St Johns finish runners-up as final catch-up matches bring the 2025/26 short mat bowls season to a close

THE SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE SHORT MAT BOWLS ASSOCIATION’S Friendly League season has officially concluded following the final catch-up matches played over recent weeks.

East Williamston were confirmed as league champions after finishing top of the final table with 126 points from their 20 matches. St Johns took second place with 118 points, while Hundleton finished third on 107.

The final catch-up results saw Hundleton beat East Williamston 10-0, Kilgetty defeat Carew 10-0, Llanteg overcome St Twynnells 8-2, and Cosheston record an 8-2 win over Llanteg.

Despite that final defeat, East Williamston had already done enough over the course of the campaign to secure the title, with St Johns ending the season as runners-up after another strong year in the competition.

Llanteg finished fourth on 105 points, just ahead of St Twynnells on 101, while Reynalton ended the season on 99. Carew were close behind on 98, followed by Cosheston on 96, Badgers on 89, Kilgetty on 83 and Lamphey on 80.

League Fixtures Secretary Steve Cox congratulated the top two clubs and also confirmed that this was his final report in the role.

In his closing message to clubs, he said he hoped whoever takes over the position would enjoy it as much as he had.

Dan Hawkins hits hat-trick as Bluebirds overwhelm Llanelli at Bridge Meadow

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY secured their place in the JD Cymru Premier European play-offs with a crushing 6-0 victory over Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

The Bluebirds were far too strong for the visitors and had the game under control early on, turning sustained pressure into a commanding first-half lead before finishing the job in emphatic style after the break.

Dan Hawkins was the star of the show with a hat-trick, while Ben Ahmun, Rhys Abbruzzese and Panashe Makwiramiti also got on the scoresheet in a one-sided contest.

Tony Pennock’s side wasted little time in stamping their authority on the game. Haverfordwest moved the ball sharply, created openings from the outset and were rewarded with an early breakthrough which set the tone for the afternoon.

Llanelli struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the home side, who looked dangerous whenever they went forward. Ahmun added a second as the pressure told, and although the visitors tried to stay in touch, Haverfordwest always looked the more likely to score again.

Even a missed penalty did little to slow the Bluebirds’ momentum. They continued to push forward, and a third goal before the break effectively ended the contest, giving the hosts a deserved cushion at half-time.

Any hopes of a Llanelli response disappeared quickly in the second half as Haverfordwest stepped up another gear.

Hawkins completed his hat-trick in style, underlining an impressive individual display, before Abbruzzese added a fifth as the home side carved open the visitors once again.

There was also a welcome moment for Jack Wilson, who made his return after a long spell out with injury, as the Bluebirds continued to dominate in front of their home support.

Makwiramiti rounded things off with a superb long-range strike late on to complete a memorable afternoon for the hosts, who rarely looked troubled and could have scored even more.

The result keeps the momentum firmly with Haverfordwest heading into their final outing before the play-offs, and the manner of the victory will only add to belief that they can extend their season further.

Young Vikings prove too strong for Johnston in eight-goal final

HAKIN UNITED 2nds lifted the Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup after a powerful display saw them beat Johnston 5-3 in front of 719 spectators at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on Friday night.

The Vikings’ young side rose to the occasion in style, turning in an energetic and confident performance to take control of the final and keep Johnston on the back foot for long periods.

Hakin made the most of mistakes from the Tigers and showed real quality going forward, with Mason Dolling and Callum Stannett particularly impressive in attack as they helped drive their side towards the trophy.

Although Johnston did manage to get two late goals on the scoresheet, they came too late to change the outcome of a contest that had already been decided.

By that stage, Hakin had built a commanding lead and looked the more dangerous side throughout, combining pace, movement and clinical finishing to put themselves firmly in control.

The strong turnout at the Ogi Bridge Meadow added to the occasion, with a crowd of 719 watching Hakin’s young team deliver on the big stage.

In the end, the Vikings were deserved winners, producing the sort of dominant cup final display that left little doubt over where the silverware was heading.

Image: Hakin United Football Club/Facebook