Pembroke County Cricket Club Under 15's Junior League:

 

Whitland (87 for 7) beat Kilgetty (52 all out) by 35 runs

 
Sponsor: Colin John – Llewelyn Davies & Co Chartered Accountants
Umpires: Ian Milsom & Allan Hansen
Scorers: Becki Badham & Darren Bujega
Coaches: Mark Lee & Trefor Badham
Venue: St Ishmaels CC
 
This year’s final was between the top two sides from the   North  Zones,  with Kilgetty beating Whitland in the group stage and then Hook in the semi-final whilst Whitland beat Neyland in the other semi-final – and in this entertaining clash at St Ishmaels it was Whitland who were worthy winners.
 
Jamie Keating, the captain of Kilgetty won the toss against his counterpart Charlie Bujega of Whitland and decided to bowl first. The square and outfield were in fine condition thanks to the hard work of Kevin Bowen and Chris Bradshaw.
 
Whitland start well but lose wickets
 
Both teams had very strong bowling outfits and in both innings the ball dominated the bat. The Whitland opening bats Daf James (17) and Rhys Jones (12) progressed the score to 32 without loss off 7 overs when Noah Williams struck quickly, followed by a wicket for   Rhys Eynon.
 
 With the score at 42 for 2 off 12 overs it was anyone's game and it was the turn of the Whitland captain to play a decisive innings of 26 before being run out by a direct hit by Rhys Eynon. Cian Rees scored a late 13 before being caught and bowled by the returning Keating, who also had a run out with a direct hit - and with 17 extras the Whitland Innings closed on 87 for7 wickets.
 
For Kilgetty, Jamie Keating (1-14), Kiaran Sine (0-19). Rhys Eynon (1-13), Noah Williams (2-19) and Logan Hall (1-16) all bowled well.



 

Kilgetty find it hard going against tight bowling

 
Opinion was very much divided at the break, although Whitland knew they needed a good start and that's exactly what they got. Coach Mark Lee’s team talk in his third final in successive years. Having lost the previous two, worked wonders and there was some inspired bowling by the whole team who never let the Kilgetty batters get into their stride.
 
Wickets fell at regular intervals with opening bowlers Cian Rees and Charlie Bujega being too hot to handle on the night, removing the danger men of Rhys Eynon, Kiaran Sine and Logan Hall (6).
 
It was only Harry Morgan, who has been in fine form recently, put up any resistance to the Whitland onslaught with lovely cover and straight drives before becoming Bujega’s second victim. Rees finished with 3-9 and Bujega (2-17), with both taking a catch each.
 
Late resistance by Jamie Keating (6) and Taylor Lewis (8 ) advanced the score but with  Cai Lewis (2 -11), Freddy Davies  (2-5) and  Daf James (1-8)  aided by three  catches by Alex Passmore,  together with  11 extras,  saw the Kilgetty innings close on 52all out. This left Whitland as deserved winners on the night.



 

And finally . . .

 
In the presentation after the match, Martin Jones (Junior Organiser) congratulated both sides on reaching the final and their coaches; Trefor Badham and Mark Lee also deserve great praise for their hard work.  He also thanked St Ishmaels for hosting the final, including Kevin Bowen and Chris Bradshaw for their work on the ground, Wendy Bradshaw, Pat Williams and the ladies’ section for providing the food for the players and spectators
 
He thanked umpires Allan Hansen and Ian Milsom and the scorers Becki Badham and Darren Bujega, who all contributed to the evening’s entertainment for a large crowd.
 
Last and by no means least Martin thanked sponsors Colin John of Llewelyn Davies & Co, Chartered Accountants, for his continued and valuable support of Junior Cricket in the county.  It was also great to see Richard Merriman, County Chairman and Trefor Evans, County President in attendance.
 
The winning trophy, now in its 48th year, donated by the families of the late Stan Richards and John Bowen, looked a picture. It was great to see Georgina Morgan, daughter of John, whose grandson Ollie Rees presented the winning trophy to Whitland CC.
 
Chairman Richard presented the runners-up cup donated by Martin and Yvonne Jones together with the medals to Kilgetty.  This year we also had the inaugural Player of the Match Cup in memory of the late Bill Roberts, another St Ishmaels stalwart presented and donated by his son Evan with the permanent award sponsored by Moira & John Hawkins. This was presented to the Whitland captain Charlie Bujega for his all-round contribution to the game.
 
Whitland:
Charlie Bujega, Captain, Rhys Jones Wicket keeper, Daf James, Cian Rees, Freddy Davies, Cai Lewis, Alexander Passmore, Joel Evans . Luca Jones, Finlay Jones, Cai Faulkner, Rueben Jones and Hari Owen.
 
Kilgetty:
Jamie Keating Captain, Connor Davies wicket keeper,  Rhys Eynon, Kiran Sines, Logan Hall, Harry Morgan, Noah Williams, George Morgan, Ryan Cooper, Taylor Lewis, Louie Treadaway Williams, Olly Cook , Dylan Sine and Lewis Rossiter.