Following the recent Llanarth CC AGM long-serving chairman, Keith Spencer, retired from the post and was succeeded by club veteran and all-time record run scorer Allan Dewfield. In Keith's 15 years at the helm he steered the good ship Llanarth through occasional tricky waters while meeting both triumph and adversity with good humour and calm assurance. For the last few years his organisational and leadership skills have also been in evidence as the chairman of the Welsh Club Cricket Conference. Keith will continue in his role as Llanarth's junior cricket co-ordinator. During his chairmanship, Llanarth were able to make key improvements to facilities including the installation of quality outdoor net practice facilities, the building of a new scorebox and construction of new secure storage facilities for cricketing and groundskeeping equipment/ machinery. On the field the club were able to add a number of pots to the trophy cabinet including two league titles and a Macey Shield, the latter being the premier 20/20 tournament in Monmouthshire. Other notable on-field successes include four promotions, a Macey Shield runners up berth, one National Village Cup Group win that led to a last 16 appearance in the national stages. In addition, Llanarth juniors won their first ever silverware, totalling an outstanding nine Gwent Youth League titles and two Gwent Youth Shield victories. A slight reduction in his cricket club bureaucracy awaits and a big thank you for his sterling work as chairman. For the 2014 season Llanarth 1st XI, following last season's title win, will be competing in Welsh Club Cricket Conference two which should be a worthy test. There will be early opportunities at the top of the batting order with the retirement of Simon Wharton and the departure of Sam Michell after he accepted gainful employment on Eastenders as Peter Beale's stunt double. We wish them well in their endeavours. In the junior section Under 11 and Under 13 junior teams will be playing in the Gwent Youth Cricket Leagues and the club are hopeful of arranging Under 9 fixtures too for the many juniors in that age bracket. Senior training is on Thursday evenings from 6pm and junior training takes place on Friday evenings. The club welcome players of all ages and abilities for the new season. Enquiries can be made to Allan Dewfield on 07917360242, or Keith Spencer on 07970437949. Alternatively message the club's website, llanarth.play-cricket.com, or the Llanarth CC facebook group.