PHOTO:
A mixed photo of Munster U15s and Pembrokeshire U14s after final match

Pembrokeshire U14s talented young cricketers recently went on a Cricket Tour to Cork and despite taking on teams a year older returned with two wins and a draw.
 
A rough Ferry crossing to Ireland did not provide the best preparation for the first match against Munster Cricket Union U15s but some great batting from Noah Davies (68no) and Jack Nicholas (29) helped Pembs finish on 157 for 7 before a brilliant spell of 5 for 22 from Harry Nicholas helped Pembrokeshire bowl Munster  U15s out for 109. Jack Scriven also excelled himself behind the stumps, taking three catches and a stumping along the way.
 

Top performance against the Harlequins

 
The second match was against our hosts for the tour, Cork Harlequins. Batting first Pembrokeshire reached 167 for 9 thanks to 38 from Nikhil Mathias before an unbeaten partnership of 74 between Noah Davies (39no) and Jack Nicholas (22no) helped Pembs reach a defendable target. A hard hitting 53 from the Harlequins Simon Jones made it a close contest but the bowlers held their nerve, bowling Cork out for 155. Highlight of the innings was a direct hit run out from Noah Davies, with the throw coming from the boundary.
 

Battled their way to a draw

 
The last match on tour was a repeat of the first game against Munster U15s. Batting first Munster piled on the runs as an unbeaten 104no from Kasim Alam got Munster to 246 for 4 from their overs. It was too much for Pembs U14s to get but a valiant effort from Lewis Hough (59), Nikhil Mathias (38) and John Mansbridge (29) helped Pembs finish on a respectable 180 for 8. Honourable mentions must go to a terrific reverse sweep for 4 by Lewis Hough in his innings, and a reverse scoop for 4 by Jonny White to deny the bowler a hat trick off the last ball of the match.
 

Treats to remember

 
The U14s enjoyed some great experiences on their tour in Cork. On the Tuesday night Bishopstown GAA Hurling Club welcomed the team, letting them have a go at Hurling before watching a match against their local rivals Douglas. On Wednesday morning the squad had the treat of watching the Ireland Rugby Union squad train at Musgrave Park, a few of them being lucky enough to get pictures with Paul O'Connell.
 
It proved a great tour and an amazing experience for all the players, coaches and parents who were lucky enough to make the trip. The squad would like to thank Cork Harlequins and Bishopstown GAA for their amazing hospitality and for going out of their way to make the trip as memorable as possible.
 
The squad and the PACC would also like to thank Simon Roach and Strength Academy Wales in Haverfordwest for sponsoring the squads training gear for the tour.
 
Squad on Tour - Lewis Hough (C, Narberth CC), Jack Scriven, Chloe Hood, Jack Blockwell, Jonny White, Nikhil Mathias, Jake Merry  (Haverfordwest CC), Harry Nicholas, Jack Nicholas (Neyland CC), Noah Davies, Keegan Codd (Hook CC), John Mansbridge (Saundersfoot CC). Coaches - Simon Williams, Huw Scriven, Nitin Mathias and Kieran O'Connor (Haverfordwest CC)