A POWYS cricketer is dreaming of making the Wales squad for next year’s World Cup to be played in South Africa after making his international bow this week.

Builth Wells captain Dylan McPhee became a Welsh international this week when he played for his nation in an over 40s one-day international against England – the first game for either nation at that age group.

McPhee, 47, said he was “chuffed” to make the Wales squad for Tuesday’s game, having attended Welsh trials over the winter. And even a 92-run defeat at the hands of the old enemy couldn’t dampen his spirits.

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“I’ve been down there through the winter for trials, it’s been really intense and I didn’t know anyone, but I was made to feel very welcome,” said McPhee, who played football in the Welsh Premier League with home-town club Rhayader in his earlier years.

“It’s the first-ever England v Wales international at over 40 so to get into starting 11 I’m quite chuffed.

“It’s been a massive step up for me. England have got Darren Stevens playing for them and he’s only just retired from playing first-class cricket this year. He’s scored 16,000 first-class runs and was the 2021 Wisden Cricketer of the Year, but we’ve got some good players too, some ex-Glamorgan.”

A debut century from Wales’ Sion Morris wasn't enough to bring the men in red close to England's imposing 292-4 total, which included 96 for Chris Hewitson and 72 from Stevens.

 

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All-rounder McPhee took figures of 0-57 with the ball from his 9 overs, although he missed out on a wicket with his very first ball when he collided with a team-mate.

Despite Morris’ fine knock and 45 from Michael Martin, Wales could only muster 201, with McPhee not getting a chance to bat.

Next up is another Wales v England clash, as well as a game against Ireland, in June, while McPhee is eyeing a seat on the plane for the inaugural Over-40 Cricket World Cup will to be held in Cape Town next March.

“There was talk of a first-ever over 40s World Cup in Pakistan in October but that has been cancelled,” said McPhee.

“But it’s been moved to South Africa in March and hopefully I’ll be in a position where I’m looking to go.”

A spokesperson for Builth Wells Cricket Club said: “All at Builth CC are delighted at Dylan being chosen for the Wales Over 40s inaugural ODI against England.

“It is a well-deserved place that is due reward for all the hard work he's put in at training.”

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