Pembrokeshire (205 for 4) beat Cardiff and the Vale (170 for 8) by 35 runs


Pembrokeshire Under 13s entertained their counterparts from Cardiff  at a sun-soaked Burton Cricket Club this past Sunday, gaining revenge for a recent defeat by the same team in Cowbridge.
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Pembrokeshire won the toss and elected to bat first on a glorious batting wicket and despite losing a wicket off the first ball of the match they made a good start reaching, 79 for 2 in the 20th over. Lloyd Bartlett had just got out for a well made 20 whilst John Mansbridge went soon after for 44, after opening the batting and building his innings brilliantly untill he was caught at square leg.

Big stand by Jake and Noah

 
Jake Merry joined Noah Davies at the crease in the 27th over and an 83 partnership made in double quick time helped push Pembrokeshire towards a competitive total. Noah (59) and Jake (40no) both ran well and hit the ball hard to get to 205 for 4 at the close. Nikhil Mathias must also get a mention for a classy on drive off the last ball of the innings (the only ball he faced).

Cardiff also made a good start, reaching 99 for 2 in the 26th over andafter drinks Sam Hopkins brought up his 50, hitting nine 4s in the process. With both batsmen trying to push the run rate Pembrokeshire brought on the spinners from both ends and wickets followed quickly with Hopkins being caught by Lewis Hough in the deep off Ollie Wheeler’s bowling. In the very next over Nathan Coaker bowled Harry Edwards and Cardiff's run chase was starting to look out of reach.


Lewis leads Pembrokeshire’s bowlers

 
Wickets fell regularly for Cardiff as they fell short of the required total, finishing on 170 for 8 in their 40 overs. Lewis Hough returned the best figures for Pembrokeshire with 3 for 24, Jack Wilson, Lloyd Bartlett, Nathan Coaker and Ollie Wheeler were the other wicket takers with Chloe Hood also getting a run out. Praise must also go to Noah Davies whose 5 overs for 2 runs came at a crucial time and pegged Cardiff right back.

It was a morale-boosting win for Pembrokeshire under 13s and one that was richly deserved after great displays with the bat, ball and in the field. All involved with the Pembrokeshire under 13s would like to thank Burton Cricket Club for being great hosts and preparing a fantastic pitch.

Pembrokeshire U13s next match is against Carmarthenshire at Hook Cricket Club on Sunday June 29th.