Weather ruins last day (From Western Telegraph)

Weather ruins last day

For the third Saturday in succession, the weather ruined the Pembrokeshire Cricket programme, an irony since the previous 15 weeks had been relatively rain-free.

It meant that Lamphey deservedly retained the Division One crown and County Club president Cyril Venables presented the James Morris Memorial Cup to the champions at a pig-roast held in Lamphey on Saturday evening.

Left to curse more than most were Narberth, who started the day 18 points ahead of neighbours Whitland but found they had to settle for five points after Lawrenny called their fixture off because of a wet pitch - and then Whitland snatched 24 points in their winning draw with already-relegated Burton (see match report) and Narberth joined Burton in going down to Division Two.

Replacing them will be neighbours Hook and Llangwm, who have been strong in Division Two throughout the campaign.

Hook went up as champions and they were awarded the Dan Jones Cup by County Club chairman Bob Flute at Carew, where the Hook lads were meeting for a celebration beer or two despite their match being called off! Spittal had already been relegated from the Second Division and Narberth Seconds joined them despite a battling finish to the season before the weather, like with their first team, intervened and their home match with Llangwm was called off and left them a tantalising two points behind a mightily relieved Johnston.

Going up from Division Three as champions are Saundersfoot, who confirmed their first place ahead of Llechryd with a big win over Haverfordwest 3rds, who batted first and managed a healthy 161 for 9 thanks to a stylish 37 from teenager James Morris, 31 from Richard Davies and a rare 20 from tail-end charlie Mickie Phillips.

The County Club assistant sec had little success to match his regular role as opening bowler in the seconds as his medium pace stuff was dumped for 24 in four overs by Barry Phillips, whose boundary-laden 75 took the Seasiders to 162 for 4 as Steve Cook finished unbeaten on 39 alongside Daniel Caine (16 not out).

The successful Saundersfoot bowlers were Danny James (3 for 24), Kevin Sykes (2 for 40) and Chris Parker (2 for 31) while skipper Simon Brady grabbed two wickets for the Town and John Tooze took his first wicket for ten years at the other end! After the game, the Albert Scourfield Cup was presented to Saundersfoot by Bob Flute.

At the other end of the table, Haverfordwest 3rds were joined by Herbrandston in making the dreaded drop after Herbie had been side-lined at Llanrhian and a re-inforced Lawrenny Seconds, who had been level on points, went to Llechryd and came away with a five-wicket win as Llechryd were held to 110 for 9 thanks to good bowling by Simon Cole (3 for 21), Ian Jenkins (2 for 19), Kenny Small (1 for 18), Iain Williams (1 for 24) and John Fuller (3 for 7).

With Chris Vincent (33) and Adrian Harries (31) in good form for Lawrenny with the bat it was always going to be their day and 21 from Iain Williams helped them to survival on 111 for 5, leaving Herbrandston gloomy after they had done well at the start of the campaign!

Manorbier topped Division Four and received the Rowland Jones Cup from County Club vice-chairman Phil Thomas at the Swanlake Inn. They were joined in promotion by Maenclochog and it was an irony that after so many times being thwarted in the rain and fog sweeping over the Preseli Hills, they actually went up on a rain-affected day.

But they deserved their success because they have played three games fewer than some of their rivals - and all-rounder Jamie Straw was so thrilled that he had his tongue pierced to celebrate before going to a disco in Haverfordwest on Saturday night!

St Ishmaels and Hook Seconds return to Division Five, the latter down by dint of the fact that they were a point behind Pembroke - with Lamphey Seconds and Stackpole Seconds going into the section in their place.

Lamphey were champions of Division Five and received the Einion Richards Cup from Phil Thomas at their pig-roast on the ground.

Stackpole actually played at home to Llanrhian and looked favourites to win after shooting out the opposition for 73 as Andy Loveridge and Steve Alford had three wickets apiece, and Chris Hunt and Matthew Skeels shared the other four wickets.

Phil Stephens and Hunt managed double figures for Stackpole. But they faced a tornado in Mike Robb, who finished his season in style with a superb 7 for 17 spell that limited Stackpole to 73, five runs short of success!

Burton 3rds and Llechryd Seconds drop into Division Six and taking their places will be Carew Thirds and Pembroke Dock.

Carew Thirds deservedly finished as winners of the Ashton Cup and they received the trophy in their clubhouse from Cyril Venables.

And finally, Herbrandston Seconds celebrated their first win of the season as they scored 85 all out against Stackpole Thirds and shot out the opposition for 28.

Michael OHara and Gary Bennett both scored 23 for Herbie as Kath Huxley picked up 4 for 21.

Miss Huxley also top scored with seven runs but Hughie Devonald, now the oldest regular cricket player in the county, grabbed 5 for 7 and Bennett chipped in with 2 for 14.

Herbie Seconds still finish bottom of Division Six but few people would begrudge them this rare success to boost morale for next season!