A resumption of cricket this summer is increasingly unlikely due to the coronavirus outbreak leaving players and supporters in the lower Teifi Valley hugely disappointed.

After promotion to the Pembrokeshire League Division One at the end of last season it is an especially dismal time for Llechryd who could be forced to miss a complete season.

Llechryd is now the only club in the immediate Cardigan area – but that was not always the case and there have been a number of recent discussions over the possibility of resurrecting Cardigan Cricket Club.

Back in the 1950s and 60s, long before Llechryd was formed, Cardigan competed against leading west and south Wales clubs – in those days there were no leagues and games were played on a friendly basis.

Older residents will recall Cardigan playing on a grass wicket at King George V Playing Field before the children’s play area was introduced – signs of the old cricket square are still visible on Cardigan Town Football Club pitch.

One of the best innings at the ground – there was a wooden pavilion where the rugby clubhouse now stands – was from a classy opener by the name of McNeil who hit a century under the captaincy of the late Sid Evans of Maesyrhaf.

Undoubtedly the biggest game at that time was when Glamorgan Colts visited and, with a large gathering cheering for the home side, the Colts were forced to defend stubbornly to hold out for a draw.

Cricket continued to thrive in the town in the 70s and 80s when the team played at Cardigan Secondary School.

In one exciting game leading Pembrokeshire club Lamphey were the visitors, the south Pembs villagers including in their line-up West Indies test fast bowler Vasbert Drakes who was sponsored by a business.

Although the 6ft 6in test cricketer bowled off a shortened run-up and was nowhere near full pace, locals were still enthralled to see a world class player in the town.

There was considerable banter afterwards with the affable Drakes chatting with players and supporters.

One of the opening batsmen for Cardigan that day was five foot something Chris ‘Stumpy’ Sturman who told the West Indian: “I saw you off today Vaspert”.

Responding the test bowler asked: “How many balls did you face?”

Sturman answered: “At least five”.

There is a view that if the school field is acquired again an application could be made for entry into the Teifi Valley Midweek League with the prospect of the sound of leather on willow being heard in the town again.