That time already.

After a frantic few weeks, both the Harrison-Allen Bowl and Alec Colley Cup have reached the semi final stages.

Providing we avoid the thunderstorms, those four games will be completed by Sunday evening, while the Ken Morris Cup also continues over the weekend.

Host venues have re-iterated that spectators will not be allowed in – which will be of great disappointment to many. How easy it will be for clubs to police this, especially ones with public surroundings, remains to be seen but in truth they have little choice but to re-iterate the guidelines.

Regardless, four critical ties lie ahead. Here’s how I think they will, but probably won’t, pan out…..

Saturday, August 15th:

Harrison-Allen Bowl semi finals (1pm):

Neyland v St Ishmaels (at Haverfordwest)

Last week, I said Carew’s momentum gave them a slight edge over Neyland and Lawrenny’s recent cup form would see them through at Tish. So naturally, Neyland and Tish both won through.

Starting with Sean Hannon’s side, the depth of their line up was more than evident in their quarter final. They slipped to 5-2 early on but when you have the likes of Ross Hardy and Brad McDermott-Jenkins in your middle order, two players who would bat top three in most other sides, it says a lot.

They weren’t pushed to the limit in previous rounds by either Llechryd or Herbrandston but to win under pressure at Carew was a big statement.

But Tish will have their tales up too. They were also really tested in a tense run chase before a captain’s knock from Phill Cockburn saw them through.

The signing of Sean Williams, full time return of Jonathan Pawlett, and development of Jordan Milich has given them a stronger look while Andrew Pawlett seems to be playing a vital role with bat and ball every week.

They’ve also not been in a Bowl final since winning it in 2007, and you sense they will be desperate to readdress that.

Tish actually beat Neyland in a friendly last month but on paper will still start underdogs. Hannon’s side are just too efficient, and too well rehearsed in pressure games like this to bet against them.

Tip: Neyland.

Haverfordwest v Burton (at Pembroke Dock)

The Town’s draw in the Bowl has appeared favourable and I don’t think Dai Davies would have minded the slight wobble from his side in their run chase at Narberth last week. It doesn’t do any side good to sail through ties without being tested.

Prior to that Adam James and Jonny White showed how they can dismantle a top order and Burton will have to hold firm with the bat early on.

You sense the top three of Toby Hayman, Jonathan Venables, and James Davies will have to get runs and be backed up by others behind them, especially on an Imble Lane pitch which is essentially a road.

Haverfordwest have had Simon Holliday unavailable this far and obviously his return would make a huge difference but I suspect they will stick to the tactic of having both Adam James and Archie Thomas in the top three, and hoping they get away early. If not, they have the likes of Davies, Danny Potter, and Ben Field behind them to shore things up.

The Town will be heavily fancied, but as a Division 2 team Burton can play the ‘nothing to lose’ card and go in all guns blazing. I’d expect them to have a real go.

Tip: Haverfordwest.

Sunday, August 16th:

Alec Colley Cup semi finals (1pm):

Llangwm v Carew (at Burton)

This game switches to Oatfield Park with Llangwm seemingly unable to provide a pitch. This was also the case last week but the withdrawal of Whitland 2nds made that academic.

Regardless, they’ll have their work cut out here. A good knock from James Davies saw them through round one at Hook but they play a Carew side who sit a division above them and who beat champions Neyland last week.

Led by Barry Evans, their line up is vastly experienced and full of players who would still be first team in many other clubs.

Regardless of the venue, The Rooks are favourites here.

Tip: Carew.

St Ishmaels v Haverfordwest

It’s another Division 3 v Division 2 affair at Tish, and one which could make for an uncomfortable ride for Haverfordwest.

In fact they will be wary of the batting of one of their former players – Karl Rhead showing last week he still had it by hammering a quick half century as Tish beat Saunderfoot. Danny Flynn is another who could still play Division 1 and through Robbie Thomas and co, their line up has a good blend of experience and youthful promise.

Dan Field starred for The Town last week with 84 against Pembroke Dock and Nigel Morgan’s men have the benefit of playing, and winning, on this stage numerous times in recent seasons.

They will be expected to do the same tomorrow, but I think this could be much tighter than people think.

Tip: Haverfordwest.

Ken Morris Memorial Cup fixtures:

Saturday, August 15th:

Group A:

Neyland v Nomads (4.30pm)

Hundleton v Carew (2pm)

Sunday, August 16th:

Group B:

Cresselly v Narberth (2pm)

Monday, August 17th:

Ken Morris Memorial Cup (6pm):

Group B:

Haverfordwest v Crymych