'Magnificent Seven' young cricketers emerge indoors (From Western Telegraph)

'Magnificent Seven' young cricketers emerge indoors

The 2005 indoor cricket season is now done and dusted but what has emerged is the fact that seven talented teenage cricketers have used the campaign to show their developing talents.

Leading the way was undoubtedly Paul Murray, from Neyland, who is already rattling up big scores for Neyland outdoors and will test his batting ability in the top echelon this campaign.

He showed his maturity with an unbeaten 43 to start the campaign against Narberth and 39 not out when Neyland played Haverfordwest 'B' - and although he was run out against both Pembroke Dock and Whitland he still managed innings of 17 and 14 before he denied Haverfordwest 'A' a share of the title in the final match where he was last man in, still needing 18 runs, and coolly reached the target with a boundary four to finish in style.

Whitland won the title for the second season in succession and playing well were young all-rounders Edward John and Owain Edwards, who played in every match.

Edward played well throughout the competition but really came to the fore in the final two games, when Whitland had to beat Neyland and Haverfordwest 'A'.

He bowled his four overs for a paltry 11 runs and also scored 16 against Haverfordwest, whilst Owain scored 22 not out against Haverfordwest and grabbed a vital 3 for 16 haul which helped his colleagues maintain their 100% record.

One of the biggest success stories was undoubtedly that of Jonathan Strawbridge, who had already begun to make a name outside as a leg-spinner but has really batted well indoors. He scored 27 not out against both Narberth and Pembroke, took 2 for 11 against Pembroke Dock and added another 25 runs, grabbed a wicket in matches against his own 'B' team and Haverfordwest 'B', against whom he also rattled up another 29 runs.

Narberth have also given the chance for regular appearances by three youngsters in Thomas Richards, Ben and Kyle Quartermaine, who have all repaid captain Ian Hughes' faith in them with useful displays.

Thomas scored 17 against both Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest 'B' and looked sharp in the field, to show his continued development after rattling up a century against Herbrandston 2nds in league cricket in 2004. Ben Quartermaine claimed 3 for 10 against Haverfordwest 'B', hit 23 versus Fishguard 'A', plus17 and 16 respectively against Neyland and Pembroke Dock, whilst younger brother Kyle went even better with 43 runs in the match with Fishguard 'A' and also claimed wickets against Fishguard 'B' and Haverfordwest 'B' to round off a very useful campaign.

It all adds up to some very promising performances and perhaps other clubs might like to think along the lines of indoor cricket next season - because it does give youngsters a further chance to develop their skills with bat and ball.