LAWRENNY got their hands on the Harrision Allen Bowl trophy again after battling to a five-wicket victory against Saundersfoot on Saturday.
In front of a large, expectant crowd at Cresselly, Lawrenny’s success made up for two recent final defeats whilst Saundersfoot put up a great fight in their first appearance in the Blue Riband event.
Choosing to bowl first turned out to be a good choice by Lawrenny as they took three early wickets for 10 runs, Tom Mansbridge bowled by Rob Williams, Danny Caine caught by Will Allen off Oscar Lewis and Sam Franklin caught by Joe Kidney off Williams.
Saundersfoot steadied themselves with Nick Cope and John Mansbridge getting the runs ticking over to bring their side back into contention. Cope hit an impressive 47, which included five sixes whilst Mansbridge hit four fours and a six on his way to 36 runs, both wickets taken by Troy Purslowe.
Lawrenny’s bowlers regained the initiative and Saundersfoot ended on 118 for 7.
In reply, Lawrenny were also slow out of the blocks with just 20 runs from the opening five overs with wickets falling regularly.
Harry Thomas steadied the ship with 40 runs before Thomas Cole let loose with 23 runs in an over which helped Lawrenny to 133 for 6 and a 15-run lead.
Saundersfoot were quicker out of the block in the second innings with Tom Mansbridge and Simon Stanford producing a 32-run opening stand.
Their prospects took a blow during a middle-order collapse but 29 runs off 29 balls by Yannic Parker took them to 132 for 7 setting Lawrenny a winning target of 118.
The outcome was in the balance after Lawrenny lost four wickets for just 50 runs but Cole stepped up to the mark again with 32 runs from 18 balls with support by Purslowe with an unbeaten 38 to reach the mark.