Sport

Holders through as Lawrenny beat Kilgetty in goal-fest

Published

7 years ago

November 21, 2017

By Jonathan Twigg

FIVE Second Division Cup ties took place on Saturday (Nov 18), with Saundersfoot Sports home match at the King George V field against current table toppers, Hakin United Reserves postponed as the bottom corner was deemed waterlogged by referee Charles Davies.

The winners of that tie will then travel to meet Solva at Glan Hafran in the Quarter Finals early next year as they were already through to the last eight stages as one of two Clubs to receive a bye.

Prendergast Villa were the second club to progress courtesy of a bye and they will welcome Lawrenny to the School Field after the bottom of the table side upturned the form book to overcame last season’s Division 3 champions and current promotion favourites Kilgetty 7-6.

Trailing on their own sports field 4-0 after 20 minutes and missing a plethora of players due to Adam Jenkins stag weekend, the Lawrenny side dug deep in appalling ground conditions and driving rain.

They battled themselves back to reduce the deficit to 4-2 at half time, with goals from centre midfielder Matt Lewis wide midfielder Joe Kidney. Centre forward Henry Lawrence scored the second visiting goal after his side had taken the lead through a deflected goal attempt, before Tom Baker and Lawrence opened a 4-0 lead.

The yellow and blue Kingsmore outfit then went 5-2 ahead with a strike from Brett Evans before the sides exchanged goals through home centre forward Jamie Phillips and Lawrence completed his hat trick.

The village side are made of stern stuff and they rolled up their black and gold sleeves to score three goals in five eventful minutes to set up a grandstand finish for the last ten minutes.

Playing away from their Clubhouse the ground was a tad better which allowed Phillips to net his second of the game, experienced Steve Campbell to level the scores and a minute later young winger Sam Davies to put them ahead for the first time in the keenly contested yet sporting local derby.

Kilgetty failed to square the game before referee Sean O’Connor blew for full time in the game sponsored by Morgan Construction, thanks to some heroic defending coupled with the quagmire in their own goal area and veteran goalkeeper Danny Harries being in top form.

St Clears hammered visitors Letterson 14-0 at the Leisure Centre ground having been set on their way by chirpy attacking midfielder Nathan Evans strike after 40 seconds.

The JRV Taxis sponsored game was over quickly as a contest as the Boars front three scored at will against a side who remained in Division 2 this season by default with Tenby withdrawing from Division 1 before a ball had been kicked in anger this season. Josh James led the way when he went nap for the claret and whites as Steve Thomas helped himself to four goals and the well-travelled Sean Seymour Davies bagged a hat trick alongside a visitor’s own goal.

Such was the one sided nature of the game skipper Martyn Thomas was a distant observer from centre back and his defence marshalled the opposition so well they only had fleeting forays into the danger zone.

Jonathan Sealy also had his spot kick well saved in the bottom left corner by veteran David Lawrence who was responsible for keeping the score to 14-0 with some excellent saves, although home manager Scott Page saw his side waste numerous opportunities.

Reward for the St Clears win will see them travel to the Racecourse to take on current Cup holders Merlin’s Bridge Reserves, buoyed by the return to the Carmarthenshire town of defender Dorian Davies from West Dragons.

Hundleton: Pictured before their Senior Cup game, were beaten by Merlins Bridge on Saturday

The Glenn Hotel sponsored Bridge overcame Hundleton 4-3 at the Village playing field in a scrappy encounter with veteran front man Aaron Devine opening the scoring for the Wizards before Kai Roberts on the right wing put them 2-0 ahead. Jack Phillips pulled one back for the Pembroke village side before half time and the introduction of stoic centre midfielder Lloyd Wilson set the scene for a titanic second half encounter.

With six players under the age of 18 in their starting 11 the Bridge thrived in the battle and sixteen year old left winger Ben Davies extended the lead to 3-1 after 52 minutes.

Another sixteen year old, Josh Thomas made it 4-1 after an hour of play when he struck from his position playing behind Devine and Curtis Hicks grew in stature as the game progressed. Playing in the centre of midfield Hicks dominated in the air and sprayed passes which belied the underfoot conditions in a man of the match performance.

With 10 minutes remaining winger Joe Buckle reduced the score to 4-2 and striker Dylan Davies scored to make the final few minutes a tense affair for the inexperienced visitors who were thankful for the composure to 51 year old goalkeeper Aaron Riley.

Riley made a string of fine saves to roll back the years as his experience as a Welsh league player with Haverfordwest County, albeit as a winger came to the fore, before referee Kevin Millich blew for full time.

St Ishmaels travelled to Pill Parks to take on a Llangwm side who progressed to Division 2 following three promotions in four years, but bowed out 2-0 in their first foray into the cup competition refereed by Karl Davies.

Tish scored a goal in each half with player manager Andrew Howells tapping in at the far post after nearly 30 minutes of the first half thanks to some excellent work wide out from Ieuan Hawkins. Home goalkeeper Ashley Bevans, standing between the sticks for his twin brother Anthony who was away training with the Royal Navy did well behind a back four led by veteran left back Gary Reynolds.

Glen Hewer, Dan Thomas and Martin John supported Reynolds in keeping the attacks at bay as the visiting midfield got the upper hand in the difficult conditions. In a game of few clear cut opportunities the tie was put to bed by Hawkins who capitalised on good wing play from Joseph Bates as in the first half to find space at the far post to score.

St Ishmaels will welcome Fishguard Sports to the Recreation ground, after they overcame Johnston 4-1 at Tregroes Park. The Sports were always in control of the game and led the ‘Tigers’ 2-0 thanks to strikes from former Goodwick midfielder Lewis Banks and Ryan Howells just before the half time whistle from referee Keith Amos.

Stand-in goalkeeper Lewis Boswell was blameless for the goals as the home side dominated possession against a side which lifted the West Wales Intermediate Cup just four seasons ago and they had a chance through striker Ryan Doyle just after the break when he should have pulled the score back to 2-1 when he was one on one with goal keeper.

The game went 4-0 to the Sports through defensive mistakes by centre back Jack Bevans, who lost his footing allowing Banks to score his second of the game before he was robbed close to his own 18 yard box and Matt Harries walked the ball into the net.

Doyle pulled a consolation back with a sumptuous strike before the end for Johnston who will now concentrate on pulling themselves away from second bottom of the league and the ignominy of successive relegations.

Related Topics:Fishguard Football Hundleton Kilgetty Lawrenny Merlins Bridge Second Division Cup St Clears St Ishmaels

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Sport

Sean Bowen achieves lifelong ambition with Champion Jockey title

Published

2 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Herald Sport

SEAN BOWEN has realised his boyhood dream after being crowned Champion Jockey, rounding off a remarkable season of dedication, success and resilience.

The 27-year-old from Pembrokeshire clocked up an astonishing 75,000 miles over the season, with 902 rides and 180 winners to his name — a journey that ended with him making history as the first Welsh champion since Fred Winter in 1958.

Earlier this year, Bowen reached 1,000 career wins, but his sights were firmly set on claiming the championship crown.

“Reaching 1,000 wins was an incredible milestone, something not many jockeys get to experience,” Bowen said. “But becoming Champion Jockey has been my real dream for the last few years. I gave it everything after missing out last year.”

Bowen’s previous attempt at the title ended in heartbreak after a Boxing Day knee injury derailed his campaign while he was leading. This season, he was determined not to let history repeat itself.

“I knew I had to start fast and keep the pressure on,” he said. “Harry Skelton pushed me hard around Christmas, but I managed to rebuild the lead. It’s been relentless, but every mile, every ride, was worth it for this.”

The physical and mental demands of the season were immense, but Bowen remained focused.

“It’s tough, not having a day off, always chasing rides. I’ve kept myself fit, but it takes just as much strength mentally. I hate the idea of someone else winning on a horse I should have been riding — that keeps me moving, even if it means driving across the country in a day,” he said.

Family at the heart of success

Bowen paid tribute to his parents, Peter and Karen Bowen, both respected trainers, who supported his career from the very beginning.

“Mum and Dad sacrificed so much, driving thousands of miles just so we could race ponies. Seeing how hard they worked made me want to work just as hard,” he said.

He also praised his partner, Harriet, for standing by him through the challenges of the racing calendar.

“Harriet has been amazing. I barely see her during the season. We’re getting married in July, and I can’t wait for some proper time together on our honeymoon.”

Finishing on a high

Bowen’s final week of the season couldn’t have been scripted better. He rode a remarkable five winners at Ffos Las — his home track — a career first that left him “over the moon.”

“That five-timer was something special — in front of my family and the Welsh crowd too. It’s a day I’ll remember forever,” he said.

He followed it up by winning the Irish Grand National aboard Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis — another proud moment for Welsh racing.

“Winning the Irish Grand National was the biggest moment of my career,” Bowen said. “To win for a Welsh trainer and beat the Irish on their turf made it even sweeter.”

To put the icing on the cake, he capped off the season with victory in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, riding Resplendent Grey for trainer Olly Murphy.

From childhood dreams to standing at the top of the sport, Sean Bowen’s journey has come full circle — and he is not done yet.

Sport

Teen darts talent Jake Barrington shines in local tournaments

Published

3 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Herald Sport

A PEMBROKESHIRE teenager is making a strong impression on the local darts scene, as the sport continues to grow in popularity among young players inspired by stars like Luke Littler.

Jake Barrington, who plays in the Haverfordwest Darts League, has been enjoying a string of successes. Over the weekend, Jake won £165 by claiming victory in the junior tournament held at the Milford Arms, Milford Haven, adding to the £50 he won at another local competition on Friday.

Jake’s dedication to the sport is helped by a high-tech practice setup at home, which allows him to play online matches against players from across the country. Using cameras and sensors, the system records scores and connects with opponents in real-time. Over the past year, Jake has won hundreds of pounds through local competitions and online matches.

Speaking to The Herald, Jake’s father, Andrew Phillips, said: “That’s all he does — play darts. He absolutely loves it. The system we have at home has helped him massively and he just keeps getting better.”

The rise of young players like Jake is part of a wider trend, with teenage stars such as Luke Littler inspiring a new generation to take up the sport. Jake’s achievements in Pembrokeshire show just how strong local youth darts is becoming.

With his skills continuing to develop, Jake Barrington looks set to be a name to watch in the years ahead.

Main photo caption:

Jake Barrington with Rachel Bevs, tournament organiser

Sport

West Wales Rugby – Amman United 17 – Cardigan 30

Published

3 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Herald Sport

NEEDING a win against Division 3 Cup finalists Cardigan at Cwmamman Park on Friday night to avoid relegation, Amman United fell short in their final league game of the season—despite producing one of their better performances of late. Their fate is now out of their hands; a win for Llangadog at Haverfordwest this Saturday would confirm United’s relegation.

Before kick-off, a guard of honour bid farewell to veterans Gavin Lewis and Steve Harries, who both retired on the night.

Cardigan’s impressive centre opened the scoring with a 10th-minute penalty after some early sparring. Amman bolstered their squad with three permit players, including Penybanc loanees prop Steff Morris and flanker Jake Anthony, who both impressed. Wing Dylan Matthews, along with fellow backs Rhys Howells and Luc Rees, looked threatening early on, while number eight Alun Lewis put in some trademark brilliant tackles.

However, a desperate “own goal” gifted Cardigan the first try. Some Keystone Cops-style defending under their own posts ended with a blind, sloppy pass being pounced on by a gleeful attacker who raced over the line.

Amman responded almost immediately, with a fine attacking move finished by scrum-half Lee Evans crossing in the corner.

Cardigan were briefly reduced to 14 men after a yellow card for “handbags” in midfield, but the visitors continued to look dangerous and a superbly-struck penalty on the stroke of half-time gave them a 13–5 lead at the break.

Amman started the second half positively. After strong surging runs from Dylan Matthews and captain Rhydian Jones, Alun Lewis finished off a well-worked try.

Retiring veteran Steve Harries came off the bench for a final hurrah, while Cian Lewis, Aled Myers and Ethan Edworthy all put in solid shifts for the Reds.

However, Cardigan showed why they are heading to the Division 3 Cup final against Newport Saracens, dominating the final quarter. Relentless pressure near the Amman try line eventually told, with a neat cross-kick setting up their winger to score in the corner, followed by a superb conversion from the touchline.

Amman were briefly let off the hook when another Cardigan try was ruled out for crossing, but the visitors’ pressure soon yielded a penalty and another late try to stretch the lead to 30–10.

To their great credit, United never gave up, and centre Luc Rees managed a last-minute try. A fourth Amman try would have secured a valuable bonus point—but time ran out on their brave effort.