Successful cricket tour for county youngsters
Pembrokeshire's U15s recently travelled to Oxford on tour, taking on Oxfordshire's development sides (called Wessex and Mercia)
Wessex tamed by county’s all-round skills
The first game was against Wessex at a picturesque Thame Town Cricket Club. Pembrokeshire captain Lewis Hough won the toss and chose to bat first and an opening partnership of 115 showed that this was the correct decision as Jack Nicholas (57) & Nikhil Mathias (63) took advantage of a lightning-quick outfield to score quickly. Useful contributions from Hough (29), John Mansbridge (20) and Lewis Rhead (21 in 12 balls) helped Pembrokeshire finish on 242 for 9.
Wessex had a good start to their run chase but wickets fell at regular intervals and two wickets each from five bowlers saw Pembrokeshire home comfortably, with Wessex finishing all out for 161 runs.
Mercia mauled by Nikhil’s superb century
The second game was against Mercia at Harpsden Cricket Club. Again Pembrokeshire won the toss, choosing to bat first and another opening partnership of over 100 gave the 15s a great start. Jack Nicholas fell first for a well-made 39 but his opening partner Nikhil Mathias pushed on and ended the innings not out with a boundary laden 107no off only 108 balls (18 fours and 1 six). It was a maiden ton for the Haverfordwest youngster who had already stroked six 50s this season for club and county. The County 15s scored quickly throughout their innings with Noah Davies (40) also chipping in to help them to 245 for 7 in their 40 overs. Mercia made a good start to their run chase and at one point were keeping well up with the run rate with Jamie Lawson (50) and Jack Franklin (47) going well but regular wickets again proved vital. Lewis Rhead (3 for 44) was the pick of the bowlers with Jack Blockwell (2 for 11) and Levi Hughes (2 for 17) also chipping in as Mercia finished 181 all out.
Top cricket watched as an added treat
Pembrokeshire U15s ended their successful tour watching some top cricket by stopping off at the Brightside Ground to watch the T20 Blast Quarter Final between Gloucestershire and Durham, a great way to end their memorable trip.
The coaches would like to thank Oxfordshire Cricket Board for all of their help and for being so accommodating.
Pembrokeshire U15s have one more match together as a County side, taking on a PACC Chairman’s XI at Hook CC on Tuesday 30th September in a 40 over match starting at 2pm with the Pembrokeshire Junior County presentation taking place straight after.
Pembrokeshire U15s Touring Squad - Lewis Hough (Narberth), Noah Davies, Keegan Codd (Hook), Jamie Smith (Neyland), Jack & Harry Nicholas (Herbrandston), Jack Scriven, Nikhil Mathias, Jonny White, Lewis Rhead, Jack Blockwell (Haverfordwest), Tom & John Mansbridge (Saundersfoot), Levi Hughes (Kilgetty). Coaches - Simon Williams, Huw Scriven, Nitin Mathias (Haverfordwest)