Cricket clubs in Pembrokeshire will be able to open their net facilities again on Monday.

Yesterday’s announcement by First Minister Drakeford in respect of the easing of lockdown restrictions, allows for socially distanced practice and non-contact activity on outdoor facilities.  

Travel restrictions remain in place and the 'two household' rule still applies, but it is still welcome news for those who have been champing at the bit to hear the sound of leather on willow again this summer.

The Pembroke County Cricket Club League season was abandoned before it began due to the Covid-19 pandemic, although the authority has been working with Cricket Wales officer Keri Chahal on the possibility of holding friendly matches and even cup fixtures in August.

But while those provisions will be subject to many things, yesterday's development will be seen as a step forward.

"While this is clearly positive news for cricket today, we would remind clubs and participants that this only means, in the short-term, an opportunity to return to individual practice - or activity undertaken by up to two households," read a Cricket Wales statement yesterday.

"It is not yet the 'green light’ for a return to team activity such as squad practice, bilateral or intra-club matches, or any formalised regional pathway activity.

"We should reiterate that cricket clubs should only open their facilities if and when they feel they are able to operate safely, ensuring that all travel and social distancing regulations and hygiene protocols are observed, and where the facility can be robustly managed and controlled."

Cricket Wales CEO Leshia Hawkins added the authority will continue to work with Sport Wales and the Welsh Sports Association (WSA) with regards to the next phase of the return to sporting activity in Wales.  

And she didn't rule out some form of competitive action: “The safety of everyone in the game remains our top priority and we will issue Welsh-specific guidance to clubs and participants as soon as we can. We will also turn our attention to securing as much ‘competitive’ team activity as we are able to this summer, in whatever form that can viably take.

"I hope, in the meantime, as many people as possible, especially our young cricketers, will be able to enjoy some socially-distanced cricket practice and reignite their love of our beautiful game.”