<< Return to Preview Page
 

As usual before the Bowl Final we asked respected players (and a few others!) from around the first division for their predictions – and as usual they make interesting reading!

 

Brad McDermott-Jenkins (Lawrenny Captain)

I think that Cresselly will just about take what should be a good game of cricket because both have big hitters and very good slow bowlers. There is no doubt that the loss of Iwan Izzard is a real blow because he is arguably the most destructive hitter in the county but Cresselly still have the likes of Simon Cole, Ryan Lewis and Mike Shaw to pile on late runs if Adam Chandler and Alex Bailey get them off to a good start against Adam James.











 

Sean Hannon (Neyland Captain)

It's Haverfordwest for me, although Cresselly dumped us out with an excellent all-round performance that shows their capabilities. But I just have this feeling that the big play of Simon Holliday and Adam James, especially over two innings, might see The Town just too experienced in key areas!








 

Rhys Davies (Carew Captain)

On the balance of how both teams have played against us I feel that Haverfordwest will gain a narrow win. But I hope that my old pal Sam Harts can claim early wickets for Cresselly which might just swing the game in their favour!











 

Iestyn Scourfield (Whitland Captain)

I think it could end up as a battle of the slow bowlers, as typified by Ryan Lewis (Cresselly) and Simon Holliday (Haverfordwest), who are also both influential with the bat in different ways. Haverfordwest look marginally stronger for me but I think Cresselly have had the tougher draw and with home advantage might just take the trophy - despite the absence of Iwan Izzard!









 

Steve Mills (Johnston Captain)

It should be a high-scoring game but I think Haverfordwest’s fast bowling is stronger and they have players like Doc Holliday, Danny Potter and Adam James who have that extra-competitive edge. I also think Dai Davies could play a huge part because he is definitely a big-match player.








 

Geraint Morris (Llanrhian Vice-captain)

The Town’s top order has been brittle at times this season and if Cresselly can remove ‘Doc’ Holliday early they stand a real chance. But Haverfordwest have strength in depth and I suspect they will be too powerful on the day.












 

Gordon Thomas (Western Telegraph Sports Editor)

There's no doubt that this could be one of the classic finals as two balanced teams slug it out, and although Cresselly will miss Iwan Izzard, it's fair to say that one man doesn't make a team; as powerful as he's been all season. I think The Town will have the 'big match' players like Simon Holliday, Adam James, Ben Field, Dai Davies and Danny Potter to see them through.












 

Nick Scourfield (Carew Opening Batsman)

The loss of Iwan Izzard leaves a massive hole in the Cresselly side and although they are still a very experienced unit their major strike force is gone. Haverfordwest will hope that Adam James is firing on all cylinders and is also dangerous with the bat. They also have plenty of other powerful hitters and a balanced attack so I'll go for Haverfordwest.










 

Ian Jenkins (Lawrenny All-rounder)

I think Haverfordwest will win because they are that important bit stronger all-round so if stars like Holliday and James have an off-day there are others like Dai Davies, Danny Potter and especially Gareth 'Cadfael' Davies to keep them going!










 

Richard Howell (Narberth Bowler)

Adam Chandler will be the key player for Cresselly because if he bats long in both innings then Haverfordwest will have plenty of runs to chase. It is a fact that home advantage can play a big part and although Cresselly won't have Iwan Izzard they still have the likes of Alex Bailey, Simon Cole, Ryan Lewis and Mike Shaw to make up for his undoubted loss.








 

Gregg Miller (Former Neyland Captain)

I'll go for the form horses because Haverfordwest beat Cresselly when they last met in the final and I think they can repeat that win with their current squad. They have a better fast bowling attack and have big match players like Dai Davies, who hasn't scored many runs of late but is a previous Bowl 'Man of the Match'. Much is made of the bowling of Adam James and Simon Holliday but watch out for 'Cadfael' (Gareth Davies) because he will really be up for a win on his Bowl debut for The Town!'







 

James Hinchliffe (Carew All-Rounder)

I think Cresselly will win and it could be an under-rated player like Alex Bailey who wins it for them, but they also have Adam Chandler as 'Mr Reliable' and Ryan Lewis as one of the most dangerous players with bat and ball in the county!












 

Fraser Watson (Llanrhian Secretary)

Cresselly’s recent league win over Haverfordwest was emphatic – but the loss of the in-form Iwan Izzard is a hammer blow. Two years ago when these two met it was a very one sided final, and while I don’t envisage the same margin of victory this time around, Haverfordwest still appear stronger all round for me and will start favourites.”
 

<< Return to Preview Page