LIVE sport is back –after an absence of more than four months the sound of leather on willow marks the return of recreational cricket in the area as from yesterday (Monday)

All cricket activity was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis and leagues, including Pembrokeshire, became non-starters.

With lockdown conditions continuing to ease, Welsh Government First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Friday that outdoor sports, including cricket would be allowed.

Although league competitions in Wales did not get off the ground, the Teifi Valley Midweek League consisting of Llandysul, Llechryd, Aberaeron and Crymych has been given the green light to start immediately.

Following the Government decision, the Pembroke County Cricket Club executive got together and resolved to hold three cup competitions.

The league will host the Harrison Allen Bowl, Alec Colley Cup and Ormond Youth Cup.

Newly-promoted Division One Llechryd first team will compete in the Harrison Allen Bowl, the second X1 in the Alec Colley Cup while the youth team is entered in the Ormond Cup.

In addition to the Teifi Valley competition, Llechryd have set up friendlies against Llandysul, Carmarthen Wanderers, Bronwydd and Aberystwyth.

Greeting the Government decision, skipper John Curran said: “Everyone at the club is over the moon and the players are raring to go.

“It is a marvellous feeling to be able to play sport again and we hope people turn up to support the teams.

“We are looking forward to some good cricket and the bar at our ground is open,” added the captain.

Crymych, of Division Four, have not entered the cup competitions but are delighted by the return of cricket.

Secretary Rhodri Lewis said: “We will play in the Teifi Valley League and hopefully arrange some friendlies.”

Llandysul club stalwart Aled Jones said the Tyr-Dref club, currently in the South Wales Cricket Association Division One, would concentrate on playing locally.

“A return of the sport is great news for the youngsters and hopefully we can have six weeks or so of enjoyable cricket,” he said.

Cricket Wales chief executive Leshia Hawkins said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the news as I know the cricket family in Wales will be.”