A DOLGELLAU “legend” has been honoured for his lifetime of service to his local cricket club.

Phil Leeds recently won the ‘Heartbeat of the Club’ accolade at the Wales Cricket Awards thanks to his “total commitment, passion and hard work” for Dolgellau Cricket Club.

The club stalwart performs many roles including organising the club’s junior cricket set-up, maintaining the Marian Mawr’s ‘wow’ factor and maintaining the club’s standing in the community.

Phil, who is a postman in the area, was also a very accomplished cricketer and captained the team for years.

“Basically I’ve grown up playing cricket as my dad John played , and before him my grandfather Eddie Leeds who was Mr Cricket Dolgellau who was my greatest influence,” Phil reflected.

“I’ve been involved on the groundwork and playing first team cricket since I was about 13, along with my cousin Jonny Mills and over the years become more involved with the club.”

Phil was very keen to thank those he had worked and played alongside.

He added: “I was also fortunate to work with legend Pat Jefferson, who was both like a father and a brother to myself and Jonny - before we lost him to cancer earlier this year - and Ken Evans, who is the longest-serving stalwart of the club whom we couldn’t be without!

“We have many had highs and lows from getting to the premier league around 2004 to struggling to survive as a club several times both financially and in terms of players.

“Fortunately, hard work by the club and new machinery has allowed us to get where we are now as one of the nicest and best kept grounds to visit in north Wales!

“The recent addition to the club has breathed new life into the club and is the best thing to happen in years - Gareth Lanagan.

“I can’t put it into words what he has added with his tireless efforts with everything from grants, funding, ideas, junior and female team set up , and long term projects like permanent nets and a new pavilion.

“It’s a wonderful club to be a part of.”

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News