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As usual we have conducted a survey amongst some of the most knowledgeable cricketers in our county and asked them for their predictions for the final of the Harrison-Allen Bowl, and the possible 'Man of the Match' winners.

They make interesting reading, as you will find below!

Peter Bradshaw (St Ishmaels Captain):
It is hard to predict a winner with two such powerful line-ups but when we played them Cresselly had such strength in depth in batting that it was hard to prevent them piling up the runs. I think Paul Murray might prove very dangerous for Neyland, though, and it is sure to be close!
Man of the Match: Iwan Izzard, Simon Cole or even Dan Cherry!






Nick Scourfield (Carew’s long-time run maker):
I think that Cresselly’s name is on the silverware this season after tough battles against Narberth and especially Haverfordwest. Both teams are very good at limited overs but I think Cresselly’s slow bowling will make a decisive impact – and in Adam Chandler they have someone who could guide them home.
Man of the Match: Adam Chandler




Iestyn Scourfield (Whitland Captain):
These are two very good teams but the way Neyland beat us in the semis makes me think they can win the final, especially over two innings because they are so competitive in all aspects of the game. Cresselly have some massive hitters who could turn the game their way but I have this feeling that Neyland will win.
Man of the Match: Nathan Banner






Rob Williams (Lawrenny all-rounder):
It is almost impossible to separate two such strong teams but I have to go with my gut feeling that Neyland might just have that competitive edge and self-belief. They have star players in Nick Koomen, Ashley Sutton and Nathan Banner but if Dan Cherry plays for Cresselly it might just make a difference.
Man of the Match: Nathan Banner or Ashley Sutton.






Steve Blowes (Hon Secretary, Pembroke County Cricket Club):
It should be a wonderful Bowl final and a terrific advert for the game in our county and I wish both teams, umpires and scorers a great day out. It could go either way with such talent on view but if pushed by Bill Carne I pick Cresselly - but I'm really not sure!
Man of the Match: Iwan Izzard






Barry Evans (Pembroke all-rounder):
I watched Neyland ease into the final against Whitland and was really impressed by their overall play. They looked back to their best form and although Cresselly have some top players they might find it hard to match Neyland’s intensity over two innings.
Man of the Match: Ashley Sutton





Simon Holliday (Haverfordwest all-rounder):
I think that Cresselly have been knocking on the door for a few years and I have a feeling that it might well be their season to win The Bowl. Sam Harts showed the spirit and belief they have as they edged us out in the semi-final and they have a superb batting line-up where they can still maintain their momentum if they lose a few wickets. That's not to say Neyland aren't a very good side but I think it is Cresselly's year.
Man of the Match: Dan Cherry, if he plays.





Kyle Marsh (Kilgetty run-getter):
Neyland haven't batted as they should all season and so I think Cresselly will outscore them with such a powerful line-up that includes Adam Chandler, Simon Cole and the rest, despite the efforts of Nathan Banner and Ashley Sutton for Neyland.
Man of the Match: Iwan Izzard or Ryan Lewis






Paul White (Pembroke captain):
I think Neyland will have that extra strength in depth in their bowling and they will be hard to beat over two innings, although the quality batting of Cresselly will push them all the way.
Man of the Match: Ashley Sutton





John Summons (Johnston opening bat)
I go for Cresselly because of their batting power and strength in depth. Neyland are a terrific team but haven’t played quite so well this season so I think they might just miss out.
Man of the Match: Iwan Izzard





Danny Potter (Haverfordwest Captain):
There are two very good teams in the final but what sways me towards Cresselly is the fact that the arrival of Neil Gregory (Carew) and Dan James (Whitland) has strengthened an already-experienced attack and done no harm to their batting strength either. Sam Harts is an under-rated bowler and Dan Cherry might add strength to their batting and bowling.
Man of the Match: Iwan Izzard





Matthew 'Titch' Davies (Whitland all-rounder):
I'm sure that lots of players would pick Cresselly but we played Neyland in the semi-final and they were back to their sharpest, especially in the field, where they punished every mistake we made.
Cresselly's batting is immensely strong but so is Neyland’s, and I think they have a slight edge in their bowling so I'll go for Sean Hannon and his team.
Man of the Match: Ashley Sutton






Gordon Thomas (Western Telegraph Sports Editor):
I shudder a bit at the thought of picking the same team as Bill (Carne) but I think it will be Neyland by the proverbial whisker because I believe they are the better all-round team, especially in their bowling and fielding. Iwan Izzard and perhaps Dan Cherry will pose a threat for Cresselly but I think they will just miss out this season!
Man of the Match: Nathan Banner or Patrick Bellerby.






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