|
Father and son cricketers Jeff and Simon Jones have been inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame (WSHF).
The ex-Glamorgan and England players were honoured in a ceremony in Cardiff. Simon Jones, who was awarded an MBE in the 2006 New Year's Honours List, said, “I achieved something I never thought I'd achieve with my dad. – So Proud! To have mine and my dad's name alongside the legends of Welsh sport is a great honour; well overdue in my dad's case! He's my mentor and a gent.” The WHSF was formed in 1980 to provide a Welsh national focus for recognising and preserving sporting achievements by Welsh sportsmen and sportswomen at the highest level, with the intention of influencing future generations in the values of sporting endeavour. An Annual Dinner is usually held in Spring or summer each year, where new names are added to the Inductees of the Hall of Fame of those many Welsh sports persons considered by their achievements and personal attributes to be worthy additions to the Roll of Honour.
S. Davies has made an enquiry about local football teams circa 1940:
"I was talking with my father and he came up with football, ie St Davids United, Dafen. I Am trying to find some information with regards to such a team as my uncle and few other family members used to play for them. Any help would be gratefully received. Many thanks." The History section of Dafen Welfare AFC website states that during the 1938/39 season, there was a severe shortage of players for Dafen Football Club, due to the advent of the Second World War, and the senior players available signed for Halfway. During the early war years, friendly matches were played until the end of the 1942/43 season, when the team was disbanded. A local Home Guard team was formed the following year, but lasted half a season only, being disbanded in January 1944, after being beaten 10-1 by Loughor Rovers. I would suggest that St David’s United, (Probably named after the local coal mine) was perhaps a local friendly side during this time. Does anybody have any other info or suggestions? Nominations are being sought for this year’s Edgar Andrews Award.
The annual award, which is supported by Llanelli Rural Council, recognises services to sport by individuals. People eligible for consideration of this award would be either living in Dafen or living outside the village but connected to a sporting association within the village. Written nominations should be submitted to:- Mr Wayne Thomas 10 New Road, Dafen, Llanelli SA14 8LS or email – wayne.thomas415@btinternet.com Closing date for nominations is Sunday 26th October. Dafen's Dundee FC goal keeper Kyle Letheren will soon be rubbing shoulders with the the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey after earning his first senior call-up for Wales.
National coach Chris Coleman has named the 26-year-old in his squad for Wales' opening Euro 2016 qualifying clash in Andorra next month. Letheren has been making a big impression in Scotland, helping Dundee win the Scottish Premier League title last season, and their promotion to the top flight. He was also awarded the trophy for Player of the Year at the club, voted by Dundee FC supporters. The 26, started his career as a youth player with Swansea City and represented his country Wales at under 21 level when only 17 years old.  Pic supplied by Alun Lewis A bumper crowd is expected this Sunday when Dafen Park holds its second annual Six-A-Side Charity Cricket Tournament, hosted by Dafen Welfare Cricket Club. Last years champions The Scarlets will be returning to defend their title and will bring a second team of Scarlets to the competition which promises to be every bit as lively and exciting as last years event. Scarlets players will include Rhys Priestland, Regan King, Jake Ball, Liam Williams and the Shingler brothers! As well as the Scarlets and two teams from Dafen, there will also be a big welcome to Llangennech, Felinfoel, and Llanelli Cricket Clubs who will return to play a huge part in making the event a success and a day to remember.  This year the tournament will raise money for #TeamDan, the fundraising campaign that was set up to support the cancer battle of former Scarlets player Dan Rogers and also for Dafen Cricket Club's junior section. In 2013 the event raised £1,800 for The University of Wales Hospital's intensive care and haematology units (Cardiff), where Dan underwent treatment. To add the carnival atmosphere of the day there will be a barbecue, stalls, bouncy castle, and live music. A day for everyone to enjoy. So come along and have a great day out and help contribute to a good cause. A charitable admission fee will be collected at the parks entrances. £2.00 for adults and £1.00 for 11-16 year olds. There will be no charge for children under eleven.
 Early in its campaign the CUSC produced this information table demonstrating the proposed fee increases in the County An 'information exchange day' will be held on Wednesday, August 13 at Dafen Park Rural Hall as part of a consultation on proposed charges for Carmarthenshire County Council sporting facilities.
The drop-in session will run from 3pm-7pm. People can either fill in a form and/or speak to staff. There will be officers present to provide support and guidance around options such as asset transfer, grant funding, grounds maintenance and any other issues. The consultation follows a decision made by the council earlier this year to freeze proposed fee increases in the County until March 2015. Carmarthenshire Unified Sports Committee, which was set up to fight the proposed charges, has urged local people to attend the meeting -- and similar meetings in other areas throughout the County -- to stand up against the proposed price hikes, which the Committee says are a threat to grass roots sports throughout the County. CUSC Chairman Kevin Francis said, "We cannot achieve our goal of affordable sport for all if we don't get huge support on these dates. We now need the help of every sports person and their families in Carmarthenshire. It is vital that we get a strong presence at these meetings. This is our best and probably last chance to show a united and informed front." CUSC is also arranging a public meeting for Monday September 8th at Steboneath Football Club. 6pm start. (Edited). and are inviting every Councillor, AM and MP in Carmarthenshire, along with every officer who has an input into this pitch fee debate. "A huge amount of work has been done by CUSC up until this point. Please, please, please don't let it go to waste by non attendance. If we are weak in numbers and show a lack of interest this council will increase pitch fees to an unmanageable level. Remember how you felt when you first saw the figures. They will become a reality if you ignore this request to mobilise," said Mr Francis. "We need you to act now on behalf of your sport and your communitiy!" In a press release Carmarthenshire County Council states, "With continued pressure on financial resources, the council is unable to continue subsidising clubs at the current level, and is seeking people’s views and suggestions towards finding a charging structure – or alternative options – that will help ensure these facilities can be enjoyed for generations to come. All sporting clubs and organisations in the county – whether they are subsidised or support themselves – are being asked for their views, along with all town and community councils. All ideas and suggestions made during the consultation will be considered, as well as a number of potential options, including an amended fee structure, a reduction in specification or frequency of maintenance in order to reduce costs, and asset transfer. Following the consultation, a detailed report will be compiled and considered by members so that an informed decision can be made for 2015-16 and beyond." Other dates/venues of information days are: Monday, August 11: Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre Tuesday, August 12: Ammanford Town Hall Thursday, August 14: Llangadog Community Centre Friday, August 15: St Clears Leisure Centre Monday, August 18: Pontyberem Hall Tuesday, August 19: Carmarthen Leisure Centre Wednesday, August 20: Llanelli Leisure Centre People are urged to make their views known as part of the wide ranging exercise, and responses will continue to be accepted until August 25, online at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk, via Twitter or Facebook, by post or phone.  Ed Laverack, racing for pro cycling team Rapha Condor JLT, claimed the Under 23 National Road Race Championship title on Sunday, finishing 13th place overall in the senior competition.
Read more: http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/page/newswire/?id=131328#.U7GvQLGoqbB One of Dafen's most well-known cricket personalities, Euros Lewis, has died at the age of 72.
Euros played for Glamorgan County between 1961 and 1966, during which time he appeared in 95 first-class matches. His developing skills were recognized by the MCC, in 1963, who selected Lewis in their side to play the West Indians at Lord’s, whilst later in the year, Euros returned career-best figures of 8/89 against Kent at Swansea and was presented with his Glamorgan cap. Euros was also a member of the Glamorgan side which defeated the 1964 Australians at Swansea. In 1966 Euros left Glamorgan to join Sussex for whom he played until 1969 before returning to South Wales and continuing to enjoy success in club cricket with Dafen Welfare CC. Hugh Morris, Glamorgan’s CEO and Director of Cricket paid tribute, “We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Euros Lewis. He held a very special place in the club’s history by being a member of the Glamorgan side which fifty years ago this summer defeated the Australians at Swansea." Former Llanelli Star sports editor Barrie Thomas said: "We tend to forget that the area has produced outstanding cricketers such as Euros Lewis. He was a cricket star who could have achieved much more. Instead local cricket was lucky to benefit from his talent at the end of his highly successful career. "At a time when rugby and football took a rest during the summer, it was a pleasure to go and watch Dafen cricket play just to see Euros bamboozling batsmen with his off breaks and captain Howard Morgan bowling spin the other end. "Euros will be much missed but never forgotten." |
