IN A THRILLING Ormond Youth Cup final, Liam Miller’s remarkable second innings of 106 propelled Hook Youth to a dramatic victory over Carew/Lawrenny Youth. Despite trailing by 62 runs at tea and facing the daunting task of scoring 188 runs in just 20 overs, Hook Youth clinched the win on the very last ball. The decisive moment came when wicketkeeper-batsman Ifan Williams nudged the ball down to fine leg, allowing him and 13-year-old Charlie Holder to scramble the two runs needed for victory. The comeback sparked jubilant celebrations among players and supporters alike.
The result left Carew/Lawrenny Youth bitterly disappointed, though they had played a significant role in what many consider one of the greatest matches in the competition’s history—a credit to all three clubs involved. The loss was particularly tough, as four players from the match are expected to feature in the upcoming Harrison-Allen Bowl Final when Lawrenny takes on Saundersfoot, though this was little consolation on the day. The strong team spirit in both camps, nurtured by excellent coaching, meant that defeat was hard to swallow for either side.
Carew/Lawrenny Build a Big Total
Asked to bat first, Carew/Lawrenny recovered from the early loss of Rhys Eynon, who edged a delivery from Rhys Phelps into the gloves of Ifan Williams after hitting two boundaries. Oscar Lewis and Logan Hall then produced an outstanding partnership, adding 131 runs in quick time, with the hundred coming up after just 14.3 overs. Hall was eventually trapped lbw by Phelps for 63, including two fours and a six. Skipper Finley Lewis was soon dismissed for just a single, caught by Phelps off Manny Davies. However, Oscar Lewis remained unbeaten on 61, featuring a four and two sixes, while Connor Davies added a late six to push the total to 155 for 3.
Hook Struggle to Maintain Momentum
Hook’s innings began shakily as Liam Miller was dismissed early, caught by Logan Hall off Oscar Lewis. Although Rhys Phelps (22), Jack Phillips (21), and Ifan Williams (18) added to the score, the combined Carew/Lawrenny side bowled and fielded so well that Hook were still 81 runs behind with only four overs remaining. Rhys Eynon led the bowling attack with figures of 2 for 10, supported by Fin and Oscar Lewis, Hall, and Noah Williams. Only Charlie Holder managed to reach double figures, as Carew/Lawrenny kept a firm grip on the match.
Hook’s Response in the Second Innings
With a 62-run deficit, Hook Youth needed to prevent Carew/Lawrenny from adding a significant second-innings score. Early breakthroughs by Kieran Sinclair and Harri Evans, who dismissed Oscar Lewis and Logan Hall cheaply, raised Hook’s hopes. However, Rhys Eynon ensured the scoreboard kept ticking, scoring 57, including six fours and two sixes, before being caught by Manny Davies off Liam Miller. Despite a slow start, Carew/Lawrenny added 70 runs in the second half of their innings, ending on 125 for 5.
A sad moment occurred during this innings when Connor Davies, who had scored 11 not out in the first innings, twisted his knee badly and was unable to continue. With both teams already struggling to field 11 players due to other commitments and injuries, Carew/Lawrenny had to field a player short in the final innings.
Miller’s Heroics Lead Hook to Victory
Facing a steep chase, Hook’s Liam Miller and Rhys Phelps, both regulars in the Hook first team, gave their side a strong start by adding 70 runs before Phelps was superbly caught one-handed by Noah Williams for 29. Williams then struck again, dismissing Jack Phillips for a duck.
Miller, who survived an early scare, made Carew/Lawrenny pay by accelerating his scoring rate, eventually reaching 106 from just 59 balls, including six fours and five massive sixes. Ifan Williams played the perfect supporting role, and with 161 runs on the board, Miller’s dismissal, caught by George McDonald, brought the match back into balance.
As the match neared its conclusion, Kieran Sinclair hit two boundaries, but his run-out off the penultimate ball brought young Charlie Holder to the crease. With Williams at the striker’s end, his sweep shot secured the winning runs, sealing a memorable victory for Hook Youth against all odds.
– Umpires: Ian Gow & Huw Simpkins
– Scorers: Julie Davies & Matthew Holder
– Venue: Carew Cricket Club
– Man of the Match: Liam Miller (Hook)
– Adjudicator: Steve Cole (Chairman, Carew CC)
