22nd March 2021
| Matt Thompson
Wales will have to wait until 30th May to officially kick off their National Counties campaign this year after it was unanimously voted by all 20 counties to cancel the T20 competition for the second year running following a recommendation from the NCCA Board of Directors.
A number of issues were taken into consideration, most notably the current travel restrictions across England and Wales as well as the duty of care to players and officials - some of whom may have been facing up a drive of up to 400 miles in a day to fulfil fixtures without the use of overnight accommodation.
Wales were due to host Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire either side of trips to Berkshire and Bedfordshire, and will now travel to Buckinghamshire (High Wycombe) to open up their 50 over trophy campaign before welcoming Bedfordshire at Lisvane on 13th June. Whilst the delay to the NCCA season is another frustration, captain Sam Pearce has cause for optimism. He said, "It’s a shame that the T20 has been cancelled because as a group we feel that it’s a tournament that we could have done well in and we look forward to playing in it. That said it now gives us an extended period to get ready for the 50 over competition, get into some form when restrictions allow and have a real go at that."
Wales hope to be boosted by the eligibility of keeper-batter Lorenzo Machedo for the start of the 50 over competition. South African born Machedo, 23, has been a UK resident for the past 6 years and formally qualifies to play for Wales and Glamorgan this summer after being granted indefinite leave to remain. A member of the Cardiff MCCU scheme, and Neath Cricket Club Machedo is looking to strengthen his ambitions of a career in the game.
With former Glamorgan batsman Connor Brown already on board for 2021, former Cardiff MCCU batter Oskar Kolk back on the scene after a stint of first-class cricket in Zimbabwe, and the exciting all rounder Steven Reingold on the scene looking to impress Glamorgan during his study period Wales have lots to look forward to in 2021.
In preparation for the one day trophy, Wales will host Herefordshire on 2nd May (Usk CC) and 16th May (Lisvane CC).