IT'S terrific number ten for Neyland as they were once again crowned Harrison Allen Bowl champions.

Held at Cresselly cricket ground in what was described as bear perfect conditions, Neyland (241 for 2 and 23 for 1) beat Carew (108 all out and 154 for 8) by 9 wickets.

Western Telegraph: Man of the Match Patrick Bellerby launches the ball over the boundary for six runs on his way to score a century for NeylandMan of the Match Patrick Bellerby launches the ball over the boundary for six runs on his way to score a century for Neyland

*Photo by Susan McKehon

Neyland won the toss and such is Sean Hannon's confidence in his side at the moment - his side coming off the back of a memorable last day victory over Lawrenny in the league and, most recently, wining the Alec Colley Cup - the skipper put Carew into bat.

It seemed a risky decision at first as Carew's Nick Davies notched off two fours and a six in the opening three overs. Neyland's weren't helped when Nick Koomen dropped Rook's number three Brian Hall at the boundary, however Neyland didn't give up and things started to turn after a juggled catch from Patrick Bellerby saw Davies out for 24.

Neyland had to be patient before they could turn the screw. Lewis Hicks reached 48, including seven fours, before he was caught by Ross Hardy.

It was after Hicks' wicket that the Rooks started to squawk, and it was wicketkeeper Hannon who was the one to make Carew nervous. Hannon took three stumpings in five balls getting Iori Hicks (9), Sam Harts and Ceri Brace before Patrick Hannon bowled James Hinchliffe (11) to end the innings with Carew 108 all out.

It was in the Neyland's first innings that the tie was decided and the decisive moment in that innings was more a prolonged show of batting excellence by the superb Bellerby who made 134 not out, hitting 15 fours and nine sixes.

He was well supported by Nic Koomen (38) and Ross Hardy (49 not out) to leave Neyland on 241 for 2, 133 ahead of their rivals at the halfway stage.

Western Telegraph: Man of the Match Patrick Bellerby launches the ball over the boundary for six runs on his way to score a century for NeylandMan of the Match Patrick Bellerby launches the ball over the boundary for six runs on his way to score a century for Neyland

*Photo by Susan McKehon

Credit to Carew, they fought back enough to make Neyland play a fourth innings.

Lewis Hicks made 47 (eight fours), Rhys Davies 33 (three fours and two sixes), Iori Hicks 15 (a four and six) and Sam Harts 13 not out (two sixes), but losing three wickets for eight runs, and the wicked bowling of Henry Durrant (four wickets in the second innings) meant that when Neyland returned to the crease they were already celebrating.