Sport

Neyland win Harrison Allen Bowl

Published

9 years ago

August 2, 2015

NEYLAND won the Harrison Allen Bowl for the seventh time in their club’s history after they beat Whitland with the last ball of the match in a dramatic final on Saturday, August 1.

Winning Captain: Gregg Miller lifts the Harrison Allen Bowl

Needing 111 to win, Neyland struggled and Whitland capitalised taking eight wickets.

However, Sean and Patrick Hannon remained steady and Patrick hit a four with the last ball to spark scenes of joy amongst the Neyland team and supporters.

Speaking after the match and of his last ball heroics, Patrick Hannon said: “Whitland brought the field in and I was looking to hit it over the top. Thankfully it went straight over and for four.

“Whitland did fantastically well, nobody would have believed, defending 111, that Whitland could have come close. Their bowlers did extremely well so all credit to them.

“This win is fantastic and it means a lot to us. We lost someone close to us earlier in the season in Martin “Ceefax” Rees so we want to dedicate this victory to him.”

Neyland skipper Gregg Miller accepted the Harrison Allen Bowl and also dedicated the win to Martin and thought back tears as he spoke of him.

Earlier in the day, Neyland won the toss and elected to bowl first, meaning they would be batting last.

The game was played at Cresselly Cricket Club in front of a good crowd and despite a short rain break, they enjoyed a thrilling game of cricket.

Paul Davies and Dylan Blain opened the batting for Whitland and made a good start but in the third over, the pair went for two runs but Davies came up short and he was run out.

Kevin Pearce was the new man but was soon sent back as he was caught by Patrick Hannon to leave Whitland 27-2.

Blain was joined at the crease by Jonathan Thomas and the pair put on twenty runs for the third wicket before Blain departed after hitting the ball straight to Nick Koomen on the boundary who made no mistake with the catch.

Iestyn Scourfield then found Patrick Bellerby on the ropes to leave Whitland on 57-4.

Thomas and Leighton O’Connor then shared 33 for the fifth wicket to put Whitland in a good position.

However, Thomas was clean bowled by Andrew Miller and he was sent back to the pavilion having made 31.

O’Connor then hit two sixes but was unlucky on the third occasion as he picked out Nathan Banner and Whitland were now 105-6.

Nathan Banner was brought into the attack and he soon removed Whitland captain Matthew Davies before 2 wickets in as many balls reduced them to 117-9.

Whitland could only add a further eight runs, finishing on 125-9 from their opening 22 overs.

Nathan Banner started the Neyland innings like a house on fire as he made 18 in the first two overs but he was undone and Whitland had their first wicket.

Gregg Miller and Ashley Sutton then took Neyland to 59-1 in the tenth over before rain interrupted.

After taking an early tea, play resumed and it didn’t take long for Sutton to get going as he hit a six from the fourth ball of the over.

Whitland’s Wayne Howells then took two crucial wickets as first he got rid of Gregg Miller for 48 before trapping Sutton Leg before wicket.

Nick Koomen played well in a brief cameo of 24 before another cameo, including two sixes off the last two balls, of 21 from Henry Durrant took Neyland to 154-5, a lead of 29 runs.

Whitland knew they would have to bat well early on in their second innings to clear the deficit and they reached it in the fourth over having lost one wicket.

They were going along at a steady pace and reached 60-2 in the ninth over, a lead of 31.

Jonathan Thomas then hit two big sixes as Whitland looked to get going again but that momentum was soon checked.

Thomas went for another big shot but he was caught on the boundary by Patrick Bellerby.

Three more wickets fell in quick succession, two to Andrew Miller and Whitland were left reeling on 86-6.

Scott Newton and Matthew Davies looked to keep the scoreboard ticking but Newton then hit the ball straight back to Andrew Miller who took the catch.

Whitland had moved on to 115-7 but only lead by 86 and knew they would need more to have a chance of winning the game.

Gregg Sleep was the new man but he was clean bowled having made 9 but Whitland’s lead had crept up to 99.

Disaster then struck for Whitland as captain Matthew Davies, on a score of 25, went for a single but he was sent back but he couldn’t get back in time and was unfortunately run out.

Mark Lee and Wayne Howells saw out the remaining overs as Whitland finished on 139-9, meaning Neyland would need 111 to win.

Some precise bowling early on restricted Neyland to 19-0 after the first five overs and things soon got worse.

Mark Lee bowled Gregg Miller for four before Ashley Sutton hit the ball back to Lee and he was sent back without scoring with Neyland on 21-2.

Out: Gregg Miller is bowled as the momentum swung in Whitland’s favour

Nathan Banner and Nick Koomen steadied the ship taking Neyland to 51-2 after 12 overs.

Banner was then out for 17 as he was caught on the boundary having made 17.

They then took 13 off one over, Koomen hitting a six and four to move on to 44, to move on to 85-3 but the momentum soon swung back in Whitland’s favour.

Andrew Miller was caught by Wayne Howells off the bowling of Jonathan Thomas and Neyland were 85-4.

Nick Koomen was still in on 44 but he attempted a sweep shot which proved to be his downfall as he missed and was given out LBW by the umpire.

Important knock: Nick Koomen’s 44 was crucial for Neyland

With the very next ball Patrick Bellerby walked down the wicket but missed the ball completely and keeper Blain had the easiest of stumpings and suddenly, Neyland were 86-6.

Henry Durrant departed soon after as he was caught on the boundary by Kevin Pearce off the bowling of Leighton O’Connor to leave Neyland on 99-7.

Jonathan Thomas then bowled Scott Jones and Neyland were 104-8.

That meant they would need seven off the last over. Try as they might they could not remove the Hannon brothers. They took five off the first five balls of the final over and the scores were level.

Whitland brought their field right in to save the single but Patrick Hannon lofted the ball back over the bowlers head for four and Neyland had won by two wickets.

It was a closely thought game and Whitland will be disappointed to lose in the way they did but can be proud of the fact that they came close to upsetting the odds.

Whitland’s Jonathan Thomas was named man of the match for his efforts but that will come as consolation to an unlucky Whitland side.

Man of the Match: Whitland’s Jonathan Thomas was named Man of the Match

For Neyland it is their second trophy this season after winning the Duggie Morris Cup and their seventh success in the Harrison Allen tournament.

Sport

This week’s Herald local rugby roundup

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

Preseli Men concede late points to lose basement clash

Gorseinon 33 – Crymych 31

Crymych faced a heartbreaking defeat after leading 31-19 midway through the second half. Despite a promising start and a solid performance, Crymych allowed Gorseinon their first win in seven league starts due to a late try and a successful conversion. Crymych skipper Carwyn Phillips marked his milestone of 250 games with commitment alongside teammates Jon Hill, Iestyn Wood, and Llyr Davies. Osian Davies, Eilir George, and Lee Griffiths all scored tries, with George converting each, securing a 21-12 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Phillips added a bonus-point try, also converted by George, but Gorseinon surged back. Wingers Luke Evans and David Rees, centre Josh Hamer, and flankers Ben Morris and Iestyn Lewis each scored, with Tim O’Reilly’s crucial fourth conversion handing Gorseinon the win.

Premiership Division

Otters hold on to break their duck

Bonymaen 27 – Narberth 29

After six league defeats, Narberth clinched their first win in a nail-biter against fellow strugglers Bonymaen. The Otters built a 29-8 lead with tries from Will Blackburn, Ashley Sutton, and captain Tom Powell, with Jon Rogers converting and adding two more goals. But Bonymaen’s 19-point late surge nearly turned the tables as tries from Nathan Brooks, Andrew Richards, and Garin Williams narrowed the gap.

In the final moments, Narberth showed resilience to hold onto their slim lead, with hooker Tom Clarke earning the man of the match for his relentless work rate.

Division One (West)

14-man Seasiders hold on for a narrow win

Tenby United 17 – Yr Hendy 15

Tenby United preserved their perfect record, edging out Yr Hendy despite playing with 14 men after Lloyd Thomas received a red card early on. Thomas’s ejection forced tactical shifts, with Geraint Jones moving to outside half and Gwion Jones taking over at full back.

Captain Tom Barrass scored Tenby’s try after a turnover, with Geraint Jones adding a penalty for an 11-3 halftime lead. Yr Hendy’s Tyler Payne landed four penalties in the second half, but Tenby maintained their defensive discipline, securing a narrow 17-15 victory with man of the match Gethin Bradney leading with tackles.

Division Two (West)

Borderers bag deserved win

Nantgaredig 20 – Whitland 25

Whitland fought back from a 3-10 deficit to overcome Nantgaredig in a hard-fought match. After an extended break for an injury and a field switch, Whitland’s pack took control in the second half, with tries from Rhys Nicholas, Owyn Griffiths, Jack Mason, and Johnny Thomas, who also added a penalty.

Despite three tries from Nantgaredig’s Mark Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Aled Beynon, Whitland maintained their lead, showing consistency in both forwards and backs for a solid team performance.

Division Three (West)

Codd stars as Blues fend off Pontyberem

Pontyberem 13 – Haverfordwest 23

Haverfordwest centre Jack Codd’s 13 points helped his team overcome Pontyberem, who were still seeking their first win. Pontyberem took an early 10-0 lead, but Haverfordwest responded, with strong contributions from pack players Jonathan Mason, Mike Phillips, and captain Karl Busch. Rhodri Lewis opened the scoring for Pontyberem, but Codd’s accurate kicking sealed the win.

Division Four (West) A

James leads Saints to derby success

St Davids 31 – Llangwm 18

Will James shone for St Davids, scoring twice as they defeated local rivals Llangwm in challenging damp, cold conditions. Despite a strong start from Llangwm with an early try from Morgan Rees, St Davids struck back through James, who capitalized on a pass from Will Savage. Further tries from Nathan Foster and Iwan Davies extended the lead, with St Davids up 21-13 at halftime.

In the second half, Callum Jenkins scored for Llangwm, but James added his second try, and Zac Morgan secured St Davids’ fifth, sealing their 31-18 victory in this well-supported derby.

Bulls win at Bierspool

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 12 – Teirw Crymych 22

Teirw Crymych edged out Pembroke Dock Harlequins at Bierspool for their fourth win, with tries from Hedd George and Sean Wilson building a 12-0 lead. The Harlequins responded through Craig Barnett, but a late try and conversion from Adam Phillips sealed Crymych’s win, taking the margin just beyond a bonus-point range for the hosts.

Scarlets outlast Dreigiau Emlyn in thriller

Pembroke 36 – Dreigiau Emlyn 32

Pembroke pulled off a thrilling win at Crickmarren with six tries, including scores by Weatherall, Edwards, and Luke Hartland. Veteran forwards Brayford, Wiseman, and Palmer controlled the set pieces, while Dreigiau Emlyn countered with five tries of their own. Despite Emlyn’s persistence, Pembroke’s disciplined play earned them a narrow 36-32 win.

Sport

Division Three match reports: Key wins and dominant performances

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

Clarbeston Road II 2-3 Neyland II

Neyland II narrowly defeated Clarbeston Road II in a close 3-2 encounter. Clarbeston’s Jack Wood and Henry Lucas found the net, but Neyland II clinched the victory with goals from Zac Owen, Korey Arran (penalty), and Mason Morgans-Hurley. Despite their win, Neyland II remains near the bottom of the league, hoping to build momentum from this result. Clarbeston Road II’s defeat keeps them in 10th place with 9 points from 12 games, reflecting a challenging season thus far.

Goodwick United II 5-0 Camrose II

League leaders Goodwick United II continued their dominant form, securing a comfortable 5-0 win over Camrose II. Goals from Ifan Mathias, Gary Reynolds, Sion O’Sullivan, Thomas Phelps-Jenkins, and Tyler Booker highlighted their attacking prowess. Goodwick sits firmly at the top with 34 points and an impressive +33 goal difference, showcasing their strength this season. Camrose II, however, remains near the bottom with just 7 points, struggling to improve from 11th place.

Haverfordwest Cricket Club 2-1 Pendine

Haverfordwest Cricket Club fought hard to edge out Pendine 2-1, with goals from Jordan Harrison and Liam Sheehan. This victory lifts Haverfordwest CC to 5th place on 17 points from 12 games, giving them a boost in the mid-table standings. Pendine, despite Julian Blewitt’s goal, stays in 4th place with 19 points, within reach of the top but facing stiff competition.

Letterston 6-1 Kilgetty II

Letterston put on an attacking display with a dominant 6-1 win over Kilgetty II. Simon Jones led the charge with a hat trick, while Morgan Miles, Robert Hedley, and Jordan White added to the scoreline. This result strengthens Letterston’s position in the table, bringing them to 16 points, just a point behind Haverfordwest CC. Kilgetty II, meanwhile, drops further down with 11 points and a -14 goal difference, indicating defensive struggles.

Pembroke Borough 6-2 St Florence

Pembroke Borough extended their strong form with a decisive 6-2 victory over St Florence. Jake Campbell and Jordan White each scored twice, with Luke Hendry and Jack Walker also contributing. Pembroke Borough remains secure in 2nd place with 25 points from 12 games, keeping up the pressure on league leaders Goodwick United II. St Florence, however, continues to struggle for consistency, sitting in the lower half of the table with 11 points.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Second Division round-up: Promotion race heats up

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

CAMROSE took another decisive step in their promotion quest with a 2-0 victory over Johnston. Sitting third in the league on 25 points from 11 games, they are just one point behind second-placed Narberth. With a strong defensive record and reliable scoring, Camrose is poised for a continued push for the top spots. Johnston, meanwhile, remains near the relegation zone with only 9 points from 10 games, struggling to rise from the lower ranks.

Carew II 3-0 Broad Haven

Carew II’s 3-0 win over Broad Haven moved them up to 10 points, giving them valuable breathing space above the bottom of the table. Now positioned in 10th, Carew II is working to establish consistency in the league, while Broad Haven continues to languish at the foot of the table, winless so far this season.

Merlins Bridge II 7-3 Solva

In a goal-filled spectacle, Merlins Bridge II overpowered Solva with a 7-3 win, showcasing their offensive might. This victory lifts Merlins Bridge II to sixth place on 18 points from 11 games, strengthening their mid-table position. Though not currently in the promotion mix, their recent form indicates potential to climb higher. Solva, in seventh with 11 points, has now lost six of their 11 matches, struggling to find consistency.

Monkton Swifts II 0-9 Hakin United II

Hakin United II demonstrated their dominance at the top of the league with a commanding 9-0 win over Monkton Swifts II. Leading the division with 28 points from 13 games and an impressive +29 goal difference, Hakin United II’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive stability has kept them clear at the summit. Monkton Swifts II, with just 10 points and a -21 goal difference from 13 games, remains near the bottom and continues to struggle.

Neyland 1-3 Narberth

Narberth maintained their title challenge with a solid 3-1 win over Neyland, holding onto second place with 26 points from 11 games—only two points behind Hakin United II, with two games in hand. Their +24 goal difference highlights their robust form and positions them as serious contenders for the top spot. Neyland, now fifth with 20 points, is also performing respectably, though the defeat underscores the gap they must bridge to challenge the league leaders.