One week to go and Lamphey crowned champs again (From Western Telegraph)

One week to go and Lamphey crowned champs again

Although Dave Lovell and his Lamphey team-mates might say that they still have to grab a point against Haverfordwest on Saturday to make sure of a second successive league championship, it is almost academic that they are champions because they travel to Haverfordwest (weather permitting!) with a 30 point advantage over Carew, who can only achieve that same tally at Kilgetty if they achieve maximum bowling and batting points in a win.

At the same time, The Town would have to bowl out Lamphey for under 30 and reach their target without losing two wickets for Carew and the current champions to finish level on points - so I dont think there are any bookmakers looking to take bets on Lamphey losing the title!

And to be fair to them, Lamphey deserve the title because they have withstood the pressure that comes with being top dogs - although Carew will be sick that they couldnt test their mettle further in the two weeks wash-outs at such a vital time.

At the other end of the table, Burton are down and who goes with them is a straight fight between neighbours Narberth and Whitland, who are 18 points adrift as they entertain Burton hoping to gain a win that will put pressure on Narberth, facing a battle against a Lawrenny side which performs well at home and has been on a high recently but can sometimes collapse in the same way that they can chase huge totals - it is going to be interesting, with the mobile phones busy at both grounds! In Division Two, Hook and Llangwm are already promoted back where they belong, in the top echelon, while sadly Spittal go down to Division Three.

Who goes with them is a real poser because Narberth 2nds, Johnston and Haverfordwest 2nds are uneasily watching each other - and with The Town and Johnston not too worried if we had a third Saturdays rain because Narberth are two points adrift and another nine behind Harfat! Narberth Seconds have home advantage against high-flying Llangwm while Johnston entertain a Stackpole side just above the basement battle, with The Town travelling for a difficult tussle with Neyland.

It is very much all to play for - and there could be a further twist because if Narberth Seconds win and move out of the bottom two they could still go down - if their first XI made the drop into Division Two because the rules say that two teams from the same club cant play in the same section! In Division Three, Saundersfoot and Llechryd are already promoted, with a two-point differential before they take on already-relegated Haverfordwest 3rds at home, while Llechryd face a Lawrenny 2nds side who are embroiled in the dog-fight at the other end of the table.

Lawrenny, and Herbrandston have the same number of points while Hundleton are four points above them but face a tough trip to Fishguard while Herbie travel to Llanrhian.

It will be interesting if there is again no play next week, with the decision about who goes down (or up!) if teams are tied decided by the AVERAGE NUMBER OF POINTS GAINED IN COMPLETED MATCHES!

Manorbier are 21 points ahead of Maenclochog in division four and sure to be promoted - but Burton 2nds could catch the Mountain Men since they might decide to pack their team with a few first-teamers because they meet at Oatfield Park and are ten points adrift!

At the other end of the table, St Ishmaels 2nds are down but they could be joined by Hook 2nds, Pembroke 2nds, Kilgetty 2nds or even Llangwm 2nds as they are theoretically in danger - but it looks like either Hook or Pembroke likely to join Tish!

Lamphey 2nds have scooped the silverware in Division Five, with either Stackpole 2nds or Dinas aiming to join them and with the former enjoying an eight-point advantage.

Llechryd 2nds are down, even if they play in the rain again, and Burton 3rds might join them unless they beat Spittal 2nds and Neyland 3rds lose to Dinas.

In Division Six, Carew 3rds and Pembroke Dock will move up while Herbrandston 2nds will hold up the table - but at least they have completed the season, so well done lads!