The winter of 2007/8 was a productive one for the club. We held our first black tie ball to raise funds for the club, which enabled us to finish our new double bay net practice facility and purchase a much-needed bowling machine for the Lewis Lloyd ground.

With this new equipment, we began a rigorous training programme and, with new First XI captain Richard Adams in place, we felt very positive for the new season ahead.

May began slowly, with many key players away, but we also welcomed back some very familiar and highly-valued players in Mike Johns, Wayne Howell and Will Davidson. When the senior teams got the chance between the showers to play, they played well and the Firsts began to show some signs of improvement, in particular Ben Quartermaine and Thomas Richards.

The Seconds were playing well in Division Four after being relegated last year. The Thirds, however, found the going tough all season, as the previous year's third team stars had now become second team regulars. Sadly though, the club still struggled in cup competitions, with the exception being the Harrison Allen Bowl.

Midway through the season the First team seemed to turn a corner, with some vital wins against Llangwm and Burton, with all players being greatly boosted by a match-winning century by 18-year-old Thomas Richards at Llangwm. He found further good form, producing some more big scores during the rest of the campaign. The Seconds continued their winning ways, now gunning for promotion back to Division Three. The Thirds continued to show real commitment, but their results did not justify this.

Then in July, as Narberth faced Neyland and then St. Ishmaels in the quarter and semis of the Harrison Allen, the team used their recent good form to the detriment of both teams to earn a place in the final, the first for many years. Players, members and committee had waited 40-plus years for a shot at the trophy and we gave it absolutely everything against a very strong Carew team. Although the outcome of the game was somewhat of a disappointment, we took great heart in the knowledge that Narberth were now real contenders again and had a team that was well balanced with experience and some very talented youngsters.

After the cup final, the weather completely took over and ruined the last month and I truly believe spoilt our chances of finishing higher in Division One. The Seconds, however, deservedly cruised into Division Three, along with Crymych, having played well all year. The Thirds, on the other hand, could not avoid relegation into Division Six, but I am sure they will return with a vengeance next season, with the sole goal of gaining promotion.

As the club has continued to grow from strength to strength, I would like to take a moment to thank our sponsors very much for their continued support. Main sponsors Young Bros, Llandissilio, also the Angel Inn, Narberth, Williams Vision, Woodfield Caravan Park, Neil Davies, of Commercial Garage, Andrew Rees Butchers, Tanners Wine Merchants, N. D. Toy and Partners, Murco Oil Refinery and the sponsors of this year's ball, Gerald D. Harries and Sons, Templeton.

Of course, this season would not have been such a success without the players, committee, supporters and team captains, and I wholeheartedly thank them for all their hard work, commitment and drive in making 2008 such a successful season.

Even though the weather has not been at all kind to Pembrokeshire cricket this year, I felt compelled to write a few words about what has been a most successful year for Narberth Cricket Club and to say how proud I am of this year's achievements and our club as a whole.

Huw Simpkins, chairman