FATHERS and sons playing cricket together are less rare than in more physically demanding sports such as rugby and football, but it’s still a notable feat when
the father in question is 70 years old.
Colin Griffiths, who has just entered his eighth decade, opens the batting for Talybont CC, who play in Division 4 of the Marches League, and his son Huw is the captain.
Colin first played for Talybont in 1976, until the team withdrew from the Hereford League in 1990.
He then played for Talgarth, Brecon, Glangrwyney and Ebbw Vale, before jumping at the chance to play for Talybont again when the club was reformed in 2008.
Colin, who comes from farming stock, was brought up at Lower Nantyfelin Farm, Cathedine, Bwlch, while 41-year-old Huw, who writes regular cricket reports for the Brecon and Radnor Express, lives in Sarnau.
Huw says his father has been a pretty successful cricketer in his time, adding: “Dad has a personal best score of 92 not out, playing for Talgarth against Escley and best bowling figures of 5 wickets for 1 run for Talybont against Hay-on-Wye.”
Meanwhile Colin and Huw are not the only members of their family who are involved in the team, as Huw’s two stepsons, Dan and Luke Bowen, also play for Bont and Huw’s partner Karen is the tea lady with Huw’s daughter Amy a keen supporter and “mascot” of the team.
But before anyone thinks it’s a Griffiths/Bowen family affair, Huw points out: “We have another father and son in the side, chairman Geraint James and his son Richard.”