• Saundersfoot (196 for 9) beat Neyland (96 all out) by 100 runs

IN a match filled with excitement and surprises, Saundersfoot delivered an assured and committed performance to defeat Neyland, the Bowl holders, by a resounding 100 runs. This unexpected outcome, taking place at Saundersfoot Cricket Ground, left even the most ardent Neyland supporters acknowledging the well-deserved victory of the Seasiders.

The match commenced with a close call for Tom Mansbridge, who narrowly escaped being caught from Patrick Hannon’s first delivery, which instead rolled down the slope for a four. Mansbridge capitalised on his luck, scoring an additional 18 runs off the remaining five balls.

Neyland’s chase began disastrously when their key batsman, Paul Murray, was caught at mid-on by Gareth Edwards off Sam Franklin’s first delivery. After just four overs, Neyland found themselves struggling at 4 for 2, with opener Alan Webster dismissed for a duck after facing only five balls.

Seasiders Start Strong

From the outset, Danny Caine and Tom Mansbridge aggressively targeted Patrick and Sean Hannon, scoring boundaries from loose deliveries. Their partnership reached 44 in the fifth over before Caine was bowled by the Neyland captain for 13, having hit one six.

Caine’s departure proved fortuitous for Saundersfoot as Sam Franklin joined Mansbridge at the crease. The duo added an impressive 97 runs before Mansbridge was caught at the mid-wicket boundary by Dai Davies off Jack John for a rapid 75, which included 10 fours and three sixes.

The fall of wickets continued with John Mansbridge bowled for a duck by Jack John, followed by Danny Brace’s dismissal for 1, caught at mid-wicket by George Evans off Brad McDermott-Jenkins. The same bowler then claimed the wickets of Yannic Parker, Gareth Edwards, Scott Helmich, Iori Richards, and Simon Stanford, ending with notable figures of 6 for 41.

Despite the flurry of wickets, Franklin maintained his aggressive batting, finishing unbeaten on 76, which included 12 fours and a six, guiding Saundersfoot to a formidable total of 196 runs in 22 overs.

Neyland Struggles to Recover

Neyland, missing several key players, started their innings poorly, and with their early collapse to 4 for 2, their confidence waned. Brad McDermott-Jenkins and Ross Hardy attempted a recovery, scoring 18 and 22 respectively, both hitting two fours and a six. Jack John contributed 24 runs, but their efforts were insufficient against Saundersfoot’s spirited fielding and bowling.

Man of the Match Sam Franklin’s exceptional performance with the ball, taking 4 for 34, complemented his outstanding batting, and he played a crucial role in dismantling Neyland’s batting line-up.

Neyland captain Sean Hannon graciously acknowledged their defeat, recognising Saundersfoot’s dominance. If Saundersfoot maintains this high level of performance, they are poised to challenge any team in the county and might even be considered co-favourites for the Bowl.

This commanding victory not only knocked out the reigning champions but also signalled Saundersfoot’s potential to be a formidable force in the competition.