Club’s ‘shocking’ league victory is simply not cricket

WHEN Carew Cricket Club won their local championship simply by denying the opposition the opportunity to accumulate extra points, condemnation was swift and forthright.

In order to become Pembroke County Cricket Club division one champions the team, from the edge of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, forced the deciding game to an early close by declaring an end to their innings after less than three overs.

By ending on 18 runs for one wicket, Carew prevented rivals Cresselly from scoring more than 40 runs in reply or taking more than one wicket, either of which would have given them the bonus points they needed to take the title. Cresselly won easily, but could not overtake Carew in the league.

Carew’s legal if underhand tactics earned the opprobrium of cricket lovers.

Steve James, who played for England and captained Glamorgan, said that the club’s attitude was shocking. “It’s against the spirit of the game,” he said.

Gareth Rees, another former Glamorgan cricketer, tweeted: “What an embarrassment ... shocking behaviour.”