Setbacks for Town
CRICKET
BRIDGEND Town have received two setbacks in their build-up to an eighth season of action in the South Wales Premier Cricket League, writes Tony Poole.
Hot on the heels of all-rounder Sam Pearce switching to Premier League rivals Pontarddulais it’s also been revealed that spinner Nicky Davies has departed Newbridge Fields.
Pearce, who is now studying at Cardiff Met and will also play for their MCC side this summer, was a regular opening batsman and one of a rare breed in the league of leg spinners.
However, in the case of Davies – a former Wales Minor Counties player who was one of the best and economical spinners on the circuit – it’s through a new job in London.
He has no intention of travelling back to Bridgend each weekend, and will seek a new club in the London area.
Another Town bouncer came via Brad Wadlan remaining with Penzance, as it was rumoured he might become player- coach at Bridgend Town.
So, with just three months to the start of the new season, the Newbridge Fields club are also on the lookout for a new player-coach.
Former Glamorgan batsman Will Bragg has been mentioned, but it remains to be seen whether anything comes of this.
However, opening bat Sam Wood, who missed the bulk of last season with a hand injury, will return to the side while more will be seen of now fit Thomas Dalton.
Town will also be able to call on Scottish allrounder Ruaidhri Smith when his services aren’t required by Glamorgan.
During the club’s AGM staged last Friday in the Newbridge Fields clubhouse, ex-Wales Minor Counties wicket-keeper Tom Baker was rubber stamped as club captain for a third successive term of office.
Bridgend hockey star David Knight heads the Seconds; Sam Shepherd leads the Thirds and Wayne Barrington the Fourths while AT Bunston again captains the Sunday team.