Picture-perfect ground
Congratulations first to Richard Arthur and his ground staff at Cresselly for making the ground an absolute picture. The wicket was clearly a belter, with 711 runs scored in 44 overs.
So well done Dick, Denis Chiffi, Glyn Cole, Phil James, Neal Williams and the rest!
Umpires and scorers form a great team
Umpires Dave Brandon and Richard Merriman did a good job in maintaining order on the pitch – working as a team with scorers Jayne Cole (in her 16th final) and Teagan Cartwright (making her debut) as they kept the scoreboard immaculately up to date. So well done this smashing quartet of cricket-loving people!
The Scourfields star with sponsorship
The Harrison-Allen Bowl was again sponsored by Thomas Scourfield and Sons, who do such a great job in promoting the Blue Riband event of Pembrokeshire Cricket – so thanks to Michael, Roger, Ken, Tom and family for such terrific help!
Hugh presents the Bowl and sponsors a great tea
As usual it was Hugh Harrison-Allen who presented the Harrison-Allen Bowl, the most sought-after silverware in local cricket, to Haverfordwest skipper Danny Potter, but as a staunch Cresselly supporter Hugh did offer to take the Bowl back if Danny wanted!
Hugh also sponsored the superb tea provided by the excellent Cresselly Ladies for the players, officials, sponsors and guests at the half-way stage.
Well-spoken Danny – and well done Neilson
Danny Potter made the customary winning skipper’s speech and thanked everyone, especially Cresselly players for their part in what he felt was the toughest, but best, match he had ever played in. Danny alluded to the great respect between the teams, which was very much in evidence after the match, when the teams shared a few beers. So well done Neilson Cole and his very disappointed players, who still managed to put on brave faces and show terrific good grace in defeat!
Well done Fraser Watson
Congratulations to Fraser for his excellent ball-by-ball blog on the Western Telegraph which was followed by 4,500 views. He began his blog by saying he recognised feelings were running high around some clubs in the county about decisions they regarded as unfair but it was no good his going on about them so he would focus on the cricket from then on.
'Doc' takes man of the match award
The man of the match duties were undertaken by John Laugharne (Neyland) and Mike Brace (Carew), who had several candidates to chosse from but ultimately decided that Simon Holliday's century swung the game in Haverfordwest's favour. Well done 'The Doc'!
Small crowd for a Bowl Final
It would be fair to say that the crowd was below average because a number of people stayed away as a protest but it took little away from the atmosphere as a number of cricket followers on the balcony provided humour and good-natured banter aplenty.
Poor behaviour is no way to put a view forward
Perhaps a few rowdy fellers on the balcony, with a few pints inside them, ought to have taken heed of Fraser because their behaviour was uncalled for, even if they felt aggrieved. Chanting ‘cheat’ at a player is despicable because he was just wanting to play cricket. Try writing to the County Club fellers – or even stand for committee – then you’ll find how hard it can be!
Chairman Tony speaks out
A final note on the abuse matter is to say well done to Tony Scourfield, the chairman of Pembroke County Cricket Club. He spoke really well on the matter at the presentation and deservedly received the biggest applause of the day. This is Tony’s last Bowl Final in office and he has really served the County Club well!
The Webbs are busy on and off the Field
Taking over as next chairman of the County Club will be Paul Webb and he and his family were heavily involved because son Bobby was playing for Cresselly and took some excellent catches, whilst Matthew was 12th man and within two overs of the start had taken a splendid catch to get rid of Simon Holliday. Paul worked non-stop in his role as a very accomplished announcer and wife Janice, who scores for the Welsh Over 50s on a regular basis, made sure that he had his facts right before switching the microphone on.
Wrong – Again!
I know – I got it wrong – again! I tipped Cresselly to win despite the absence of Iwan Izzard but even I couldn’t factor in the loss of Simon Cole from both their innings! But it was a great game which I thoroughly enjoyed and I congratulate all involved in making it a match to remember!
