NEYLAND will need to summon everything and more if they are to defend their league title after losing to Lawrenny at the weekend.

The defending division one champions lost by eight wickets after being unable to defend their lead of 155-9, as Lawrenny smashed 158-2.

It was a big day for Lawrenny, with some special individual performances put in just when they needed it.

Harry Thomas was the star of the show taking 4 for a blistering 16 before making 72 not out.

Kurtis Marsh was the other man who cameth the hour, making 76 - both player’s scores almost beating Neyland on their own.

A mention also for James Buckle (3 for 32), who helped decimate Neyland's batting order.

Neyland went into the game ahead of Lawrenny by just two points having beaten Saundersfoot by 92 runs on Saturday. Lawrenny posted a two wicket victory over St Ishmaels on the same day. When Sunday came, the date set for the re-arranged fixture between the giants of Pembroke cricket, both sides were sitting on eleven wins and three abandoned games.

Lawrenny won the toss and put Neyland into bat, reducing the champions to 53 for 3 at one point, with Thomas taking all three top-order batsman.

Thomas then got Ross Hardy leaving Neyland staggering along at 61 for 4 before Scott Jones did his best to settle things down.

Jones made an impressive 66, hitting five fours and a six under the severest of pressure.

When Lawrenny came in, the partnership of their opening batsman all but killed the game, Marsh and Thomas building a monumental 151 runs between them.

Hardy eventually got Marsh but the damage was already done, Lawrenny needing just four runs with eight batters in waiting.

Lawrenny are now eleven points ahead of Neyland with three games remaining, however there is a twist in the tale and a chance for revenge as Neyland host Lawrenny on the last day of the season.

Before that Lawrenny go to Haverfordwest then welcome Carew, whilst Neyland go to Whitland before having to negotiate a tricky encounter at Cresselly.