Pembrokeshire U12s (164 all out) lost to Carmarthenshire (240 for 5) by 76 runs

 
The greater all-round strength of Carmarthenshire told as the Pembrokeshire U12s slipped to defeat in a high scoring encounter at Pembroke Dock CC. The spirit amongst the teams was excellent, which bodes well for next season when many of the players on show will be teammates in the new Cricket Wales West set-up.
 
Pembrokeshire skipper Ifan Wyn-Jones won the toss and opted to field first on the usual batting paradise at Pembroke Dock. Regional debutant Lewis Rossiter rewarded his skipper with an early wicket in a solid 1 for 17 spell. Harry Lloyd and Carwyn Jones started to build slowly before Lloyd (22) was castled by Oscar Lewis (1 for 8) in a really tight spell. Oscar Willington (1 for 32) nipped out another wicket to leave Carmarthenshire at 73 for 3 and Pembrokeshire tails were up.
 

Carwyn claims a Carms’ century

 
Jones was then joined by Caio Ifans with these two proceeding to put together a superb stand of 110. The bowlers had no answer as both batsmen hit powerfully to all parts of the ground and as the fielding effort began to wilt so the run rate increased.
 
Jones went on to record a fantastic century, eventually retiring unbeaten on 100, scored from 73 balls with 16 boundaries. On his retirement, Ruby Kirk (23) joined Ifans to continue the assault, Ifans retiring unbeaten on 50 with six boundaries as Rhys Jones nipped in to pick up 1 for 11 to round off the innings.
 

Pembs power their way back into contention . . .

 
The Pembrokeshire team went into the break a bit battered and bruised, facing a mammoth run chase of 241 to win. However, there was a clear intent not to lie down as openers Oscar Lewis and Rhys Phelps started with a bang. From the off, these two turned the pressure back on Carmarthenshire with smart running and a sprinkling of boundaries. They posted a partnership of 39 from only seven overs before Phelps (13) fell to a brilliant diving catch from Cellan Allcock when looking well set.
 
Lewis was joined by Oscar Willington, with these two putting on a partnership of 83 in only 10 overs. Pembrokeshire stood at 122 for 1 from 17 overs and all of a sudden 241 looked within reach as the bowlers had little answer to the positive intent shown by these two batters.
 

. . . But then lose vital wickets

 
But then came a pivotal spell of 15 minutes that swung the game firmly in Carmarthenshire’s favour.
Firstly, Lewis (25) went down the track to Jacob Williams (1 for 11) and was stumped to end an excellent innings. The next over bowled by Tomos Axford then turned the game on its head. Willington was run out going for a sharp single, having batted really well, hitting 62 from only 43 balls including 11 boundaries. Rossiter was bowled in the same over and suddenly Pembrokeshire had slipped to 123 for 4.
 
Worse was to follow as Axford returned the amazing figures of 3.3-2-1-5. His gentle off spin caused havoc in the Pembrokeshire middle and lower order. Despite late cameos from Cian Rees (17) and Jamie Keating (8) the run chase fell away, with Pembrokeshire eventually bowled out for 164 in only 25.3 overs.
 

Great ending to a great season

 
These two young teams produced a feast of cricket and ultimately the Pembrokeshire spirit was not dimmed by defeat. Coaches Jon Willington and Jamie Phelps congratulated the players on their time and achievements in regional cricket. It was left to President Nick Evans to present the players with commemorative regional ties to round off an excellent day and season.
 
Pembrokeshire: Ifan Wyn-Jones (capt), Cian Rees, Oscar Lewis, Evan Roberts, Rhys Phelps, Lewis Rossiter, Oscar Willington, Rhys Jones, William Harries, Jamie Keating, Jamie Gray (Squad members absent: Liam Morley-Trivett and Travis Russant)