DR Morris Cup semi final: Neyland (153 for 8) beat Whitland (124 all out) by 29 runs

NEYLAND booked their place in a fifth successive DR Morris Cup final after overcoming Whitland at Pembroke Dock last night.

Put into bat, the cup holders seemed set to get off to a flier as they reached 17 for 0 in 1.5 overs - but Nick Koomen (9) was caught by Mathew Davies off the bowling of Iestyn Scourfield after two boundaries.

Gregg Miller and No 3 Ashley Sutton then put on 51 but again, when Neyland seemed well placed on 68 for 1, Miller fell for 31 (four fours and a six), caught by Mathew Lewis off skipper Scourfield.

And very next ball, Davies had Nathan Banner caught behind by Dylan Blain for a golden duck.

Andrew Miller then contributed a steady 25 before being bowled by Jonathan Thomas, and shortly after the same bowler removed Ashley Sutton for 45 (five fours and a six), caught by Wayne Howells, to leave Neyland 121 for 5.

But a typical late assault from Henry Durrant (two sixes in his 26), before he was stumped by Blain off Scott Newton, and two boundaries from Patrick Hannon before he was run out for 9 - boosted Neyland's total before Sean Hannon (1) was caught by Lewis off the final ball of the innings, giving Scourfield figures of  3 for 45.

Davies meanwhile, took 1 for 24, Thomas 2 for 18 and Newton 1 for 44.

The Whitland reply started slowly as Blain was caught and bowled by Gary Lloyd, and fellow opener Paul Davies was caught by Andrew Miller, again off Lloyd, to leave his side 18 for 2.

Miller himself then had Martin Thomas (10) caught by Geraint Rees - but Thomas and Davies then gave Whitland hope as they took the score to 71 for 3.

But it was then that Neyland took command, as Thomas was caught by Banner off Patrick Hannon for 30 (three fours and a six), and Scourfield (3) fell to the same bowler third ball, caught behind by brother Sean.

Hannon then completed figures of 3 for 17 when Newton (8) was caught by Ashley Sutton - and Nathan Evans (12) was stumped off Koomen, before Banner dismissed Davies (three fours and a six in his 40) and Lewis (0) in consecutive balls to leave Whitland 121 for 9 and the game over as a contest.

Koomen completed the job when he had Jack Bowen (1) caught by Gregg Miller to finish with 2 for 13, with Banner taking 2 for 18, Lloyd 2 for 16, and Andrew Miller 1 for 26.

Neyland will now aim for a record fourth straight cup win when they face the winners of Carew or Cresselly at Oatfield Park, Burton on Sunday, July 17.

That semi final clash is due to take place, weather permitting, at Pembroke Dock tonight (Tuesday).

Umpires: Dennis Chiffi and Les Hastings.

Scorers: John Laugharne and Ann-Marie Jenkins.

Hosts Pembroke Dock CC have expressed grattitude to Bluestone National Park Resort, Boots, Lloyds Jewellers, Bierspool Cycles, Molson Coors and REBA Hairdresser for providing raffle prizes. All money raised will go towards junior cricket for able and disabled cricketers.