Sport

Talent, skill and dedication rewarded at Sport Pembrokeshire Awards

Published

1 year ago

December 3, 2024

THE TALENT, skill and dedication of Pembrokeshire’s fantastic sporting community was celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony last week.

The Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2024 were held at Folly Farm on Friday November 29^th.

For the first time in 17 years, a new compere took charge after renowned sports journalist Bill Carne decided to hang up the microphone in 2023.

Ceri Coleman-Phillips of BBC Wales Sport took up the presenting responsibilities with aplomb as the winners were revealed.

The judges commented on how difficult their job had been to whittle the high-quality nominations down after 252 entries poured in from across Pembrokeshire.

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award was Brian Hearne, whose contributions to tennis in Pembrokeshire spans more than 50 years.

Described as a fierce competitor on the court and a gentleman off it, qualified coach Brian has inspired countless players over the years

Brian took over the reins of the Pembrokeshire County Open Tennis Tournament in 1966, ensuring its legacy continues now into its 75th year.

A member of Haverfordwest’s first team for 45 years, Brian represented South Wales and Wales in veterans age groups, and won a Welsh doubles title.

In recognition of his lifelong commitment, Brian became Haverfordwest Tennis Club’s first life member in 1990. Today, at 85, he serves as club president.

The winner of the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award, presented by Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Steve Alderman, was Paralympic gold medallist Matt Bush.

Cllr Alderman described Matt as “a phenomenal athlete whose journey epitomises resilience, dedication, and triumph.”

Cllr Alderman added: “Matt’s victory in the taekwondo K44 +80kg category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a landmark moment for Pembrokeshire sport.

“In the 18 year history of the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards, we have never before celebrated a gold medal Paralympian but we do so now with immense pride.”

Following his victory in the gold medal contest, Matt received the prestigious honour of being a Great Britain flagbearer for the closing Paralympic ceremony.

With Matt’s win in mind, the evening took a look back at the Pembrokeshire men and women who had competed in the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, or were part of the support teams, and how their efforts on the biggest sporting stage will inspire the next generation of local athletes.

It would have been remiss not to mention Jodie Grinham, originally from Haverfordwest, who made history by becoming the first pregnant athlete to win a Paralympic gold medal in archery and became one of the faces of the Paralympic Games.

This year’s school award went to Cleddau Reach VC Primary School.

The school award is considered one of the most significant because nurturing a love of sport at a young age is vitally important to ongoing health and well-being.

Cleddau Reach VC, under Headteacher Rhys Buckley, was described as a school at the heart of its community in Llangwm and offering pupils and staff numerous opportunities to try all manner of sports and activities.

The sporting ethos of the school is simple but underpins everything they do.

That ethos is: If there’s an event taking place, the school attends.

With a focus on ensuring sport is for everyone, pupils are encouraged to be role models to younger peers and create that lifelong enjoyment of sport.

Mr Buckley was joined by Ricky Pearson and Caty Brock to receive the award along with some of the pupils.

Ceri brought a wonderful evening to a close with a reminder of the dedication involved from everyone to ensure sports continues to thrive in Pembrokeshire.

She said: “We celebrate not just the winners but every nominee, coach and supporter who makes sport in Pembrokeshire so extraordinary.”

Winners and finalists:

Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement

Chloe John-Driscoll (Shooting) – winner

Cerys Griffiths (Swimming) – finalist

Ffion Bowen (Football) – finalist

Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement

Carter Heywood (Football) – winner

Hugo Boyce (Cycling) – finalist

Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey) – finalist

Club of the Year

Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club – winner

Strength Academy Wales Cymru – finalist

Camrose AFC Women & Girls Football – finalist

Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award

Jac Johnson (Gymnastics) – winner

Finnley Walters (Boxing) – finalist

Lewis Crawford (Boccia) – finalist

Disability Sport Award

Jules King (Crossfit) – winner

Evelyn Thomas (Powerlifting) – finalist

Marc Evans (Cricket) – finalist

Young Volunteer of the Year

Anna May (Tennis & Surfing) – winner

Caitlin Chapman (Netball) – finalist

George Richards (Cricket) – finalist

Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year

Neyland Yacht Club Junior Sailing Team – winner

Chaos Thunder U12’s Netball Team – finalist

Hakin United AFC u16’s – finalist

Unsung Hero

John Laugharne (Rugby) – winner

Owen Shanklin (Pool) – finalist

Sue Christopher (Surf Lifesaving) – finalist

Team Achievement of the Year

Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club – winner

Alan Evans, Andrew Evans & Michael John (Short Mat Bowls) – finalist

Pembrokeshire County Bowls Team- finalist

Male Sporting Achievement

Sam Coleman (Powerboat Racing) – winner

Jeremy Cross (Tennis) – finalist

Rhys Llewellyn (Athletics) – finalist

Female Sporting Achievement

Helen Carrington (Powerlifting) – winner

Gracie Griffiths (Race Walking) – finalist

Seren Thorne (Shooting) – finalist

Club Organiser

Nadine Tyrrell (Gymnastics) – winner

Paul Hudson (Short Mat Bowls) – finalist

Nick Shelmerdine (Cricket) – finalist

Coach of the Year

Tom Richards (Tennis) – winner

Francesca Morgan (Swimming) – finalist

Philippa Gale (Netball) – finalist

School Award

Cleddau Reach VC Primary School – winner

Lifetime Achievement Award

Brian Hearne – winner

Chairman’s Special Achievement Award

Matt Bush – winner

Sport

Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

18 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level

CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.

The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.

Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.

The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.

The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.

Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.

The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.

Sport

Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals

Published

19 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success

TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.

The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.

Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.

The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.

Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”

Caption:

Winners: Tenby United RFC’s under 14s celebrate their District H final victory.

Sport

Carew set early pace as rain disrupts Pembrokeshire cricket programme

Published

20 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

RAIN played a major part in Week 2 of the Nicholas Insurance Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League, with several Division 1 fixtures abandoned after strong first-innings performances.

Carew made the biggest statement in the top flight, cruising to a ten-wicket win over St Ishmaels to move clear at the top of the table.

St Ishmaels were bowled out for 110, with Tim Hicks (3-18), Shaun Whitfield (3-14) and Logan Hall (2-27) doing the damage. Carew then eased to 111-0, Hicks completing an outstanding all-round display with 55 not out, alongside Morgan Grieve’s unbeaten 54.

Elsewhere, Narberth piled up 301-7 before rain intervened against Herbrandston, Jamie McCormack hitting a superb 104. Lawrenny (297-7) and Burton (203-7) also posted big totals before the weather had the final say.

Division 1 results

Match	Result
Cresselly 30-2 v Burton 203-7	Match abandoned
Narberth 301-7 v Herbrandston 51-0	Match abandoned
Whitland 10-0 v Lawrenny 297-7	Match abandoned
Saundersfoot 205-7 v Neyland	Match abandoned
Carew 111-0 v St Ishmaels 110 all out	Carew won by 10 wickets

Division 1 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Carew	2	2	0	0	36
2	Saundersfoot	2	1	0	1	27
3	Herbrandston	2	1	0	1	25
4	Neyland	2	1	0	1	25
5	Narberth	2	0	0	1	20
6	St Ishmaels	2	0	1	0	15
7	Burton	2	0	1	1	14
8	Whitland	2	0	1	1	14
9	Cresselly	2	0	1	1	11
10	Lawrenny	2	0	1	1	11

Johnston lead strong Division 2 pack

Johnston sit top after a dominant 135-run win over Llangwm, powered by Lewis Boswell’s 99 and Steve Mills’ 62.

Hook maintained their perfect start, edging Haverfordwest by four wickets, while Cresselly II brushed aside Llechryd by nine wickets after bowling them out for just 41.

Division 2 results

Match	Result
Llechryd 41 all out v Cresselly II 44-1	Cresselly II won by 9 wickets
Llanrhian 155-5 v Fishguard 154-7	Llanrhian won by 5 wickets
Hook 143-6 v Haverfordwest 142-9	Hook won by 4 wickets
Llangwm 106 all out v Johnston 241-6	Johnston won by 135 runs
Pembroke Dock 152-2 v Pembroke 168-8	Match abandoned

Division 2 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Johnston	2	2	0	0	40
2	Hook	2	2	0	0	37
3	Cresselly II	2	2	0	0	36
4	Pembroke	2	1	0	1	28
5	Haverfordwest	2	1	1	0	24
6	Pembroke Dock	2	0	1	1	23
7	Llanrhian	2	1	1	0	22
8	Fishguard	2	0	2	0	16
9	Llangwm	2	0	2	0	13
10	Llechryd	2	0	2	0	3

Kilgetty and Carew II lead Division 3 race

Kilgetty and Carew II are locked together at the top after two wins from two.

Lamphey produced one of the standout performances of the week, hammering Burton II by 155 runs, while Laugharne continued their unbeaten start.

Division 3 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Kilgetty	2	2	0	0	38
2	Carew II	2	2	0	0	38
3	Laugharne	2	2	0	0	37
4	Lamphey	2	1	1	0	28
5	Saundersfoot II	2	1	0	1	26
6	Hundleton	2	1	1	0	24
7	Haverfordwest II	2	0	2	0	14
8	Stackpole	2	0	2	0	14
9	Pembroke II	2	0	1	1	13
10	Burton II	2	0	2	0	12

Narberth II lead Division 4

Narberth II sit top after a five-wicket win over Neyland II, thanks to Jordan Howell’s unbeaten 88.

Hook II edged a thriller by one wicket, while Haverfordwest III also maintained a perfect start.

Division 4 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Pts
1	Narberth II	2	2	0	39
2	Hook II	2	2	0	36
3	Haverfordwest III	2	2	0	36
4	Lawrenny II	2	2	0	35
5	Crymych	2	1	1	29
6	Llechryd II	2	1	1	28
7	Neyland II	2	0	2	15
8	St Ishmaels II	2	0	2	15
9	Herbrandston II	2	0	2	13
10	Carew III	2	0	2	11

Rowlands ton headlines Division 5

Tom Rowlands’ superb 108 guided Cresselly III to victory, while Llanrhian II remain joint top after a crushing win featuring Rick Walton’s remarkable 8-13.

Division 5 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Llanrhian II	2	2	0	0	40
2	Cresselly III	2	2	0	0	40
3	Whitland II	2	1	1	0	25
4	Llangwm II	1	1	0	0	19
5	Pembroke III	2	0	1	1	14
6	Llechryd III	2	0	2	0	11
7	Pembroke Dock II	2	0	1	1	11
8	Hundleton II	1	0	1	0	6