IN a thrilling repeat of the Under 11’s final two years ago, Cresselly emerged victorious over Hook in the Pembroke County Cricket Club Under 13’s Junior League Final, held at Cresselly CC. This eagerly anticipated match lived up to expectations, showcasing a high standard of cricket from both teams.

Captain Charlie Holder of Hook won the toss and elected to bowl against Cresselly’s Phoenix Phillips. Hook’s bowlers started strongly, with Holder taking 2-5 and removing the dangerous Harry Broadhurst and Ieuan Prout. Rhys Tennick also contributed with tight bowling figures of 3 overs for 9 runs. At this stage, Ollie Toy (18) steadied the innings for Cresselly. Despite Mason Hughes (1-23) and Morgan Jones (1-23) making key breakthroughs, Cresselly’s Phoenix Phillips and Alfie Morgan turned the game with a decisive partnership. Both batsmen retired on 25, hitting three fours each, and helped Cresselly to a total of 112-4 in 20 overs.

Hook’s response began with Cody James (1-2) and Ollie Toy (2-2) quickly taking out key batsmen Olly Nutty and Rhys Tennick. Despite efforts from Charlie Holder (6), Joe Warrender (7), and Mason Hughes (6) to revive Hook’s innings, George Hughes’s exceptional spell of 4-6 decimated their batting line-up. Hook was eventually bowled out for 44, with additional wickets taken by Harry Broadhurst (1-5) and Alfie Morgan (1-4), and excellent fielding contributions, including a run-out by Phoenix Phillips.

The match concluded with a well-deserved victory for Cresselly, celebrated by a supportive crowd on a beautiful sunny evening. The ground looked immaculate, thanks to the hard work of the Cresselly team.

During the post-match presentation, Martin Jones, the Junior Organiser, praised both teams for their performances and the clubs for their robust junior programmes. He extended thanks to Cresselly for hosting the final and to Diane James and Ollie Arthur for managing the BBQ. Acknowledgements were also made to the coaches, umpires Chris Stapleton and Steve Williams, and scorers Chris Holder and Haydon Shapcott.

Special thanks were given to sponsor Colin John of Llewelyn Davies & Co Chartered Accountants for his ongoing support of junior cricket in the county. County President Trefor Evans presented the cups and medals, highlighting the achievements of all participants.

The Player of the Match award, sponsored by the Williams family in memory of the late John Williams, was deservedly awarded to Phoenix Phillips for her outstanding captaincy and performance.

Cresselly Team:
Phoenix Phillips (C), Ieuan Prout (WK), Mari Cole, Cody James, Ollie Toy, Finley Rowlands, Jack Mears, George Hughes, Bobby Shapcott, Alfie Morgan, Harry Broadhurst.

Hook Team:
Charlie Holder (C), Olly Stamp (WK), Olly Nutty, Morgan Jones, Rhys Tennick, Joe Warrender, Mason Hughes, Rowan Nickerson, George Wonnacott, Jac Llewellyn, Oliver Rowe.

Additional players: Kian Flood, Callan Gibbs, Dylan Keen.

Venue: Cresselly CC
Sponsor: Colin John – Llewelyn Davies & Co Chartered Accountants
Umpires: Chris Stapleton & Steve Williams
Scorers: Chris Holder & Haydon Shapcott
Coaches: Christian Phillips, Grant James, Haydyn Shapcott, and Matthew Holder