LAST time a British and Irish Lions tour was going on, Mike Phillips was in Australia en route to helping the side secure an historic test series win.

This time around however, the retired Welsh legend is enjoying a far more relaxed standard of sport after returning to his roots this weekend - in cricket.

Phillips, 34, made his debut for the notorious Whitland Die Hards in a friendly on Friday night, and then on Saturday, played for Whitland Thirds in their Division Five game at Laugharne.

He top scored for his side with 24 (four fours), and returned figures of 0-35 in five overs with the ball, but it was leaders Laugharne who edged a tight contest.

Visitors Whitland were dismissed for 115, with Kevin Pearce taking 3 for 21 before the hosts passed the total to finish 120 for 5.

Again, it was opener Pearce who starred with 56 not out, as Mark Lee took 4 for 14 for The Borderers.

"Mike enjoyed it and it's fair to say his grounding in cricket has not been lost," Whitland's Lloyd James told Telegraph Sport.

"We are hopeful he will be able to manage a couple more games before the season is out."