Invincible Neyland are the new champions of the Nick Evans The Cricket Shop, Pembrokeshire Indoor Cricket League, after winning all of their matches in this season's competition.

Defending champions Haverfordwest A finished second and Whitland A came third as they did last season.

In the final round of matches at Milford Haven all three teams on view, Neyland, Haverfordwest A and Whitland A, could have won the title by beating the other two teams on the day, as the race for the championship went down to the wire.

In the first match, Haverfordwest A were restricted to a total of 75 for 4 by the Neyland bowlers. Skipper Danny Potter had the most runs off the bat with 25 before he retired, and there were no less than 30 extras!

In reply, Andrew Miller with 25 not out, backed up by Scott John with 12, guided Neyland to a winning total of 75 for 4.

The next match was between Whitland A and Haverfordwest A. The Whitland team batted first and scored 85 for 3. The major contributions were from the stylish Paul Davies with 27 and skipper Dave Lee with 23, plus 25 extras.

Haverfordwest A did not lose a wicket in reaching a winning target of 86. Skipper Danny Potter was 25 not out when he retired under competition rules and David Davies was 26 not out.

In the final match, excellent bowling and fielding by Neyland resulted in Whitland A being bowled out for the low total of 66.

Paul Davies top scored again with 26, Dan Newton backed up with 16 and Dave Lee was the other batsman in double figures as the total was boosted once again by 25 extras.

Neyland won by five wickets upon reaching 70 for 1. Skipper Gregg Miller top scored with 23, his brother Andrew backed up with 20 and Scott John had a useful knock of 17 before being run out.

Despite the disappointment on the day, entry in the competition was worthwhile from a Whitland perspective.

Speaking after the presentation ceremony, Whitland skipper Dave Lee said: "Although we were optimistic, we knew that we had to perform well against both Neyland and Haverfordwest A to win the title.

"After Neyland had a comfortable win over the Haverfordwest team in the first match, only two teams were capable of winning the title. On the day, we were found wanting by both Neyland and Haverfordwest A, who played more skilfully and with more tactical nous that any of the other teams we had played previously.

"The new balls being used swung late and bounced steeply and all of the matches were rather low scoring affairs.

"Haverfordwest A in particular and Neyland had worked out their field placings in such a way, that it was difficult to pick up threes, as well as boundaries.

"However, it was good pre-season practice to play against well-drilled teams in a competitive environment and, as a result, the players in the Whitland A and B teams will be better prepared for the new season."

At the presentation ceremony, Whitland's Trefor Evans, chairman of the Pembroke County Cricket Club, congratulated Neyland on their success and all of the other teams for entering the competition.

He thanked the players for taking part, the umpires and scorers for giving up their time each Sunday, the local media for their coverage and Narberth-based Nick Evans The Cricket Shop for sponsoring the competition.

Mr. Evans was unable to be present and in his absence the trophy was presented to Neyland captain Gregg Miller by Pembrokeshire sports writer Bill Carne.

LEAGUE TABLE

P W L Pts

Neyland 6 6 0 12

Haverfordwest A 6 5 1 10

Whitland A+ 6 4 2 8

Pembroke Dock++ 6 4 2 8

Hook+ 6 4 2 8

Whitland B++ 6 3 3 6

Fishguard+ 6 2 4 4

Burton** 6 1 5 2

Haverfordwest B+ 6 1 5 2

St. Florence***** 6 0 6 0

+= Points awarded.

*= Points deducted.