Sport
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1 Roundup
Goodwick United 7 – Monkton Swifts 2
GOODWICK UNITED extended their lead at the top of the table with a commanding 7-2 victory over Monkton Swifts. Rhys Dalling was the standout performer, netting four goals, including a stunning solo effort to complete his hat-trick. Goodwick led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Kieran Blundell and Rhys Jones. The second half saw an attacking masterclass as Jonny Horgan added two more before Dalling rounded off the scoring. Monkton Swifts managed a brilliant 25-yard strike from Connor Davies but were unable to contend with Goodwick’s relentless firepower.
Clarbeston Road 4 – Carew 4
A dramatic 4-4 draw unfolded as Carew snatched a stoppage-time equaliser at Clarbeston Road. Marcus Griffiths gave Carew an early lead, but Laurie Haworth and Ben John turned the game in favour of the hosts by half-time. Leon Davies’ brace put Carew back in front, but goals from Matthew Davies and a second from Haworth saw the Road edge ahead once more. Zac Rowell salvaged a crucial point for Carew in the dying seconds, lifting them out of the relegation zone in a pulsating encounter.
Hakin United 2 – St Ishmaels 0
Hakin United climbed to second in the standings with a solid 2-0 victory over St Ishmaels. The Vikings took control early, with Ryan Wilson opening the scoring with a spectacular long-range effort. Liam Parks doubled the lead with a close-range finish. Despite dominating the game, Hakin couldn’t extend their advantage further. The result pushed St Ishmaels into the relegation zone after a tough outing.
Pennar Robins 3 – Milford United 1
Pennar Robins overturned a first-half deficit to secure a 3-1 win against Milford United. Milford took the lead just before the break through Jack Dyer, despite Pennar dominating possession. Ben Adams equalised early in the second half, followed by a stunning finish from Cameron Brunton to put the hosts ahead. Luke Phillips sealed the victory with a late penalty. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy put in an impressive display, but his heroics couldn’t prevent the defeat.
Sport
Local rugby report: Division 4 West (Nov 30, 2024)
Narberth Athletic P-P Llangwm
THE SCHEDULED match between Narberth Athletic and Llangwm was postponed as Llangwm were unable to field a team.
Neyland 29-8 Dreigiau Emlyn
Neyland delivered a commanding 29-8 victory over Dreigiau Emlyn, driven by a standout performance from Oli Rothero. Rothero notched two tries and converted four penalties, keeping Neyland firmly in control. Josh Watts also crossed the line for Neyland. Dreigiau Emlyn’s efforts were led by Deiniol Rees, who scored their sole try and added a penalty, but it wasn’t enough to derail Neyland’s dominance.
Pembroke 38-24 Teirw Crymych
Pembroke triumphed 38-24 against Teirw Crymych in a thrilling, high-scoring encounter. Darcy Langston and Lewis Davies spearheaded Pembroke’s attack with two tries apiece, while Rhys Johns added another. Jared Sharratt converted two tries and slotted three penalties, sealing a decisive win. Teirw Crymych fought valiantly, but their defence struggled to withstand Pembroke’s relentless offence.
St Davids 17-21 Pembroke Dock Quins
Pembroke Dock Quins edged St Davids 21-17 in a fiercely contested battle. St Davids scored through Nathan Foster and a penalty try, with Will James contributing a conversion and a penalty. However, the Quins’ tries from Harry Owen and Tom Donovan proved decisive, securing a hard-fought victory in a nail-biting clash.
Sport
Talent, skill and dedication rewarded at Sport Pembrokeshire Awards
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 29th.
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
Local Angharad James-Turner leads Cymru in historic Euro ’25 play-off final
TONIGHT (Nov 29), Pembrokeshire’s own Angharad James-Turner will captain the Cymru Women’s national football team in the first leg of their crucial Euro 2025 play-off final against the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff. As the youngest player ever to accumulate 100 caps for Cymru, Angharad’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as Cymru battles for a spot in next summer’s European Championship.
A star in the making
Angharad James’ footballing career began in the heart of Pembrokeshire, where she first showcased her talent with local club Manorbier Ladies, not far from her hometown of Haverfordwest. Her ability on the pitch quickly caught the attention of larger clubs, and at 16, she joined the Arsenal Academy. By 2011, she had made her debut for Arsenal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, marking the start of an illustrious career.
From there, James has played for an impressive array of clubs across the globe, including Notts County, Yeovil Town, Everton, Reading, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, and Tottenham Hotspur. Her versatility as a midfielder, as well as her time playing as a fullback at Spurs, has earned her a reputation as an exceptional player who can control the game and set up her teammates with key assists
Now 30, James has become the heartbeat of the Welsh national team. She was named Cymru captain in October 2024, taking over the leadership role from Sophie Ingle. Despite the big shoes to fill, Angharad has proven herself to be more than capable, leading her team through tough qualifiers, including the pivotal play-offs for Euro 2025
A champion on and off the pitch
Angharad’s international career is nothing short of remarkable. She made her senior debut for Wales at just 17 and reached 100 caps in 2022, the same day Wales qualified for the World Cup play-offs for the first time. Her contribution to Welsh football has been pivotal, and she was named to represent Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics
Off the pitch, Angharad is equally impressive. She’s a proud Welsh speaker and regularly conducts interviews in Welsh, despite the challenges of living abroad for much of her career. In a recent social media post, she spoke about her ongoing commitment to the language, sharing her belief that it’s important to keep Welsh alive and accessible
In addition to her football career, Angharad is also a proud co-owner of a coffee van, “Two Sides Grind,” which she runs with her partner Amy James-Turner and their dog, Betsy. The duo is working towards one day owning a coffee shop, demonstrating Angharad’s entrepreneurial spirit
A historic moment for Pembrokeshire
For those in Pembrokeshire, Angharad’s journey is a point of immense pride. From her early days in Manorbier to becoming the captain of Wales, she is an inspiration to young athletes across the county. Her determination, humility, and skill make her a true role model, not only in Wales but around the world.
As Cymru takes on the Republic of Ireland in tonight’s crucial first leg, Angharad James-Turner’s leadership will be central to their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2025. Whatever the outcome, Pembrokeshire can be proud of one of their own leading the charge for Welsh football at the highest level.
Wales v Ireland – how to follow all the action
Wales v Republic of Ireland (first leg)
29th of November, Cardiff City Stadium. K.O. 19:15pm
- Match Of The Day Wales – BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer
- Radio Wales Sport and Chwaraeon Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds
- Follow all updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
Republic of Ireland v Wales (second leg)
3rd of December, Aviva Stadium. K.O. 19:30pm
- Match Of The Day Wales – BBC One Wales, BBC Three and BBC iPlayer
- Radio Wales Sport and Chwaraeon Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds
- Follow all updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
-
News5 days ago
Local MP’s family avoids farm tax bombshell
-
Health6 days ago
New hospital for west Wales faces delays due to funding issues
-
featured2 days ago
Teenager killed herself after ten months of hell, says heartbroken mum
-
Sport5 days ago
Local Angharad James-Turner leads Cymru in historic Euro ’25 play-off final
-
News7 days ago
Pembrokeshire miracle cat survives journey beneath moving recovery truck
-
Politics7 days ago
Pembrokeshire council tax could increase by 16 per cent
-
Top News2 days ago
Top international artist brings solo exhibition to North Pembrokeshire gallery
-
Education6 days ago
Young musicians delight at Valero Secondary Schools’ Music festival