Sport
Anchors aweigh!

THE NARBERTH & Whitland Rotary Club plan to launch a new fund raising venture next year.
Sponsored by Princes Gate Water, and in association with “Race the Dragon” and “Welsh Water”, a Dragon Boat race will take place on Sunday May 25, 2014 at Llys-y-Fran. Funds raised from the event will be used to support a range of charities.
Originating from China over 2000 years ago, the history of Dragon Boat racing is steeped in a magical yet heroic myth. Dragon boat racing has become the world’s fastest growing water sport. Dragon boats are 12 metres long and are decorated with a traditional dragons head, tail and drum.
Each boat requires 16 paddlers and a drummer to beat a steady rhythm. An experienced helmsman is provided by the race organisers. The Dragon boats are raced against each other in a spectacular and energetic display.
It should be a great day out for participants and their families so that they want to stay all day. A variety of side shows, amusements, food and drink will be available for children and adults. To make this event a success the Rotary Club need the support of clubs and/or other organisations.
Here’s the way it works…..
The Rotary Club make the arrangements for the day. The venue and boats have already been booked and the deposit paid. They also arrange entertainment and additional fun activities (mainly for children) on the day. A marquee, refreshments and changing facilities will be available on site.
You will raise a team of 17 people. That’s 16 to row the boat plus a drummer to beat out the rhythm. The minimum age for team members is twelve years old. Fancy dress is OK!
You pay an initial deposit/entry fee of £340 (£20 per head) by the end of December this year to secure your boat and, by the end of March next year, sponsorship of £680 (£40 per head) towards Rotary charities. Funds that you raise in addition to this sum are for your nominated charity/organisation. Alternatively you may be able to persuade a local company to sponsor your team for the deposit/entry fee.
The competition involves racing Dragon boats over a short distance (200 metres approx.) for each heat. Teams race in pairs in the heats. Each team will have a minimum of three races. Times are recorded and the fastest three teams go forward to the final.
Training, a safety briefing and all equipment needed are provided by the organisers. It is not essential for participants to be able to swim as lifejackets and a standby boat will be provided. The organising team have first aid and rescue qualifications.
All participants will receive a limited edition “I raced the Dragon” ‘T’ shirt. The winning team will receive a shield and an additional winners ‘T’ shirt.
The Rotary Club hope that this idea appeals to you. To find out more, please contact Ken Morgan 01834 860 873 or 07972 378 301 or email him at ken@kenmorgandbm.co.uk.
Sport
Sean Bowen amongst UK’s highest-earning jockeys as he shines at Cheltenham

PEMBROKESHIRE’S own Sean Bowen, hailing from Letterston, has cemented his place among the UK’s top jockeys, ranking fourth on the all-time career earnings list for British National Hunt riders. With a staggering £11.5 million in prize money to his name, Bowen continues to make waves on the biggest stage—Cheltenham Festival 2025.
Bowen’s rise to the top
The latest rankings, compiled by racing experts at OLBG, highlight Bowen’s remarkable achievements:
Top-Earning British Jockeys
- Sam Twiston-Davies – £21,968,167
- Harry Skelton – £18,837,862
- Harry Cobden – £17,717,810
- Sean Bowen – £11,520,715
- Charlie Deutsch – £7,071,208
Bowen, 26, has quickly become one of the most respected jockeys in the sport, following in the footsteps of his father, Welsh trainer Peter Bowen. His younger brother, James Bowen, also ranks among the top-earning jockeys, sitting in seventh place with £5.6 million in career winnings.
With major wins in the Grand National and multiple Grade 1 victories, Sean Bowen is a name synonymous with Welsh racing success.

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Bowen in Action
This week, Bowen has been front and centre at the Cheltenham Festival, competing in multiple high-stakes races:
- Heads Up – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) (March 12): Bowen guided Heads Up to a strong second-place finish, proving his ability on one of the festival’s biggest stages.
- Western Zephyr – Grand Annual Chase (March 12): In one of the most unpredictable handicap chases, Bowen put in a solid ride aboard Western Zephyr.
- The Goffer – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (March 12): Tackling Cheltenham’s unique Cross Country course, Bowen took on the gruelling challenge with The Goffer.
- Might I – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (March 12): Competing in one of the festival’s most competitive handicap hurdles, Bowen demonstrated his versatility.
- Jane Eire – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (March 13): Bowen will look to add another big festival win to his name in this prestigious event.
A Pembrokeshire jockey on the big stage
As one of Wales’ top sporting figures, Sean Bowen’s continued success keeps Pembrokeshire in the spotlight of British horse racing. With Cheltenham still in full swing, local fans will be hoping for more triumphs from the Letterston star.
His incredible career earnings, combined with his continued performances at the festival, show why he is one of the most respected and successful jockeys in the UK today.
Sport
Seagulls soar over Vikings in friendly clash

FISHGUARD & GOODWICK RFC hosted the Pembrokeshire Vikings on Saturday (Mar 8) in a spirited mixed-ability rugby match. The game, played at a fast pace, saw some seasoned heads in the Fishguard side controlling play, leading to a 34-14 victory for the home team.
Among the notable moments, Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz took to the field for the Seagulls, adding to the competitive but friendly atmosphere. Vikings mascot and vice-captain Luca Morillo played his first match alongside his father, Andrew Morillo, who captained the team for the day. Joe Lewis also made a welcome return, featuring in his first game of the season.

The Vikings’ standout performers included James Tylor, Daffyd Cowl, Ross Price, and Ashley Couceiro. Special recognition went to Gareth Rees, who played his final match before undergoing surgery. Coach Gethin Bateman was actively involved throughout, rallying his side.
The Vikings’ points came from tries by Daf Cowl and Luca Morillo, with Morillo’s try converted by his father. Cowl was named sponsors’ man of the match for his efforts.
While the match left a few sore bodies in its wake, it was a celebration of rugby’s inclusive spirit and camaraderie.

Sport
Pembrokeshire Div 2: Narberth stay top as Fishguard edge nine-goal thriller

LEAGUE leaders Narberth remain in control of the Division 2 title race, holding a two-point advantage over Fishguard Sports, who secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Johnston.
Fishguard win nine-goal battle
Fishguard Sports kept their title hopes alive with a thrilling 5-4 win over Johnston. Goals from Anthony Couzens, Greg Hughes, Ieuan Llewellyn, Luke Thomas, and Matthew Lewis ensured the visitors claimed all three points. Johnston fought back with a hat-trick from Callum Rees and a strike from Josh Knapp, but it wasn’t enough to deny Fishguard.
Lawrenny run riot against Solva
Two of last season’s promoted sides met in a crucial battle for survival, with Lawrenny overpowering Solva 8-3. Joe Kidney led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by Owen James (2), Matthew Lewis (2), and Sam Davies. Solva responded through Kieran Price (2) and Josh Bland but struggled to cope with Lawrenny’s attacking firepower.
Carew Reserves claim vital win
Carew Reserves picked up a crucial 3-1 away victory at Broad Haven. Connor Hay opened the scoring before James Hinchliffe struck twice. Marco Valentine netted for the hosts, but the visitors proved too strong.
Weekend round-up
With Hakin United Reserves and Camrose both out of action, Fishguard closed the gap on Narberth, while Broad Haven remain winless at the foot of the table.
Division 2 standings
Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Narberth | 18 | 15 | 2 | 1 | +59 | 47 |
2 | Fishguard Sports | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | +62 | 45 |
3 | Hakin Utd Reserves | 19 | 13 | 2 | 4 | +39 | 41 |
4 | Camrose | 19 | 11 | 1 | 7 | +18 | 34 |
5 | Neyland | 18 | 9 | 3 | 6 | +14 | 30 |
6 | Merlins Bridge Res | 19 | 9 | 3 | 7 | +14 | 27 |
7 | Johnston | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | +7 | 26 |
8 | Carew Reserves | 21 | 6 | 3 | 12 | -31 | 21 |
9 | Solva | 22 | 4 | 6 | 12 | -19 | 18 |
10 | Lawrenny | 20 | 4 | 2 | 14 | -51 | 14 |
11 | Monkton Swifts Res | 18 | 3 | 4 | 11 | -45 | 13 |
12 | Broad Haven | 18 | 0 | 4 | 14 | -67 | 4 |
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