The Pembrokeshire County Cricket U15’s enjoyed a very successful tour as they played games against Cheltenham C.C. and the Districts of Staffordshire - and they showed what a good side they are by beating very strong opposition in both of their matches.
Good batting by county
They played first at a leafy Cheltenham C.C. ground first, and after being put in to bat the County scored 195 all out in the 40th over as Tomos Lewis (30), Dafydd Bevan (35), Scott Jones (59), Jack Parkinson (31) and Greg Thompson (17) were the main contributors. Charlie French looked good at the crease, but was caught out with an excellent catch on the boundary whilst for Cheltenham, Joe Warner (3-15), Christian Willemskein (3-43) and Hugh Aider (2-20) were the main wicket takers.
Bowling and fielding wins them the game
In reply, Cheltenham were 159 all out, in the 38th over as seven batsmen achieved double figures, but only Ben Frisbett (34) advanced their score any further.
For Pembrokeshire, George Williams (2-15), Adam Parr (2-13), Kurtis Marsh (2-24), Geraint Jones (1-18), Scott Jones (1-7) and Greg Thompson (1-9) took the wickets. Tom Hill, Thomas Pritchard, Jacob Knox and Jack Parkinson also bowled well, all with tight spells.
Second good win in as many days
The County played the Districts of Staffordshire at the picturesque Knypersley C.C. ground which was previously used for Staffordshire County Cricket. Batting first again, the County scored 194-5 in their 40 overs, with Kurtis Marsh (19), Dafydd Bevan (58), Scott Jones (69 not out) and Greg Thompson (13 not out). For Staffordshire, F Zaroof (2-37) and Ash Rogers (2-20) were the main wicket takers.
Tight finish before winning well
In a tight game Staffordshire ended on180-7, with the game in the balance until the final few overs. F Zaroof (62), Dave Carey (26) and Scott Winnington (20 not out) were the main contributors. Kurtis Marsh (4-25), George Williams and Scott Jones picked up a wicket apiece, with an excellent run out by Jacob Knox.
Excellent reception
The reception and hospitality at both clubs was excellent, together with the personal welcome and facilities at Staffordshire University (Stoke Campus), where the team stayed. A relaxing end to the tour was spent at Alton Towers on the Friday before the team arrived back in Pembrokeshire late on Friday night, but ready for their semi-final of the Welsh Regional Competition against Cardiff & The Vale on the Sunday.
The Team would like to thank their sponsors for the tour: Milford Haven Port Authority,Jenny’s Card Shop & Gifts (Neyland), Llewellyn Davies & Co, Cleddau Insurance Services (Neyland), Carew Community Council, The Premier (Neyland), Asda Stores Ltd (Pembroke Dock), The Co-op (Neyland)