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First Division 2009 Statistics from the Webb’s Wonderful selection at Tavernspite Gardening Centre!

Once again it is that time of year where we open the cricket score-books (or lap-tops) with Paul and Janice Webb, of Whitland Cricket Club and Tavernspite Garden Centre, and look at the best bowling and batting performances across the first division of the Antur Insurance Pembrokeshire County Cricket League Division One.

One set of stats supplied by Paul and Janice show the best batting and bowling averages based on the most runs scored and most wickets taken, irrespective of number of innings or times not out, or number of overs bowled.

They provide a fascinating look into the top division and, as in other years, we are very grateful to the Webbs for all their wonderful support for local cricket.

With fewer fixtures rained-off this season and better pitches, all of the six top run-getters for 2009 exceeded William Beresford's top total for 2008, of 474 runs; and none of 2008 top twenty achieved an average over 50. Nick Scourfield's achievement of heading the list by a clear 99 runs is quite remarkable.

Cresselly's undeniable batting strength-in-depth, is evidenced by the fact that they are the only club to have four players in the batting top twenty.

In the batting list - ordered by average-runs-per-innings - there are two names which do not feature in the list ordered by total-runs (Tim Hicks in position 3, and Edward John in 17th). With only eight and nine innings each respectively, one wonders what total they might have achieved if they'd had more opportunity to bat.

In 2008, a bowler claiming seventeen wickets had enough to feature in the bowling top twenty ; for 2009, twenty wickets was the minimum requirement.

Andrew Miller's total of 37 wickets at an average of just 15.1 (also featuring high in the batting tables) must make him the most consistent all-rounder in the county this season.

Once again, Cresselly are the only club to have four players listed amongst the county's top wicket takers . .