Neyland, Lawrenny, Joe Kidney……and the power of perseverance

Model.Content.Value<string>(

Neyland, Lawrenny, Joe Kidney……and the power of perseverance
So at long last, it was Lawrenny.
After three successive Harrison-Allen Bowl final defeats, after years of challenging but not quite delivering, after a period of progress that needed cementing with silverware, a simple swish of Joe Kidney’s bat broke the shackles. It had been a tight, tense low scoring final. A game dictated by measure and mettle as opposed to be frenzy and fireworks. But it was worth the watch.
For Lawrenny’s players and supporters, the relief was paramount and the tears went with it. Their defeat to Cresselly on this stage at 2018 had been widely expected. They arrived for the same occasion a year later that little bit more stronger, that little bit more experienced, that little bit more fancied. For much of the day, they controlled matters against Haverfordwest only for Adam James to hammer their hopes into oblivion. Last year on this day they were clearly second best to Neyland. Throw in them blowing the 2021 Division 1 title on the final day of the season against the same side, and you had a team, for all their unquestionable quality, who were in danger of going down as nearly men.
But not anymore. Now, the narrative has changed. Yes you had the Duggie Morris success of three years ago, but this was the one Lawrenny wanted and needed. Whether it be the wall of yellow t-shirts, the emotion of skipper Ryan Morton, the redemption of Kidney, the pint count of Adrian Harries, yesterday was their day. A club, and group of people, where there is already so much to like about now own Pembrokeshire cricket’s most coveted prize.
None of this of course, should overshadow the part Saundersfoot played. In all four innings, they looked behind the eight ball. Each time, they dug in and recovered. From Nick Cope changing the momentum to the resilience of captain Yannik Parker, they refused to die. Those of us watching thought their modest first innings total of 119 would yield a heavy defeat. Instead, we had a contest that went to the wire.
In the immediate aftermath, Parker looked disconsolate. There is nothing wrong that. He’d led his side on a superb run, taken them to a stage none of his predecessors had tasted. But losing on this occasion hurts and so it should. Many who have gone before Parker’s team, Lawrenny included, know that. The challenge now for Saundersfoot is to persevere, get back to the final, and go one better. It’s worth it.
And perhaps it’s the word perseverance that has aptly summarised the conclusion of this season. It needed too, given teams had to field sides on a Bank Holiday Monday when carnivals were in full flow and wives were fuming. The build-up to the Bowl final had been dominated by talk of Neyland’s title win, with views varying as to how they’d managed it. A lesson in fighting to the death? The consequence of a ridiculous scoring system? The fortunate beneficiaries of an unforgivable brain fade from Carew?
Whatever your opinion, the debate is healthy. Of course, the majority of us weighing in have never been good enough to stand in the middle and make a call when the Division 1 trophy is on the line. But the arguments since prove that interest in Pembrokeshire cricket, for all the mutterings about rules and regulations, remains high.
For the Rooks now, perseverance is paramount. Given the young make-up of the second and third team, in the years to come they will be the team - and club - to beat. Did I expect them to come so close this season? To go into the final day with their fate in their own hands? In truth, no. I thought that would come later down the line. But the base for success is now firmly in place and in 2025, and a strong challenge will come again.
For Neyland of course, perseverance is a term that doesn’t need explaining. That Patrick Bellerby six in Burton, needing eight of one ball to beat Haverfordwest and managing to win, starting the final day second in 2018, 2021, and 2024 and yet being crowned champions. Look at any of those days in isolation and you can attribute luck, fortune, and freak occurrences.
But over time, such a run is no coincidence. It’s testament to team spirit, to will, to combining quality with desire. We are now at the point that until Neyland actually fail under pressure with silverware on the line, no one will believe they are going to. One day, Sean Hannon and co might just come up short when it matters, but not before they’ve died trying.
Which brings us back to yesterday. If you play in Pembrokeshire cricket and have an opportunity to land the Bowl, then metaphorically, it’s worth dying trying. Ask Kidney himself, who finally has his hands on it, not as a captain but as a man who kept his head when many before him had lost theirs.
And few will begrudge him the poignant moment. Five years ago when standing at mid-off, he shelled a catch off Adam James which proved critical. The tears in his eyes afterwards spoke volumes, and those of us watching could have cried with him. If yesterday was his redemption, then it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.
Indeed, Kidney is the sort of individual you cannot help but warm to. Unassuming, grounded, genuine. He’ll turn around and say hello while he’s fielding, he’ll be dignified whether he’s won or lost, and as I found out yesterday, he’ll give you an interview while soaked in sweat and dealing with fans jumping on him. None of this guarantees success but occasionally, it’s heartening to see a nice guy finish first.
And as a final word, it’s only fair to note the County Executive. Much maligned and easily targeted, sometimes justified and often not, and constantly called out by people who will bleat on social media but dare not make an AGM proposal. Few can deny though, that the Harrison-Allen Bowl final is a day they get right. Dave Lovell, among the best cricketers to ever grace our county, has enjoyed a career that has included games for Glamorgan and high class action in Australia. Strikingly, he still rates his two Bowl finals as his most memorable days in the sport. The one where Lamphey triumphed still makes him smile, and the one they lost still hurts.
Kidney, and Lawrenny, will now know how he feels. Rob Williams also - now the sole first team survivor from 2001 when the club enjoyed their only previous Bowl win. Over the last 23 years, there would have been times he must have thought he’d never touch the trophy for a second time.
But ask him, ask Kidney, ask Morton, ask anyone who donned yellow on Saturday.
Sometimes, persevering really is worth it.

Cookie Notice

Find out more about how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience.

Accept Cookies