CLARBESTON ROAD AFC secured their place in Friday’s Mostyn Phillips Memorial Shield final with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over holders Tenby.

The opening tie of the tournament remained goalless at half-time, before an entertaining second half produced five goals.

Liam Sheehan, Travis Jones and Jake Wesley were on target for Clarby, while Rhys Morgan and Billy Lawrence replied for Tenby.

Clarbeston Road will face either Camrose or Neyland in the final, with the two sides meeting in the second semi-final tomorrow evening.

The club also thanked referee Paul Rooney for officiating.

Sixteen-year-old Welsh champion Elijah Jones hopes sponsorship will help him compete on the worldwide surfing circuit

A PROMISING young surfer from St Davids has secured sponsorship to help him take the next step towards competing internationally.

Elijah Jones, 16, has been backed by BCRS Business Loans after impressing in Welsh competitions and earning places in national development squads.

The teenager has so far competed mainly in Wales but hopes the financial support will help cover the growing cost of equipment, training and travelling to competitions outside the UK.

Elijah said: “From a young age, I have loved being in the water. When I was 12, I decided to commit to surfing and I am now more determined than ever to turn my dream of competing internationally into a reality.

“In my most recent competitions, I came first in the Welsh Under-18 National Longboard, second in the Shortboard and third in the Men’s Longboard.

“I now want to take my surfing to the next level.

“Having the support of BCRS Business Loans means a lot. It is great that they have confidence in me to succeed. Equipment and travel costs quickly mount up in a sport like surfing, and this support will help a great deal.”

Elijah has recently completed his GCSEs at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids and plans to spend much of the summer training in the water.

He will then begin studying A-levels in mathematics, further mathematics, physics and chemistry.

His father, Jonathan Jones, said Elijah’s success reflected his determination and commitment to the sport.

He said: “Elijah is a determined youngster and I am incredibly proud of his achievements.

“Not only has he performed well in competitions, but he is also a member of the Welsh Surf Team, the Welsh Under-21 Progression Squad and the GB Surf Advanced Under-21 squad. That is not bad for a boy of 16.

“The support from BCRS Business Loans is fantastic, and I know how much Elijah is looking forward to surfing while proudly displaying the company’s name on his board.”

BCRS has supported the Welsh Surfing Championships for the past year and representatives first noticed Elijah while watching him compete.

Stephen Deakin, chief executive of BCRS Business Loans, said: “It was during the Welsh Surfing Championships that we noticed Elijah and saw what a promising young athlete he was.

“We are thrilled to take our support to the next level.

“We are proud to back Elijah as he begins competing outside the UK and look forward to seeing what the next season holds.”

BCRS Business Loans is a not-for-profit lender providing finance to businesses across Wales and the West Midlands.

The organisation said it lent £10.2 million to 112 businesses during the last financial year, safeguarding 895 jobs and helping create a further 260 roles.

Picture caption:

St Davids surfer Elijah Jones with BCRS Business Loans business development manager Leanne Jones.

PEOPLE of all ages and abilities are being invited to discover short mat bowls at a free open day in Penally next month.

Penally Short Mat Bowls Club will roll out its green carpets and open its doors to the public on Saturday, August 15, from 12 noon until 5:00pm at Penally Village Hall.

Visitors will be able to try the increasingly popular indoor sport for themselves, meet club members and receive friendly, step-by-step guidance from experienced coaches and volunteers.

Club chairman Clive Law said: “We are eager to welcome some fresh faces into our club.

“Short mat bowls removes many of the barriers found in other sports. It is easy to pick up, highly strategic and incredibly social.

“Whether you are looking for gentle exercise, a new hobby or simply the chance to meet friendly local people over a cup of tea, the open day is the perfect opportunity to see what we are all about.”

The event is open to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Children are also welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Attendance is completely free and no advance booking is required, with visitors welcome to drop in at any point during the afternoon.

All bowls and other equipment will be provided by the club. Visitors are asked to bring a pair of clean, flat indoor shoes where possible to help protect the mats.

Specialist bowling arms will also be available for anyone who has difficulty bending down.

Newcomers will be shown the basics and should be able to begin rolling their first bowls within minutes.

Tea and biscuits will be served, with club members promising everyone a warm welcome.

The open day takes place at Penally Village Hall, Penally, SA70 7PT.

For further information, contact Clive Law on 07890 450657 or Neil Hoad on 01777 113467.