THE 2025 Pembrokeshire Division One cricket season got underway on Sunday, with several teams making powerful early statements. Cresselly laid down a marker with an impressive win over a previously dominant Neyland side, while Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest also made emphatic starts.

Cresselly signalled their title ambitions with a 64-run victory over Neyland. Batting first, Cresselly posted 195 for 9 from their 45 overs, with useful contributions from Morgan Lewis (26), Charlie Arthur (20), and Simon Cole (20), before Dan James anchored the innings with a crucial unbeaten 74. Neyland, who have dominated much of the past decade but showed signs of decline last season, struggled in reply. Despite efforts from Andrew Miller (24) and Paul Murray (21), they were bowled out for 131. Tom Arthur (3 for 23) and Charlie Arthur (3 for 27) shared six wickets to seal a valuable opening win.

At Oatfield Park, Whitland made a commanding start with a 128-run victory over newly promoted Burton. Geraint Jones (79), Gopal Ramasamy (63), and Jonathan Thomas (61) guided Whitland to 240 all out. Burton’s reply faltered early, and despite some resistance from Joe Kiff (30) and Luke Hayman (20), they were dismissed for 112. Wayne Howells was outstanding with the ball, taking a remarkable 5 for 10.

Carew also opened their campaign strongly, defeating Lawrenny by 57 runs. Brian Hall (56) and Rhys Davies (40) helped Carew to 169 all out. Lawrenny’s innings never gathered momentum, and despite a fighting 25 from Oscar Lewis, they were bowled out for 112. Rob Williams starred with 4 for 12, supported by Ryan Morton (2 for 25) and Harry Thomas (3 for 35).

At The Racecourse, Haverfordwest were ruthless as they hammered Llangwm by 142 runs. Mikey Jones (86), Ben Field (47) and Jake Merry (31) powered Town to 240 for 8. Llangwm collapsed to 98 all out, with Steve Mills (31) and David Lewis (31) offering brief resistance. Rhys Sewell tore through the lower order with figures of 5 for 23.

Meanwhile at Herbrandston, newly promoted Herbie were given a tough introduction to Division One by Saundersfoot, falling to a 108-run defeat. John Mansbridge starred for Saundersfoot with a superb 77, backed by Simon Stanford (47), as the visitors reached 207 for 8. In reply, Herbrandston could only muster 99 all out, with Nathan Banner (14) and Robbie Hood (19) top-scoring. John Mansbridge capped a fine all-round performance by taking 5 for 32, while Tom Mansbridge added 4 for 27.

With Burton and Herbrandston both stepping up this season, the opening weekend underlined the gulf in quality, as established sides like Cresselly, Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest asserted early authority.

THE 2025 Pembrokeshire cricket season began in bright fashion on Saturday with a full round of 45-over fixtures across the county. Newly relegated Narberth and St Ishmaels both made strong opening statements as they target an immediate return to Division 1.

Before play, Narberth Cricket Club held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the loss of their club life member and friend, Emma Richards (pictured).

Narberth then underlined their quality with a 38-run victory over Cresselly 2nds. Batting first, they posted 187 all out, built around an outstanding 93 from Jamie McCormack. Jordan Howell (19) and Louis Hough (26) provided useful support, while extras contributed a notable 25 runs. In reply, Cresselly 2nds fought hard, with Ryan Lewis making 47 and Josh Lewis adding 25, but they were bowled out for 149. Lewis Mason was the standout performer with the ball, taking 5 for 34 to secure maximum points for Narberth.

Tish were even more dominant, cruising to a 10-wicket win over Llanrhian. After bowling the hosts out for just 65—thanks to Tom Williams’ 3 for 10 and strong support from Andrew Pawlett (2 for 21) and Lewis Rhead (2 for 11)—Tish made light work of the chase. Brennan Devonald struck an unbeaten 40, partnered by Phil Cockburn (25 not out), as the visitors reached 67 without loss inside just 16 overs.

At Hook, the 1st XI were far too strong for Burton 2nds, recording a seven-wicket win. Burton struggled with the bat, managing only 64 all out, with Will Ridge providing the only real resistance with 44. Aled Phelps did the damage with the ball, finishing with superb figures of 6 for 26, while Rhys Phelps chipped in with 2 for 10. In response, Hook reached 66 for 3, with George James anchoring the innings with a composed 37.

Llechryd also made a winning start, overcoming Carew 2nds by six wickets. Carew 2nds were dismissed for just 57, with David Dunfee (4 for 11) and Florian Cartwright (3 for 3) leading the bowling attack. Llechryd made no mistake in the chase, reaching 60 for 4, with Jac Davies steadying the innings with 24.

At Imble Lane, Pembroke edged out Johnston by three wickets in a closely fought contest. Johnston posted 143 all out, with Chris Fitzpatrick top-scoring with a composed 66, and support coming from Liam Boswell (22) and Lee Summons (19). Gary James starred with the ball for Pembroke, taking 5 for 24. In reply, Pembroke’s chase was anchored by Ceri Brace (46) and Jack Harries (31), and although a late wobble threatened to derail them, they eventually reached their target with three wickets to spare.

It was an encouraging start to the season across Pembrokeshire, with many sides already showing signs of form and purpose ahead of what promises to be another highly competitive summer.

Photo caption:
Tribute: Narberth Cricket Club held a minute’s silence for club life member Emma Richards before their match against Cresselly 2nds (Pic: Narberth Cricket Club/Facebook).

Haverfordwest Youth 54 – Narberth Youth 24

IN a thrilling Pembrokeshire Youth Cup Final Haverfordwest Youth cemented their dominance by completing the league and cup double with a commanding 54-24 victory over Narberth Youth. From the outset, the Young Blues showcased their class, but Narberth fought valiantly, showing the heart and determination their coach, Jason Jennings, had called for.

Haverfordwest set the tone early, racing to a 14-0 lead within the opening quarter. No. 8 Kieran Harries and scrum-half Alfie Thomas were the first to cross the line, both tries converted by the reliable Rio Phillips. However, Narberth responded with resolve, as a well-worked try in the left corner from Ashton O’Riorden, following a clever pass from Sam Morris and Owen Woof, got them on the scoreboard.

But Haverfordwest weren’t about to let their lead slip. Harries, who was a standout performer throughout, quickly added his second try after powerful work up front from captain Iori Curtis, Logun Young, and Zac Shaw. Phillips converted, and Young was again involved in the build-up as Haverfordwest extended their lead to 28-5 at the break.

The second half saw little let-up in Haverfordwest’s relentless pressure. Left-winger Harry Lawrence touched down for the fifth try of the match, with Phillips converting again to make it five successful kicks from five attempts. A rare miss followed, but Harries, ever the workhorse, completed his hat-trick with another outstanding solo effort.

Narberth, however, had no intention of going down without a fight. Their resilience was rewarded with a well-deserved try from No. 8 Callum Goeman, which brought cheers from the sidelines. Haverfordwest’s prop Cruz Findlay and Young responded with tries of their own, but Narberth weren’t finished yet. A late brace from hooker Charlie Reynolds, coupled with a conversion by outside half Gethin Llewellin, ensured they ended the match with their heads held high.

Despite the spirited late rally from Narberth, there was no denying Haverfordwest’s quality on the day. Steve Parry’s side were undoubtedly the standout team of the season, and as joint captains Iori Curtis and Devin Williams proudly lifted the Youth Cup, it was clear that this was a well-deserved double.