Welsh Cricket Cup Final – Ammanford vs Neyland At Sophia Gardens

On a beautiful sunny Sunday in Cardiff (September 2) at the home of Glamorgan Cricket Sophia Gardens, Ammanford CC were taking on Neyland CC in the Welsh Cricket Cup Final.

It was Neyland who won the toss and were elected to bowl first.

All smiles as the game was about to get under way.

Neyland’s decision to bowl first had its desired effect as they had Ammanford at 60 for 4 but Ammanford’s all rounders Matthew Fisher and Craig Maloney went into overdrive and with Fisher making 47 and Maloney a top score of 64 helped their team to a total of 209 – 9 after 40 overs.

Matthew Fisher

Craig Maloney

So as Neyland came off the field, they knew 210 was the target to win. Neyland’s Sean Hannon returning Best bowling figures.

8 overs 0 maidens 4 wickets 32 runs.

Neyland lost an early wicket to Ammanford’s man of the match in the semi final Matthew Fisher.

It was left to Neyland’s opener Patrick Bellerby to steady the ship and bring his team back into contention and he made a fine half century before getting out.

Disaster struck for Neyland as they lost their last remaining 5 wickets for 1 run which included a hat-trick for Ammanford bowler Matthew Roberts.

So Neyland were left some 51 runs short of the target despite being in contention for a large part of the game.

So it was a jubilant Ammanford team who celebrated with their supporters who will be bringing the cup back to the Amman Valley.

A gallant performance from the Pembrokeshire team which left them thinking what might have been.

A thoroughly entertaining cup final. My man of the match – well I’d give it to the talisman and all rounder Matthew Fisher who not only made a valuable 47 but chipped in with wickets!

Photo credit: Lawrence Molloy