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In holiday times we used to hang around the army playing fields for a chance to play in the Army Company teams on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We were usually successful as we were known to be fairly good players and went down in the scorebook as Privates Coombes and Jones of C Company S.W.Borderers even though we were only in our early teens. I remember one opposing team that refused to play because they considered that we were too young and might get hurt. When they were eventually persuaded that we should play they were amazed when Dennis and I came out to open the batting and put on a partnership of over 90.

It was during this period of our lives that we came under the influence of the famous Glamorgan opening bat, Emrys Davies, who was serving as a private in the army in Brecon. He was a lovely calm and patient man and took a friendly interest in these two young boys and later coached and guided our school team and our development as cricketers. Phil Clift was another Glamorgan player with whom we came into contact in those days.

Altogether, my days in Brecon, Mount Street Elementary, Brecon Boys' and Girls' Secondary Schools would have to rank as the happiest days of my life; certainly the most carefree. Other phases of my life would match them for happiness but none would come close to the carefree "life will go on for ever" feeling of my school days.

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