Neyland (170 for 9) beat Haverfordwest (169 for 9) by one wicket

THERE were scenes of jubilation at the Athletic Ground as current champs Neyland came back from what seemed almost certain defeat by Haverfordwest to win this top of the table clash by one wicket as Nathan Banner hit a six off the penultimate ball of the match.

Banner, who can justifiably lay claim to being the best all-rounder in the county, had already taken three wickets and when keeper Sean Hannon came to the crease Neyland were in a parlous state at 110 for 9. But Hannon is no mug with the bat and he and Banner gradually took Neyland to victory as the visitors gradually let the game slip away.

Batting first, The Town lost early wickets as Banner (3 for 42) and Gary Lloyd kept things tight, assisted by good ground fielding, but Simon Holliday kept the visitors’ innings from falling apart as he stayed until the 42nd over for a gritty 67 that contained ten fours and a six.

Ajay Revu (33) and skipper Danny Potter (13) were the only other Town batsman to look anywhere near settled as Nick Koomen (2 for 46) and Andrew Miller (4 for 31) also bowled really well for Neyland as Haverfordwest were forced to settle on 169 for 9.

Ashley Sutton (30), Andrew Miller (32) and Nick Koomen (16) had been the only home batsmen to enjoy any success as Adam James claimed 4 for 46 and Nigel Morgan marked his return to the first team with 4 for 33 alongside slow bowler Ajay Revu (1 for 27).

But Hannon (15 not out) did his support job well alongside Banner (47 not out) so that they needed 12 off Revu’s final over and Banner belted a four, two and then that vital six to take his side to an amazing win that puts them 33 points clear at the top.

Umpires: Trefor Evans & Richard Merriman.

Scorers: John Laugharne & Jayne Cole.