After 2009 being the most successful year in the clubs history, Bridgend Town are further looking to improve by announcing former Glamorgan fast bowler Andrew Davies as their captain. 

Davies, who enjoyed a 12 year professional career with the Welsh outfit, will work alongside current club coach Michael Jones.  

2009 saw the three of the clubs four senior teams win promotion, as well as being granted full England and Wales cricket Board (ECB) accreditation. Thus recognising the club to be in a very strong position both on and off the field, and right through the senior and junior teams to the ladies section. 

Having spent much of his career working with top players and coaches, such as Matthew Maynard and Duncan Fletcher, the experience that Davies will bring to the club, will be invaluable. Not only will his quality be an asset on the pitch, hopefully he will be able to nurture the development of the youngsters. 

The quick bowler, who specialised in one day games, took 147 wickets at an average of 28.04 in 108 one day games. This showing the quality of player that the Town have signed.  On his arrival at the club Davies said, “Having spoken to both Roger Davis and club chairman Alun Bunston, its evidently obvious that the club are making great inroads both on and off the field.  

“The progression made last year was shown by the appointment of an overseas coach, and promotions. But the club is in such a strong position, that drastic changes will not be necessary, just a little bit of tweaking here and there” 

Since retiring from the first class scene, Davies has been working in the financial sector with a highly successful investment company in Swansea.  Having not met all of his new team mates at present, Davies is reluctant to set any goals or targets.

“Without having a proper chance to see the talent throughout the club, it is difficult to say what we can expect this season. However come September I am fairly sure, we will be a very happy club.” 

Town have pulled somewhat of a master stroke with this signing. They fought of competition from several other clubs, including Sully. Davies explained his reasons for signing for the club. “The club was highly successful in all aspects last season, and have taken great strides in moving forward, it is very much a developing and improving club. Also playing locally will enable my family to come and watch me more often.” 

Mike Jones the clubs’ South African senior club coach and high class batsman, returns for the new season a little earlier this time round, which will enable him to oversee winter nets for both senior and junior practice sessions. With these two top quality players turning out for the club, their vast experience will greatly help both the clubs’ playing fortunes and also help the club’ younger players develop on the field. Also their presence is creating an interest with several new players already joining the club, and the Town are looking to compete again for honours and gain promotion to the new pan South Wales Premier league by 2011/2012. The club’s senior winter nets will be starting on Wednesday 3rd March at Tondu CC from 8-10pm for six weeks, anyone wishing to come along will be most welcome, or contact Alun Bunston on 01656 646962 for further details.  

Roger Davis the former Glamorgan stalwart from the 1960’s & 70’s, now the clubs’ Director of Cricket at Newbridge Fields, adds “Andrew Davies’ signing is a massive boost for the club who intend to improve it’s playing standards, and the knock on effect it will have on the club as a whole, particularly the junior section, as they are the future of the club. With both Andrew and Mike overseeing coaching at the club, I would like to think we can attract new players and schoolboys from the local area, as we consider ourselves to be a community club. We believe we can compete again this year for further honours”. 

Club Chairman Alun Bunston added “Andrew Davies’ signing shows how far the club has moved forward in the last year and the ambitions the club has to become one of the top clubs in south east Wales, to rival the likes of Cardiff, St Fagans and Newport. With both Andrew and Mike on board, I feel Bridgend Town CC has the best coaching team available for our members, and help bring long term sustainable success to the Town”.  

It’s not just a man’s game at Newbridge Fields these days, the club has run a ladies team for around ten seasons, but until now have not had regular competitive cricket through lack of ladies teams in south Wales. This coming season, Bridgend have entered the newly formed South West League, and will be playing teams from Bath, Bristol, Warminster, Bournemouth and Plympton. This is a major break through for ladies cricket in the region, as only St Fagans have a ladies team playing league cricket. Before the summer the girls will be playing at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff in the south Wales ladies indoor league which starts on January 17th. This again will attract new players, and any ladies or young girls who wish to join and play cricket, contact Kerry Brett on 01656 667833 or 07778 523575, and he will be able to give details of practice sessions. The ladies will also have club coach Mike Jones at their disposal to help improve their game. 

Not to be forgotten, the junior section will be first to start their winter nets on Sunday 17th January at Ogmore Comprehensive School, Bryncethin. Under 18’s/16’s/14’s are from 10am – 12pm, & under 12’s are from 1pm – 2.30pm. New players are most welcome, anyone wishing to join should contact junior organiser Tony Smith on 01656 668995.  

At the club’s AGM held at the Pavilion at the end of November, for the first time in many years the club officers remain unchanged. During the meeting, club chairman Alun Bunston was awarded a Life Membership for outstanding services to the club over some thirty years, and the youngest Life Member on record and awarded while still in office. 

Also at the meeting he praised the efforts of his officers who gave the club it’s most successful year off the field, with hugely successful events that were held last year have put the club on a very solid financial base. 

He also thanked club stalwarts Charles Griffiths and Jake Collier, for all the hard work that they still put in, looking after the club premises and buildings, and for their strong support and guidance afforded to him by them. He closed the meeting by giving special thanks to club President John Dalton, for his considerable generosity, and much valued support during the year.  

A list of the club officers:
Chairman - Alun Bunston
Vice Chairman - Andrew Marvell
Secretary - Aurwel Morgan
Treasurer -  Huw Davies
Fixture Secretary - Howard Ling
CWO - Liz Pearce
Director of Cricket -  Roger Davis
Member representatives -  Colin Kelly and Simon Dalton 

Captains for the coming season are:
1st XI - Andrew Davies
2nd XI - Huw Miles
3rd XI - Liam Weller
4th XI - Paul Minchington
Ladies XI - Heledd Clarke