CRYMYCH’S first foray into the Ken Morris Cup ended last week with a defeat against Haverfordwest 3rds.

After their thrilling win against Cresselly 3rds in their opening game, Sam Kurtz’ team gave themselves a chance of claiming a final spot. However, defeat at The Racecourse, followed by another win for The Town over Cresselly two days later, left them unable to qualify.

Crucially, Kurtz was unavailable to play against the cup holders last Monday and Matthew Vaughan took 4-18 as the visitors were restricted to 69-9, before the home side won it with five wickets in hand.

Batting first, Crymych had Ioan Davies bowled by Paul Jenkins without scoring but then opening partner Osian Wyn and Richard Thorne out on 31, before the latter was lbw to Dean Flood for 14.

Rhodri Lewis (4) came in only to be bowled by Phil Rees but it was when Wyn went, stumped by John Ebeneezer off the same bowling after making 36 (two fours), that the wheels came off.

From 58-4 Crymych could only add 11 more runs, for the loss of five wickets, as Vaughan excelled while Jenkins finished 1-11, Flood 1-21, and Rees 3-17, all from five over stints.

The visitors then gave themselves hope when Ioan Davies bowled Ebeneezer (4) early on, but a stand of 52 between opener Dai 'Dessy' Haynes and Max Rodrigues effectively sealed matters.

Haynes made 23 (one four) and Rodrigues 29 (three fours), and although both fell to Wyn as The Town stumbled somewhat at the end, Rees made six not out and hit the winning run with seven balls to spare.

For Crymych, Ioan Davies finished 1-14, Wyn 2-16, and Alastair Davies 1-18.

It has still been a positive campaign for the Crymych squad who would have benefited from having more competitive games, and organiser Richard Howell has already stated his intention to invite Crymych back into the cup in 2021.

Haverfordwest will now play Neyland 3rds in the final at Narberth on Saturday, September 5th, 12pm start.

Ken Morris Memorial Cup: Haverfordwest 3rds (70-5) beat Crymych (69-9) by 5 wickets