Fixtures fiasco for Bridgend
CRICKET
THE Thomas, Carroll South Wales Premier Cricket League has presented Bridgend Town with a bizarre fixture list, writes Tony Poole.
The listings show that the Newbridge Fields club will play all their league matches away in May.
And when the reverse games come around later in the season, they will be home throughout July.
Three words have set up this strange set of circumstances for the former Premier League champions – Swansea Cricket Club.
League secretary Steve Jones has described the situation that Bridgend Town find themselves in as a nightmare.
“Bridgend Town are the unlucky club to be affected by efforts to cater for Swansea, who cannot use St Helen’s at certain times owing to Glamorgan commitments and an airshow,” he said.
“It appears Swansea have also been made to feel grateful for playing at their ground either side of another event in August.’’
Bridgend are unhappy with the situation, as it’s going to place an enormous strain on Bridgend Council to prepare pitches during high summer.
“First team matches are always played on a new wicket, and this means in mid-season five tracks will have to be prepared in the space of six weeks,” said club chairman John Morgan.
“Not only that but we’ll be home on day one of the season in April, and not return to Newbridge Fields until June.
“To say that we are un- happy with the situation is understating things.’’
Looking at the fixtures, after hosting Neath on April 29, they have successive away games in May with Ammanford (6th), Penarth (13th), Port Talbot Town (20th) and Newport (27th).
The next home game isn’t until June 3 when Cardiff visit Newbridge Fields – and then pressure mounts on the square.
It involves home games with Mumbles ( June 24), and then in July against Ammanford (8th), Penarth (15th), Port Talbot Town (22nd) and Newport (29th).
And in another twist – again brought about by Swansea unable to use St Helen’s on the opening day – Bridgend Town Seconds will now open their campaign at Miskin on a Sunday (April 30).