It seems that tied matches in Pembrokeshire cricket semi-finals have become the norm this season rather than the exception to the rule.

Like the Harrison Allen Bowl competition, the Dougie Morris Cup also threw up a nail-biting affair between Narberth and Haverfordwest.

In the first clash at Narberth last Wednesday, it was honours even as both sides totalled 142 in their 22 overs.

The Town batted first and scored runs steadily throughout, with major contributions coming from opener Jonathan Twigg (30, including three 4s) and late on from Daniel Field, who blasted a quickfire 39 including 18 off the last over from Ian Hughes.

David Johns was Narberth's most successful bowler with 3 for 41, while brother Matt also picked up a couple of wickets at a cost of 24 runs.

Narberth got off to a flying start in reply, with openers Henry Wilson and Mike Johns putting on 58 for the first wicket in double quick time.

Wilson smashed three 6s and two 4s in his 38, which came off just 27 balls, while Johns joined in the run-spree with 35 off 28 balls, including five 4s.

After that, however, Simon Williams (4 for 34) began to make inroads into the Narberth innings, before Marc Hughes helped stop the slide with a solid 25 off 32 balls.

Wayne Howells also chipped in with a useful 15 late on and it looked as if Narberth were on their way to the final with only three runs needed off the final over. But it was not to be, as time finally ran out on them as their innings closed on 142 for 8 in answer to Haverfordwest's 142 for 6, and so a tie.

It meant it was all back to Haverfordwest the next night for the replay, and again an exciting tussle ensued.

Again Haverfordwest batted first, but this time they got off to a poor start, with both openers back in the pavilion with the score on 12 - both victims of Ian Hughes (2 for 30).

Stephen Phillips and Kim Norkett then steadied the ship with a 68-run partnership, with Norkett reaching his half century in 45 balls, including four 4s and two 6s, and Phillips weighing in with 38, including three 4s.

Their departure signalled a mini collapse for the Town, who eventually went on to reach a score of 118 for 7, with David Johns again being Narberth's best bowler with figures of 3 for 23 off five overs.

The question being asked was would the total be enough? It certainly seemed so as Narberth were quickly in trouble, losing both openers without a run on the board - what a contrast to the previous night!

David Johns rescued the situation somewhat as he got his side back into contention with a superb 59, including a six and four 4s. But it wasn't enough.

Only two other players, Jason Oatley (12) and Mike Scale (11) managed to reach double figures as Narberth struggled to a total of 108 for 9, leaving the Town relieved 10-run winners.

Darren Brick and Clive Tucker did most of the damage for Haverfordwest as they picked up three wickets apiece.

The Town will now meet Carew in the final to be played at Burton on Bank Holiday Monday.

Due to rain, only two matches were played in the Ocky White Pembrokeshire County Cricket League on Saturday - and even one of those was eventually abandoned. All other games were cancelled and each team was awarded five points.

This was the first time this season that the weather had caused such a washout for the county's cricket programme and, who knows, it could have a vital bearing on the outcome of a number of championship and relegation issues.

Scores in the two matches which did make it to the crease were as follows:

Division Three: Cardigan (13) 201-5, Hundleton (11) 68-2 - abandoned.

Division Five: Llechryd II (2) 69-10 lost to Lamphey II (27) 70-1.

Fixtures

Tomorrow's (Saturday's) fixtures are as follows:

Division One: Burton v Lawrenny; Narberth v Lamphey; Cresselly v Kilgetty; Pembroke v Whitland; Carew v Haverfordwest.

Division Two: Stackpole v Narberth II; Llangwm v Hook; St. Ishmaels v Neyland; Spittal v Johnston; Haverfordwest II v Carew II.

Division Three: Cardigan v Llechryd; Lawrenny II v Herbrandston; Haverfordwest III v Fishguard; Saundersfoot v Cresselly II; Hundleton v Llanrhian.

Division Four: Kilgetty II v Llangwm II; Crymych v Pembroke II; Whitland II v Burton II; Hook II v St. Ishmaels II; Maenclochog v Manorbier.

Division Five: Neyland II v Letterston; Llechryd II v Spittal II; St. David's v Stackpole II; Lamphey II v Dinas; Llanrhian II v Burton II.

Division Six: Neyland III v Crymych II; Letterston II v Pembroke III; Johnston II v Pembroke Dock; Herbrandston II v Saundersfoot II; Carew III v Whitland III; Stackpole III v Hundleton II; Narberth III v Haverfordwest IV.