Neighbours at war:

IT’S derby day - except this time, there’s a twist to it.

Cresselly and Lawrenny will meet in Saturday’s Harrison Allen Bowl final for the first time since 2001 - and there will no shortage of supporters from either club to watch it.

In the middle the umpires will be Alan Hansen, taking charge of his third final, and Steve Blowes, who will be in his second.

On paper, many will assume the hosts are favourites in what will be their fourth Bowl final appearance in five seasons - while Lawrenny have only played in it twice in their history.

But it won’t be as simple as that. Joe Kidney’s side have already beaten The Doves in the league this season, and have also toppled title contenders Neyland, Haverfordwest, and Whitland. Yes the format for Saturday is different, but they won’’t be lacking in self belief.

Telegraph Sport looks at how both sides reached the final, their competition history, and the factors that could affect Saturday.

A long awaited re-match:

It’s fair to say Cresselly are no strangers to Bowl finals.

They’ve played in 27, a record that began with defeat to Narberth in 1949 - winning 12 and losing 15.

Their last success came with a win over Neyland in 2009, but since then, defeats to Haverfordwest in 2014 and 2016 were compounded with a third straight final loss to Neyland last season.

Lawrenny have played in just two, their first a loss to Kilgetty in 1997.
But significantly, their one and only win came 17 years ago, against? You guessed it.

Both teams have players who were involved that day. It might have been back in 2001, but regardless, the desire for revenge amongst Cresselly members, or to re-live the glory for those from Lawrenny, will be strong.

Routes to the final:

Round 1: Cresselly - bye; Lawrenny - bye.

Round 2: Kilgetty (151 all out) lost to Cresselly (185-5) by 34 runs; Pembroke Dock (145 all out) lost to Lawrenny (147-1) by 9 wickets.

Quarter finals: Cresselly (112 all out) beat Neyland (108-5) by 4 runs; St Ishmaels (157-9) lost to Lawrenny (158- 5) by 5 wickets.

Semi finals: Llangwm (126-7) lost to Lawrenny (129-4) by 6 wickets; Narberth 115 all out lost to Cresselly (116-0) by 10 wickets.

The form guide:

Some will point to Lawrenny’s 41 run over Cresselly on June 16th as proof they can prevail.

In reality that will have little bearing on Saturday - but Kidney’s men do go into this with important momentum on the back of three straight league wins.

Cresselly are bang in the title race, but followed a recent great win over Haverfordwest with a loss to Neyland. They did beat Tish on Saturday to get back on track so like their opponents, go into this on a winning note.

The final factor:

Many of the Cresselly players will now have played in back to back losing finals, some would have lost three in four years.

The 2016 and 2017 were both thrilling games that went down to the wire. Only in 2014, a heavy defeat to Haverfordwest, would The Doves look back and say they really under performed.

The players wouldn’t be human if that recent record hadn’t crossed their minds in the build up to Saturday - but what will be crucial is whether it unsettles or motivates them.

Given the experience in the line up, and we mustn’t forget many there have won Bowls and league titles with the club, I suspect the latter, but there will be the added pressure of being favourites. The way they fought back in that tense quarter final against Neyland however - proved they have the mettle when it matters.

For Lawrenny, the pysche is different all together.

The vast majority are in their first final, and as easy as it is to roll out the ‘it’s just another game’ cliche, the reality is when your playing for the coveted Bowl in front of a packed crowd, it isn’t.

But they showed real composure against Tish and Llangwm in reaching the final, and chances are they won’t be overawed by the occasion.

The captains' view:

Neilson Cole: “I am very proud to lead the club and we are all very excited to make the Bowl final again. 

“For me, big game experience will be key. We are fortunate to have this running through the squad. Going into a match like this it will be invaluable in the high pressure moments of a bowl final. 

“Both teams have strong batting line-ups and anything can happen in one innings, but over two innings is very different. One poor innings and it’s likely the game will be out of reach, it will be about consistency. 

“I did actually feature briefly in the final 17 years ago, an injury to one of our players meant I had to field for most of the game. Both teams played well and Lawrenny deserved to win on the day, but the result hurt us. S

"Since then we have reached eight finals and we are looking forward to this derby face off.”

Joe Kidney: “Having played cricket locally for many years, it has always been an ambition to play in the Harrison Allen final so to be going there with a team full of my mates makes it that much more special.

“We’ve had a terrific season mainly due to the team spirit and are being rewarded with a chance to compete in the respected final.

“Playing against our local rivals adds spice to it with Cresselly a top-class team and being viewed as favourites. However, I have so much confidence in my team, that I see us as equals!

“It’s been 17 years since Lawrenny last appeared in the Bowl Final and whatever happens, I’m hoping we can push on from this season with a positive mentality and reach the annual occasion more often. With the future stars in our junior set-up, it certainly looks possible.

“I’m delighted for the club, the supporters and the players to be heading to the final and hope everyone has a fantastic day.

“Up the Lawrenny!”

The squad lists:

Cresselly:

Neilson Cole - His third straight final as captain, and eighth as a player. One of the sharpest keepers in the county and a competent late order batsman.Vocal behind the stumps and not shy to appeal - and will be determined to lift the Bowl as skipper.

Iwan Izzard - Vice captain who has led the team in Sunday competitions this year. At his best, a destructive top order batsman capable of annihilating any attack.

Adam Chandler - Classy batsman comfortable anywhere in the top four. Accumulates steadily but capable of accelerating the rate as well. Came so close to getting his team over the line with a superb knock in the 2016 final.

Dan Sutton - His first Bowl final after signing from Johnston. Will open the batting and Lawrenny will know the importance of getting the prolific run getter early. Potential match winner,

Alex Bayley - Another attacking batsman who featured in the 2016 and 2017 finals. Hard hitter capable of changing the course of an innings. One to think about when parking your car.

Simon Cole - Showed his class with 77 in the league against Neyland recently, and his slow bowling is also a real asset. A former Bowl man of the match winner, has recovered from a calf injury that hampered him earlier this summer.

Ryan Lewis - His bowling helped turn the game in that tense quarter final win over Neyland, and certainly no slouch with the bat either. Smashed a rapid century against Lawrenny in the Welsh Cup this season and they can ill afford to let him get going on Saturday.

Dan James - A Bowl winner with Whitland in 2012. Proven wicket taker who has bowled in some tense situations with Cresselly past two seasons, and can score quick in the middle or lower order.

Mike Shaw - Effective off spin bowler who can exert control and puts the ball on the spot from the word go. Genuine all rounder and a real consistent performer.

Tom Arthur - Has excelled in his role as a change bowler this year taking key wickets at crucial times  - including a seven wicket haul in the league. Took 2-24 in a good spell in the semi final.

Sion Jenkins - Been important with the new ball this season, no more so than at Tish last Saturday. Was in contention for the 2016 final but it clashed with his wedding day - so looking to make his first final appearance.

Dan Cherry - Work at Glamorgan limits his appearances but his class with the bat is well known - and likely to bowl as well. Played a chanceless match winning knock when The Doves beat Haverfordwest in the league, and Lawrenny will want him gone early to prevent another one here.

Sam Harts - Played in the 2016 and 2017 finals and if selected will give everything - either with the new ball or as first change. A good club man and one of the characters of the dressing room. 

Teagan Cartwright (scorer) -  Does a great job scoring week in, week out, for the first XI and the team will want to get her the winners medal her work deserves. One of the younger scorers in the county but a very thorough one.

Lawrenny:

Joe Kidney - Took over the reigns half way through this season and has led the club to its third final. A never say die attitude and an explosive left hand bat who’s hard hitting could be a big factor in the final. No one will be trying harder on Saturday.

Brad McDermott-Jenkins - Club vice-captain who can change a game with bat or ball. A powerful hitter and real competitor. Spent the 2015 season at Cresselly and will  be keen to put on a show on Saturday.

James Phillips - Wicket keeper promoted from the 2nds, and has followed father Barry in playing for Lawrenny. Currently topping the most keeper catches in Division One, and a big hitter with te bat.

Rob Williams - His third Bowl final. ‘Worm’ is an old head capable of tight spells and wickets under pressure. Took 3-22 in the semi final and will be pushed up the order if quick runs are needed.

Jamie Lewis - ‘Helm’ can swing the new ball both ways. Clever bowler that niggles away at the off stump. Despite batting number 11, can hold his nerve in a tense finale.

Ryan Morton - A youngster but unfazed by pressure situations. Ryan has come through the 2nds and is now a really tight bowler who will be used. Can also hit any ball over the top.

Simon Cole - His second final, ‘Chiefy’ is a proven match-winner with his batting. Showed this with a classy 49 in the semi final and can bowl if required.

Patrick Elliott - A terrific fielder and has buckets for hands. A middle order batsman who has the technique to put any ball away, and great to watch when in form.

Ian Jenkins - The father figure of the team. Has played in two previous finals for Lawrenny and if needed to bowl, his experience will be vital.

Phil Cole - The legs of the team. A major part of the success this season due to his resistance when batting, and will give everything on Saturday. Also club secretary.

Harry Thomas - Been key in the Bowl campaign  with scores 55 and 35 in the earlier rounds. A youngster who opens the batting and will take on a bowling attack. Set to face his former club.

Steven Lewis - Has recovered from a shoulder injury to put himself in contention for the big day. Having played in two previous finals, his experience could prove valuable and when on song,  one of the most frightening batsmen in the county.

Matthew Lewis - Regarded as the best fielder in the club. Has shown he can handle any level and is a destructive batsman who shows little respect for bowlers.His unorthodox bowling action can cause problems.

Steven Campbell - A huge part of Lawrenny. His batting has boosted the 2nds for years and has recently hit 67 not out and 44 against Haverfordwest and Burton for the 1sts.

Malcolm Thomas (scorer) - A great servant to Lawrenny and Pembrokeshire cricket. Has scored flawlessly for many, many years and a very dignified and likeable character.