Pembroke was the venue as always for the Alec Colley Cup Final, the weather was kind and Carew went into this one as strong favourites based on their superior league status and the quality and experience throughout their team. Lawrenny however are a dangerous outfit themselves and may have fancied their chances of an upset.
After losing the toss and being stuck into bat, Carew started steadily despite losing Scott Richards early to Noah Williams. However, the experienced Nick Scourfield and Simon Wood then took control, with Scourfield playing a pivotal knock of 57 runs, including several crisp boundaries. Wood was equally impressive, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 61. Contributions from Nick Davies (29) further bolstered the score, allowing Carew to post a formidable total of 174 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs.
Lawrenny's bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Noah Williams, Jamie Lewis, and Stewart Prosser picking up a wicket each but failing to put any real pressure on the Carew batsmen.
In reply, Lawrenny never truly found their rhythm. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with only Jamie Lewis showing some resistance, scoring 33 before falling to Mark White. White was the standout bowler for Carew, claiming 3 for 28 in his 5 overs. The experienced and clever bowling of Barry Evans provided excellent support, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs. Lawrenny eventually limped to 104 for 7 in their 20 overs, giving Carew a substantial first-innings lead of 70 runs.
Carew's second innings was all about building on their advantage, and they did so with authority. Despite losing Scott Richards and Nick Scourfield relatively cheaply, Simon Wood continued his fine form, smashing an unbeaten 89. He was well-supported by youngster Ethan Hall, who played an aggressive innings of 57 not out. Together the mix of experience and youth propelled Carew to an imposing total of 182 for 2, effectively putting the match beyond Lawrenny’s reach.
Once again, Lawrenny's bowlers had no answers, with Steve Cole and Noah Williams managing a wicket apiece but unable to stem the tide of runs.
Chasing an improbable target, Lawrenny's second innings quickly unraveled. Carew's bowlers, led by Mark White, who took 4 for 18, and Barry Evans, who claimed 3 for 13, were relentless. George Waters also chipped in with 2 wickets for 20 runs. None of the Lawrenny batsmen managed to settle, with only Alfie Buckle (29) and James Buckle (14 not out) reaching double figures. The innings ended in a disappointing collapse, all out for just 85, handing Carew a comprehensive victory by a massive margin.
Carew yet again were crowned Alec Colley Champions and deservingly so, with Simon Wood picking up the Man of the Match award.
Despite a comfortable win for the Rooks the final was as always a a great advert for local cricket. The match was brilliantly officiated by Jonathan Williams and Ian Gow, with Julie Davies and Chris Williams scoring.
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