Sport
Harrison Allen semi finals confirmed
THIS season’s Harrison Allen Bowl competition has reached the semi-final stage and the draw made on Monday (Jun 26) at Haverfordwest Cricket Club makes for two interesting encounters.
Whitland v Neyland at Carew on Tuesday, July 11 and Haverfordwest v Cresselly at Pembroke Dock on Thursday, July 13.
The first semi-final is a repeat of the classic 2015 final, which Neyland won off the last ball.
The second semi-final is a repeat of the 2014 and 2016 Final, when Haverfordwest were triumphant on both occasions. Last year’s final went down to the final over when the Town paceman Adam James bowled a classic death over to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for the Town, after Simon Holliday had scored a century in the 2nd Innings.
It was Holliday who was the star for Haverfordwest in their quarter final match up with Carew as he claimed two wickets and also scored a half century to help his side to an eighteen run victory over Carew last Thursday night (Jun 22).
Town batted first and made a good total of 163-6 from their 22 overs but Carew struggled early on in their reply.
They were reduced to 26-5 at one point but some late hitting from Brian Hall and Ceri Brace took the home side close to their target.
Adam James and Keiran O’Connor each took three wickets to bowl Carew out for 145 and send Town through to the Semi-finals.
On Tuesday, June 20 Cresselly cruised past second division strugglers Llanrhian at the picturesque Llandigigie Fawr ground by nine wickets, as Alex Bayley plundered an unbeaten 72. In contrast to their second round game where the Doves overcame Narberth by five runs in a tie which was in the balance throughout, the quarter final game was completed with no alarms.
The home side were restricted to 122-8 as the youthful seam attack of Sam Harts [3-30] and Tom Arthur [1-35] alongside veteran spinner Ryan Lewis [4-21] bowled well. Reliable Llanrhian batsmen Paul Lewis [60] and Ben Jones [19] were the only players to show any form before opening batsman Bailey came to the fore.
Bailey lost fellow opener Adam Chandler for 26 before County player Iwan Izzard ensured there were no concerns for Neilson Coles side as he finished on 13* and a semi-final spot secured on 124-1.
Neyland travelled to Oatfield Park on Monday (June 19) and overcame second division Burton by 47 runs with all-rounder Nathan Banner the star performer. He added 40 runs to the visitors scorecard after number three Nick Koomen had scored 63 runs, crashing two 6s and six 4s as the cornerstone of the ‘All Whites’ scorecard.
Banner’s innings, of two 6s and five 4s took Neyland from 108-4 after 16 overs after Koomen fell with the score on 132 and then veteran Andrew Miller contributed four singles to an eighth wicket parternship of 30 with Banner to their final total which ultimately proved too much for the Burton batsmen. Veteran seamer John Scale [2-23] and his nephew, spinner Morgan [2-30] bowled well before Banners onslaught caused skipper Richard Jones to try six bowlers to stem the tide.
Opening batsman Jonathan Venables scored 24 [3 fours] in adding 46 for the first wicket with compatriot Jack Davies [23; 1 six; 2 fours] as the home side made an early challenge for victory but this couldn’t be sustained as free scoring batsmen Jones [6] and Martin James[5] were dismissed with the score on 62.
Luke Hayman [10; 1 four] added 35 with Morgan Scale before Hayman was the third run out of the innings, with the score on 99. Scale hit two 6s and two 4s in his top score of 32 before being seventh out on 112. James Davies finished with two fours in an unbeaten 12 as the innings fell away on 128. Patrick Bellerby [1-26], and veteran spinner Andrew Miller [1-32] joined Banner [2-29] in bowling well for Neyland who progress to the semi-final stage for the first time since 2015.
Whitland skipper Iestyn Scourfield is leading his side with conviction this season as they beat St Ishamels on Wednesday (June 21) at Springfield by 32 runs. Scourfield chose to bat first and openers Dylan Balin and Geraint Jones added 43 runs in four overs before Jones [23; 1 six; 3 fours;] fell to the first ball of spinner Andrew Pawlett’s [1- 16] spell in the fifth over, caught by brother Jonathan.
Five runs later Blain departed for 25 [3 fours; 1 six] caught by Jay Power off the bowling of Andrew Palmer [2-42], which allowed Jonathan Thomas and Paul Davies to add 38 runs for the third wicket before Davies fell for 18[1 four] to Palmer via a catch to Daniel Flynn.
Scourfield was run out for 18 with the score on 131 before Matthew Davies, batting at number seven hit three 4s in scoring 22 as he became Brennan Devonald’s [2-29] second wicket with two balls of the innings remaining which closed on 153-7. Jonathan Thomas top scored with 31 as he hit three boundaries and a six before being bowled by Devonald with the score on 110.
Tish’s response was on the back foot after just three balls of the first over when Daniel Flynn was bowled by Thomas first ball, with the score on five.
Fellow opener, skipper Peter Bradshaw was joined by Jonathan Pawlett and added 62 runs before Pawlett departed for 44, having hit three 6s and three 4s, bowled by veteran Wayne Howells [2-31]. Bradshaw was dismissed with the score on 86 having hit three 4s, LBW to Scourfield, his first wicket in a 4-19 spell.
Scourfield was on a hat trick as Andrew Williams departed first ball via the safe hands of Howells, with only Devenold [14] and Andrew Pawlett [10*] then reaching double figures as he innings closed on 121ao in the 20th over with Scourfield bowling Power. Ben Harvey [1-3] had dismissed James Hall in his only over and Matthew Davies took 1-26 as the Whitland team supported the efforts of their Captain to take their place in the semi-final.
Sport
Fishguard boxer wins bronze at international championships
A YOUNG Pembrokeshire boxer has achieved international recognition for his prowess in the ring.
Eighteen-year-old Mikey O’Sullivan, from Fishguard, secured a bronze medal in the 55kg class at the World Boxing Organisation World Championships held in Colorado. His remarkable performance included victories against opponents from Kyrgyzstan and Canada before being eliminated by the eventual gold medallist.
O’Sullivan, who trains with Cardigan ABC, was presented with a certificate by former International Boxing Federation featherweight world champion Lee Selby to honour his achievement.
Speaking about his success, O’Sullivan expressed pride in representing his hometown on a global stage, further solidifying his reputation as one of Pembrokeshire’s rising sports stars.
ROYAL NAVY BOXER TRIUMPHS
In another notable achievement, former Cardigan ABC boxer Ceri Glover, 20, from Aberporth, marked his senior 57kg debut for the Royal Navy with an impressive victory.
Glover defeated Tatenda Tapfuma of Titchfield ABC in his first bout since his February win for Cardigan ABC, showcasing his continued dominance in the ring.
Both boxers highlight the growing prominence of Welsh talent in the world of boxing, bringing pride to their communities and clubs.
News
2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards Finalists announced
THE finalists for the 2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards have been announced.
In total, 252 nominations were received and, following a selection meeting, the judging panel has named 39 finalists.
Matt Freeman, Manager of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide nominations.
“Every year it gets harder to narrow the nominations down to three finalists and once again the quality of the nominees was enormously high.
“The number and quality of nominees just shows the strength of the sporting scene here in Pembrokeshire.
All the finalists will be invited to a grand presentation ceremony at Folly Farm on Friday, November 29th, where the winners will be announced.
The ceremony will also reveal the winners of two further categories – the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award.
The awards are organised by Sport Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire County Council’s sport development team.
They are sponsored by Sport Pembrokeshire, Valero, Folly Farm and Pure West Radio.
The awards aim to recognise those people who have excelled in sport over the last 12 months, or who have given their time to coaching and organising grass roots sport.
Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2024 – Finalists
(In alphabetical order)
Coach of the Year
Francesca Morgan (Swimming)
Philippa Gale (Netball)
Tom Richards (Tennis)
Female Sporting Achievement
Gracie Griffiths (Race Walking)
Helen Carrington (Powerlifting)
Seren Thorne (Shooting)
Male Sporting Achievement
Jeremy Cross (Tennis)
Rhys Llewellyn (Athletics)
Sam Coleman (Powerboat Racing)
Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement
Carter Heywood (Football)
Hugo Boyce (Cycling)
Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)
Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement
Cerys Griffiths (Swimming)
Chloe John-Driscoll (Shooting)
Ffion Bowen (Football)
Disability Sport Award
Evelyn Thomas (Powerlifting)
Jules King (Crossfit)
Marc Evans (Cricket)
Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award
Finnley Walters (Boxing)
Jac Johnson (Gymnastics)
Lewis Crawford (Boccia)
Unsung Hero
John Laugharne (Rugby)
Owen Shanklin (Pool)
Sue Christopher (Surf Lifesaving)
Team Achievement of the Year
Alan Evans, Andrew Evans & Michael John (Short Mat Bowls)
Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club
Pembrokeshire County Bowls Team
Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year
Chaos Thunder U12’s Netball Team
Hakin United AFC u16’s
Neyland Yacht Club Junior Sailing Team
Young Volunteer of the Year
Anna May (Tennis & Surfing)
Caitlin Chapman (Netball)
George Richards (Cricket)
Club Organiser
Nadine Tyrrell (Gymnastics)
Nick Shelmerdine (Cricket)
Paul Hudson (Short Mat Bowls)
Club of the Year
Camrose AFC Women & Girls Football
Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club
Strength Academy Wales Cymru
Pictured above: The 2023 Club of the Year winner – Pembroke Cricket Club.
Sport
This week’s Herald local rugby roundup
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.
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