15th April 2021
| Matt Thompson
Wales NC start their preparations for the NCCA 50 over competition with two warm-up friendlies against neighbouring Herefordshire.
With the pandemic forcing the T20 competition to be cancelled, and with the Welsh Government's relaxation of Over 18 organised activity coming slightly later than expected officials have had to revise the fixture calendar for the early part of the season. Wales were due to play Glamorgan 2nd XI and Cardiff UCCE in April but will now travel to and host Herefordshire on the 2nd and 16th May with it being the most 'local' opposition from a National County perspective. May 30th sees Wales open up their 50 over campaign against Buckinghamshire at High Wycombe.
Wales have named a relatively familiar and experienced side for both friendlies which includes established figures like Connor Brown, Aneurin Norman, Richard Edwards and Dan Lewis-Williams. Former Gloucestershire keeper batter Cameron Herring is expected to be fit having recovered from a serious footballing injury over the winter. With Cardiff UCCE's Lorenzo Machedo's eligibility still on hold there is room for Glamorgan CCC academy batter Morgan Bevans who hit an impressive 60 for the University side against Derbyshire earlier this month. Another new addition comes in the form of Steven Reingold, the right handed batting all rounder who has impressed for Glamorgan 2nd XI and Cardiff UCCE so for this year. There is also room for youngster Ben Kellaway, the in-form Andrew Gorvin and Oskar Kolk who returns after a stint of first-class cricket in Zimbabwe.
St Fagans and Neath are due to square off in the ECB National Cup on May 16th so it enables skipper Sam Pearce and Head Coach Darren Thomas to provide opportunities for more key members of the squad to get some time out in the middle to make selection for Buckinghamshire all the more difficult.
Wales NC v Herefordshire (2nd May @ Brockhampton CC): Sam Pearce* (Bridgend), Tom Bevan (St Fagans), Steven Reingold (Neath), Connor Brown, Oskar Kolk (Lansdown), Cameron Herring+ (Pontarddulais), Morgan Bevans (Newport), Dan Lewis-Williams, Andrew Gorvin (both St Fagans), Aneurin Norman (Mumbles), Richard Edwards (Port Talbot), Ben Kellaway (Chepstow).
Wales NC v Herefordshire (16th May @ Lisvane CC): Sam Pearce* (Bridgend), Joe Voke (Port Talbot), Steffan Roberts (Swansea), Connor Brown, Oskar Kolk (Lansdown), Cameron Herring+ (Pontarddulais), Morgan Bevans (Newport), Tegid Phillips (Cardiff), Aneurin Norman (Mumbles), Richard Edwards (Port Talbot), Kazi Syzmanski (Swansea), Tomos Jones (Bridgend).