It was great to see Ladies Cricket return to the Athletic Fields of Neyland after being part of the inaugural Ladies League in 1995 through to 2011.

A large crowd gathered to watch the game between two new teams this year.

Credit must go to Sarah Arran and Anne Tucker whose enthusiasm and dedication resurrected the Neyland side. It was also good to see the youngsters from the successful Milford Haven Lady Taverns side and Haverfordwest High taking part.

Neyland won the toss and asked Narberth to bat.

After a good start by Bev of Narberth, the excellent Jasmine Gumyer struck twice for Neyland, with Maddison Howard also picking up a wicket and looking very good before tweaking a hamstring.

Sarah Arran, captain, gave everyone an opportunity to bowl and the youngsters Emily, Sophie Jade and Seren continued to keep things tight.

Katie, 6, and Danielle, 8, fought back for Narberth, but Caitlyn Arran’s two wickets brought Neyland back into the game and Narberth finished on 249-5.

Narberth needed a good start, but Jasmine, 11, and Holly, 14, hitting the first boundary for the ladies gave Neyland a good start.

Shannon, captain of Narberth, likewise gave every opportunity for her team to bowl, which can only be good for the future. All the girls bowled well, with Taylor taking two wickets and Katie one, with a very good catch behind from Emma Richards.

In the end, it came down to the older heads of Sarah Arran, Sarah Hughes and Anne Tucker, one boundary, to see Neyland home.

Result: Neyland 284-3 Narberth 249-5 (pairs format)

The game was played in an excellent spirit and manner and bodes well for both teams this year. Good luck to both.