9th July 2024
| Claudia Vaughan-Johns
2024 Junior Welsh Cup
1,144 runs, 83 wickets, 8 Semi-Finals, and 2 Finals is the culmination of an unforgettable display of junior cricket during the Junior Welsh Cup Finals Days. Here's a recap of the action-packed events:
U13s Junior Welsh Cup Finals Day at Gowerton CC
Under a drizzly Sunday morning sky, the U13s Welsh Cup finals day kicked off with Kidwelly Town CC against Lisvane CC. Kidwelly Town won the toss and elected to field first. A strong start for Kidwelly meant they took three quick wickets before Lisvane powered on to put 161 on the scoreboard. After losing a quick wicket Kidwelly’s 1 and 3, Tom Northcote and Harry Thomas mounted a comeback with a strong partnership of 49 runs before Lisvane’s bowlers constricted Kidwelly’s lower order to 85 for 6 off their 20 overs. Lisvane was through to the final.
In the second Semi-Final, Menai Bridge's thrilling encounter with Penarth came down to the wire. Menai Bridge won the toss and elected to bat. Thanks to Llyr Midgly’s rapid 30* off 17 balls with 5 fours and 1 six they were able to score 92 in 15.5 overs. In a tense second innings it all came down to a ‘final over thriller’ with Penarth requiring 10 runs. With some tight fielding and canny bowling from Gethin Hodgkinson, Menai Bridge restricted Penarth to 87 off their 20 overs and claiming their place in the final by 5 runs.
In the final Menai Bridge came up against the defending champions Lisvane. Lisvane won the toss and captain Gus Crowter elected to bat. Lisvane scored 154 off 20 overs with 30s scored by Tanav Balan, Aaryan Pandit and Dau’d Navid. In the second innings Lisvane’s bowling continued from where the batters left off. Menai Bridge put up a strong defence but were unfortunately all out for 27.
Our 2024 winners and runners-up were crowned, with Gus Crowter, Lisvane’s captain being awarded Player of the Match for his leadership and performance throughout the day. Lisvane will go on to represent Wales in the ECB Club T20 competition. We wish them the best of luck in the next stages.
The teams and players all represented their clubs and regions excellently and showed in each match their dedication and sportsmanship. I would also like to thank Gowerton CC for their outstanding hospitality throughout the day.
U15s Junior Welsh Cup Finals Day at Blackwood Town CC
The first semi-final was played between St Fagans CC and Cresselly CC. St Fagans won the toss and decided to field first. In the first innings, Cresselly were all out in the 18th over setting the target to win at 86 runs. In return St Fagans lead a convincing chase, thanks to a quick 50* from Jack Griffiths, and reaching the total in 11.1 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. St Fagans were off to finals.
In the second semi-final Colwyn Bay CC won the toss and chose to bat first against Penarth CC. After a very tight bowling and fielding display from Penarth, Colwyn Bay manged to score 81 for 7 off their 20 overs. It was a promising start for Colwyn Bay CC with the ball, as the first over went for just 1 run. However, an opening partnership of 43 put Penarth CC in the driving seat and an entertaining 20* from 15 balls including 2 fours and 1 six from Ffredi Easterby saw them over the line with 4.2 overs to spare. So, it was to be St Fagans vs Penarth in the final to decide the U15s Welsh Cup.
In the highly anticipated final, St Fagans won the toss and decided to have bat. Penarth were able to take regular wickets throughout the innings but a brilliant 50* off 35 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes from Rhys Pollitt meant St Fagans reached 149 for 7 off their 20 overs. An unfortunate start for Penarth meant they lost some quick wickets and were eventually bowled in the 15th over for 51.
Our winners and runners-up received their medals, Rhys Pollitt's outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award, with St Fagans now gearing up to compete in the U15 ECB Club T20 Competition.
To our hosts, Blackwood Town CC, we extend our thanks for organizing an excellent day. ‘Our young cricketers from All Stars, Dynamos and U11’s welcomed the chance to represent our club to form the guard of honour for each game, they truly gained inspiration from the cricket on show.’ Paul Phillips of Blackwood Town Cricket Club. It was a fantastic experience for both the players and the club’s youth section.
Both Finals Days were marked with excitement, skill, and sportsmanship, leaving a memorable impact on all participants and spectators.