Fraser Watson looks at the key talking points from Sunday's Harrison-Allen Bowl final....
 


Narberth tear up the script
 
The majority of neutrals on Sunday, myself included, were leaning towards a Neyland win. It proved to be a lazy assumption.
 
The consensus was their experience on this stage would simply be too much for Narberth. After all, since a rain-affected DR Morris final defeat to Haverfordwest in 2012, they went into Sunday having triumphed in 15 consecutive Duggie or Bowl finals and their line-up was laced with names who have delivered before on the big occasion.
 
No other side in our county has become as adept at finding a way than Neyland under Sean Hannon. And even when behind the eight-ball on Sunday, you couldn't help but suspect one of their big hitters would at some point turn the tide.
 
But to the credit of Lewis Hough and co, Narberth weren't a team intimidated by history. There were few signs of nerves or anxiety in their way  as they approached their batting and in the field they were focused and intense. Many a side have lost their nerve when trying to build a second-innings lead in a Bowl final, but through Llew Jones and Ben Quartermaine in particular, the underdogs kept their heads and controlled the contest.
 
Regardless of people's predictions before the big day in Cresselly, no one can deny that on Sunday, the better side won. And they did so with room to spare.
 
Davies delivers
 

There was ambiguity over whether Loui Davies would be in the Narberth line-up on Sunday following his move to Carmarthen Wanderers. But he was cleared to play and his presence proved pivotal.
 

His first innings knock of 72 was signified by both class and composure, clinically racking up boundaries without taking mindless risks. By the time he was run out late on, Davies had set the tone and while a total of 144-5 was no more than par given the glorious conditions, it ensured that Narberth were in the contest.
 

His contribution with the ball was equally telling, conceding just 42 runs in the 12 overs he bowled during the day. Neyland came out in their second innings needing 166 for glory, a total that soon appeared a daunting one when Davies removed Nick Koomen off the very first ball.
 

Few can begrudge Davies for wanting to test himself at a higher level but Narberth, and indeed Pembrokeshire cricket, will miss him.
 

Stalwarts rewarded
 

A Harrison-Allen Bowl Final is a unique opportunity for players in our county and the majority will never be fortunate enough to experience one. The primary motivation for all teams should be to win it for themselves and etch their names in club folklore - but it is also a day where unsung heroes can be recognised.
 
After 58 years of scribbling on the sideline for Narberth, Gwyneth Johns was scoring in a Bowl final for the first time, while the contribution of the late Emma Richards was also rightly mentioned. There will be others to have also contributed heavily to the running of the club and days like Sunday make it all worthwhile.
 
And while he couldn't be there on the day itself, there should be multiple hat tips in the direction of Richard Howell. A stalwart of both Narberth and local cricket, few have done as much for their club in Pembrokeshire as him, always supported by wife Rhian.
 
Sun shines at last
 
Another washout simply didn't bare thinking about. But while the crowd was undoubtedly more modest than the usual turnout in August, the attendance and weather still proved enough for a memorable occasion. After everything, people being too hot was a problem I dare say organisers would have settled for.
 
And while the delays proved frustrating, the county executive do deserve credit for the way they again put on the Bowl final. It is a day that players from other leagues envy, and when the sun does come out, it only adds to the atmosphere.
 
As far as Narberth are concerned, the history books won't show they won a final that was rearranged several times. All that matters is their name is cemented as 2025 Harrison-Allen Bowl winners - and I'm sure Hough and co will agree it was a day worth waiting for.
 
End of an era?
 
One Bowl final defeat doesn't destroy a dynasty. There were whispers around the boundary that this was a Neyland side in a need of a rebuild after 15 years of consistent success but it is too premature to start penning obituaries. They've been written off before and it would be dangerous to do so again.
 
But undoubtedly, they did appear a side that lacked the ruthlessness they've become so renowned for in finals. Narberth put the shackles on in the field and for once, Neyland couldn't break them free.
 
Whether this proves the end of an era or not, kudos still goes to Sean Hannon. Speaking to him afterwards, despite obvious disappointment he was dignity personified and the result doesn't taint what he's done for his club as captain this past decade.
 
For Lewis Hough, who was also conducted himself with class post-match, there will be more shots at silverware to come. But regardless of what happens from here at Neyland, history will remember Hannon as one of Pembrokeshire cricket's best-ever leaders and when he does finally step down, the club will have some job to replace him.
 
Sport often works in cycles and while it appears they might be at the end of one, for as long as Hannon is at helm, Neyland will still compete with the best.
 
What next for Narberth?
 
When the hangovers subside, the challenge for Hough and Narberth now is to ensure Sunday proves the beginning of something and not the pinnacle. The departure of Davies is evidently a hammer blow, but returning to this stage and competing at the top end of Division 1 should now be the target.
 
You don't win a Harrison-Allen Bowl without being a very good all-round side. But you have to build on that to become a great one.
 
Narberth have enough young players to push on from this, and a Bowl final often serves to attract new signings. Sunday is a feeling that, surely, they will want to replicate.
 
On a lighter note, the potential quiz question over the only side to win two Bowl finals in one summer is likely to stand the test of time.
 
*Thanks to Fraser for providing his usual perceptive views on Pembrokeshire Sport.co.uk and tomorrow our Bill Carne, who always likes to have the final word and says at his age says that’s only fair, will point out some of the lovely things about The Bowl Final – but also voice his disgust as a small number of YOBS who stupidly think it is the perfect time for a ‘Day on the P**s’ to show their crass stupidity, no respect for disability and try to ruin what was a great day for both teams and officials.”