Cricket first for 13-home village

The game attracted a large and appreciative crowd to Cresselly

A tiny Pembrokeshire village is celebrating a coup after hosting the county's first competitive game between first-class counties.

Cresselly, which has only 13 houses, was an unlikely setting for the match between Glamorgan and Surrey.

But locals said it pulled the community together and brought new life.

There was disappointment for locals on the pitch, however, as Surrey beat Glamorgan by three wickets in a match reduced to 39 overs by rain.

But whatever the result and the weather problems, local people were delighted by an event they said was thanks to the hard work of the cricket club and the whole community.

Match committee member David Cherry said: "It's an honour and a privilege and we have been working hard in consultation with Glamorgan and our other partners here in Pembrokeshire for the last six or seven months."

This is the big one, and it has certainly brought the village alive Morris Cole, Landlord

The club prepared the ground throughout the winter and spring in preparation for the big day.

Current Glamorgan batsman Dan Cherry is also a former player with Cresselly, which has a population of just 75.

Morris Cole, landlord of the Cresselly Arms, Morris Cole, closed the pub doors for the first time in 26 years as all his customers were going to the match.

'Lot of effort'

"It's the biggest sporting event, I think in the county... we're never going to get Premiership football or (rugby's) Heineken Cup, so this is the big one and it has certainly brought the village alive."

Sally Kinnear, who runs a bed and breakfast, said all local accommodation had been booked by cricket fans.

"Everyone I know of is booked up," she said. "I think the whole community's really chipped in. "

Rain and wind got the better of the on-field action for a time

Local dairy farmer Andrew Morgan provided parking spaces for huge influx of visitors' cars.

He said: "A lot of people have put a lot of effort in, and everyone can come and watch rather than having to traipse up to Sophia Gardens (in Cardiff)."

The one-day Friends Provident League match could not be held in Cardiff because of ground redevelopment.

Cresselly, which is near Tenby and Saundersfoot, has hosted two Glamorgan benefit matches in recent years.

The final result saw Surrey score 206-7 in 37 overs, against Glamorgan's 203-8 in 39 overs.

Surrey captain Mark Butcher steered his side to victory with 72 not out.

The win saw the English county go top of the Friends Provident Trophy South section.