season, also could
clubs please make sure their contact details are up to date.
On a personal note, I have been Chair since 2009. A role I have
considered to be an honour and privilege. However, I have decided that the time
has come for me to stand down, which will be at the next AGM. If anybody is
thinking of putting their name forward for the role, and want to have a chat,
please feel free to contact me. The Treasurer Mr, Allan Winkley has also
indicated that he is standing down at the same time.
The Centenary / Presentation Dinner is being held on Friday 2nd
October at the Diplomat Hotel, Felinfoel.
Finally, good luck for the forthcoming season.
Neil Hobbs
(Hon Chair)