Under 11s 129 for 7

lost to Pembrokeshire Under 11s 148 for 8

On Sunday, the Pembrokeshire Under 11s team travelled to the picturesque Bronwydd Cricket Club for their return fixture with Carmarthenshire.

After a delayed start for rain, both teams put on an excellent display in a competitive 40-over match, with some outstanding individual contributions.

Pembrokeshire continued their excellent recent form to record a victory by 19 runs to the delight of coach Andrew Miller and their large band of supporters.

Carmarthenshire captain Carwyn Axford won the toss and elected to field first on an excellent pitch, but damp outfield. Pembrokeshire set out positively, but soon found themselves in trouble at 21 for 3 as the pick of the Carmarthenshire attack, Callum Thomas (3 for 9), caused problems with his left arm swing. Thomas removed Owen Phelps, Lewis Miller and Seth Willington in quick succession, showing excellent control.

This brought Shay Norcross (28) and Evan Watts (76) together for what was to prove the pivotal partnership of the match. Having taken time to settle, Norcross and Watts then steadily got on top of the bowlers, scoring runs all-round the wicket. Their partnership was laden with hard-hitting boundaries, but perhaps marked out by the running between the wickets, which constantly put fielders under pressure and forced a succession of mistakes. This pair added 72 runs before Norcross departed.

None of the remaining Pembrokeshire batsmen was able to make a sizeable individual contribution. However, Harry Fuller, Rhys Power and in particular Dom Asson played excellent supporting roles as Watts continued his assault on the bowling.

Pembrokeshire looked set for a big total when standing at 123 for 6 from 30 overs. However, only 25 runs came from the final 10 overs as Rhufon Phillips returned superb figures of 1 for 7 from five overs to halt any late assault.

Following a wonderful tea provided by the Bronwydd ladies, Carmarthenshire set out to chase 149 for victory. The openers found it hard to get away against the sustained accuracy of Joe Phillips (0 for 15 from eight overs) and Jake Thomas (1 for 10), who both gave it their all without the deserved reward.

Thomas struck to leave Carmarthenshire at 19 for 1 from 10 overs, bringing B. Williams (33) to the crease. Williams combined with Tudr Davies (27) in a solid partnership of 50 and then put on 25 with Steffan Williams (10).

Pembrokeshire rotated their bowlers to look for a breakthrough as Carmarthenshire began to build a healthy position. Niall Griffiths (0 for 19) went close, as did Willington (0 for 8) with his leg spin. Lucas Davies (1 for 4) then made the breakthrough, supported by Miller (1 for 18) and Fuller (1 for 13), leaving Carmarthenshire needing 32 from the final eight overs.

Watts (1 for 11) then combined with the returning Phillips to tie down the batsmen with good accurate bowling.

All of the bowlers were supported by an excellent team fielding display, Fuller and Phelps both claiming run outs with direct hits as the batsmen began to take risks with overs running out.

It was left to Thomas to bowl the final over and join his teammates in celebrating an excellent performance and victory, in a match played in a great spirit.