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Narberth and Tish make strong statements on opening day of cricket season

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THE 2025 Pembrokeshire cricket season began in bright fashion on Saturday with a full round of 45-over fixtures across the county. Newly relegated Narberth and St Ishmaels both made strong opening statements as they target an immediate return to Division 1.

Before play, Narberth Cricket Club held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the loss of their club life member and friend, Emma Richards (pictured).

Narberth then underlined their quality with a 38-run victory over Cresselly 2nds. Batting first, they posted 187 all out, built around an outstanding 93 from Jamie McCormack. Jordan Howell (19) and Louis Hough (26) provided useful support, while extras contributed a notable 25 runs. In reply, Cresselly 2nds fought hard, with Ryan Lewis making 47 and Josh Lewis adding 25, but they were bowled out for 149. Lewis Mason was the standout performer with the ball, taking 5 for 34 to secure maximum points for Narberth.

Tish were even more dominant, cruising to a 10-wicket win over Llanrhian. After bowling the hosts out for just 65—thanks to Tom Williams’ 3 for 10 and strong support from Andrew Pawlett (2 for 21) and Lewis Rhead (2 for 11)—Tish made light work of the chase. Brennan Devonald struck an unbeaten 40, partnered by Phil Cockburn (25 not out), as the visitors reached 67 without loss inside just 16 overs.

At Hook, the 1st XI were far too strong for Burton 2nds, recording a seven-wicket win. Burton struggled with the bat, managing only 64 all out, with Will Ridge providing the only real resistance with 44. Aled Phelps did the damage with the ball, finishing with superb figures of 6 for 26, while Rhys Phelps chipped in with 2 for 10. In response, Hook reached 66 for 3, with George James anchoring the innings with a composed 37.

Llechryd also made a winning start, overcoming Carew 2nds by six wickets. Carew 2nds were dismissed for just 57, with David Dunfee (4 for 11) and Florian Cartwright (3 for 3) leading the bowling attack. Llechryd made no mistake in the chase, reaching 60 for 4, with Jac Davies steadying the innings with 24.

At Imble Lane, Pembroke edged out Johnston by three wickets in a closely fought contest. Johnston posted 143 all out, with Chris Fitzpatrick top-scoring with a composed 66, and support coming from Liam Boswell (22) and Lee Summons (19). Gary James starred with the ball for Pembroke, taking 5 for 24. In reply, Pembroke’s chase was anchored by Ceri Brace (46) and Jack Harries (31), and although a late wobble threatened to derail them, they eventually reached their target with three wickets to spare.

It was an encouraging start to the season across Pembrokeshire, with many sides already showing signs of form and purpose ahead of what promises to be another highly competitive summer.

Photo caption:
Tribute: Narberth Cricket Club held a minute’s silence for club life member Emma Richards before their match against Cresselly 2nds (Pic:
Narberth Cricket Club/Facebook).

 

Sport

Amman United v Neyland abandoned after touchline fight

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AMMAN UNITED’S crucial Division 3 West clash with Neyland was abandoned after 70 minutes on Wednesday night following a fight on the touchline.

The home side had led 20-12 under the lights at Cwmamman Park and were on course for a vital win that would have kept alive their hopes of survival.

Amman made the brighter start and enjoyed most of the territory and possession in a strong first-half display. They went ahead within minutes when wing Dan Thomas crossed in the corner.

Outside half Iestyn Griffiths then extended the lead with a well-struck penalty as the Reds continued to dominate. Jordan Poole, Keelan Griffiths and Alun Lewis all made good ground, and Amman looked certain to score again at one stage, only to be held up over the line.

Neyland, however, hit back against the run of play. Scrum half Owen Hamer seized on turnover ball, stepped clear of the defence and raced in from halfway. Rio Phillips added the conversion to cut the gap.

Amman responded well and regained control before the break. From a lineout catch-and-drive, front row forward Matthew Madge powered over, with Griffiths converting to give the hosts a deserved 15-7 lead at half-time.

The home side made full use of their bench after the restart, with Kieran Mackey, Caian Francis, Liam Brooks and Alex Williams all introduced. Youngster Harvey Duncan also came on in the centre for just his second senior appearance.

Captain Rhydian Jones again impressed with a tireless display around the park as Amman piled further pressure on the Neyland try line. That spell was rewarded when wing Dylan Matthews squeezed over in the far corner to make it 20-7.

To their credit, Neyland then enjoyed their best spell of the game, forcing Amman onto the back foot with sustained pressure under the posts. Centre George Williams and wing Josh Watts were prominent as the visitors went through the phases, but Amman’s defence held firm for long periods.

The visitors eventually found a way through when flanker Josh Hamer spotted a gap and touched down under the posts to bring the score back to 20-12.

But before the conversion could be taken, a fight broke out on the touchline. Once order had been restored, the referee decided to abandon the match immediately.

The game will now have to be replayed at a later date.

 

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Vice-chair steps down at Haverfordwest County AFC

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Mared Pemberton leaves board role after years of service

HAVERFORWEST COUNTY AFC has confirmed that Mared Pemberton has stepped down from her role as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors due to personal commitments.

Pemberton has played a key role in the club’s development in recent years, most notably leading the delivery of the Ogi Bridge Meadow 3G pitch project.

She has also been closely involved in the club’s community work and fan engagement initiatives, helping to strengthen its reputation and position as a focal point within the local area.

Pemberton will continue her involvement with the club as Head of Trustees for the Bluebirds Foundation, the official charitable arm of Haverfordwest County AFC.

A club spokesperson said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Mared for her loyalty, hard work and dedication over many years, and we wish her well for the future.”

 

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Camrose girls head to Portugal after major community backing

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A CAMROSE Under 13s girls’ football team has travelled to Portugal for a once-in-a-lifetime tour, supported by a funding boost from Wales & West Utilities.

The squad, made up of twenty-four players aged between eleven and fourteen, set off during the Easter holidays after five months of determined fundraising efforts.

The trip forms part of a wider international learning programme funded by Taith, the Welsh Government-backed scheme promoting global exchange opportunities for young people.

During their time abroad, the team will take part in cultural and sporting activities, including matches against local sides, social events with host clubs, and a coaching session with Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica. The group will also attend a professional football match.

Organisers say the tour is about far more than football, with a strong focus on confidence-building, teamwork, and cultural exchange. Around forty per cent of the players and coaching staff come from underrepresented backgrounds, including young carers, those in care, and families on low incomes.

While Taith funding has supported much of the programme, additional financial help from Wales & West Utilities has been vital in bridging a £3,000 shortfall. The funds have also enabled the purchase of a dedicated tour kit, helping keep players safe and identifiable in busy environments.

Volunteer coach Joanne Battelley said the support had made a real difference.

She said: “This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our girls, both on and off the pitch. The support from Wales & West Utilities has helped ensure more of our players can take part and benefit from the opportunity.”

Bethan Jones, Head of People and Customer Experience at Wales & West Utilities, said the company was proud to support the initiative.

She said: “Football is about more than just the game. This trip will help build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories for these young players.”

Wales & West Utilities provides gas emergency and pipeline services to more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England.

 

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