Sport

Pembroke go top with derby success

Published

7 years ago

January 2, 2018

PEMBROKE moved to the top of League 3 West A with a comfortable 40-0 win over rivals Pembroke Dock Quins on Saturday (Dec 30) in front of one of the biggest crowds seen at Crickmarren for many years.

The Quins fielded a young side that has grown in confidence and experience as the season has progressed, whilst the home side, with a full squad available, came to this match brimming with confidence having only lost one League fixture during the season and being in the middle of an excellent Cup run.

However, as all regular supporters appreciate, form in these local derbies is not always the best indicator of the potential outcome. So the large, partisan, holiday crowd assembled with huge expectations of their respective squads.

The home side started well and were camped in the Quins half for most of the first ten minutes, testing their defensive resolve. The Quins forwards battled hard in the loose and managed a number of early defensive turn overs to deny the home side opportunities to press home their territorial advantage.

Then at the end of the first quarter, Pembroke were awarded a penalty for an infringement in the loose; from the ensuing scrum the ball was moved and after a number of phases, quick ball was fed to Sam Smith on the charge and he pierced a crowded defence to score near the posts, to a crescendo of noise form the home supporters. The try was converted by Sean Dalling.

Both sides then lost a player a piece, after Dom Coleman and Quins hooker Neil Brace had a brief altercation mid field and were yellow carded by referee David Emmanuel.

Over the next ten minutes the Quins pressed into Pembroke territory, but could not pierce an equally aggressive and determined home defence.

With only five minutes to go in this half, Pembroke pushed forward through a number of well-constructed phases, which saw prop Lloyd Davies link and make good ground in mid field before passing to the backs to move it wide; from a ruck close to the Quins line, quick ball was scooped up by Sam Smith, who fed a hungry Lloyd Davies on the charge to crash over for an unconverted, team try.

With their tails up in the last seconds of the half, Pembroke then created another opportunity, after counter attacking from deep in their half, winger Simon Stanford was put into space and he nimbly, swerved and sped past a number of defenders to score a superb individual effort from 35 metres out, which was ably converted by Toby Smith; leaving the score at half time deservedly at 19-0 to the home side.

The third quarter started much the same as the first, with Pembroke pushing the Quins into rear guard action and missing a golden opportunity to increase their score only minutes in, when Pembroke’s winger Barry John dropped the ball crossing the line, after a superb counter attacking drive from their own half.

After fifteen minutes both sides made a number of changes to put on fresh legs as the heavy ground took its toll.

Then right at the end of the third quarter, after a sustained attacking period, Pembroke’s dominant pack released quick ball from a ruck in the Quins twenty two, this was scooped up by replacement flanker Rhodri Walters, who made ground and fed scrum half Tom Lewis, who burst through a flat footed defence to go in under the posts for a well taken, unconverted try.

Minutes later Quins denied the hosts another try opportunity, when after No 10 Smith had kicked a Pembroke penalty deep into Quins territory, the visitors stole Pembroke’s lineout five metres out.

Pembroke maintained the pressure and minutes later were awarded a scrum five metres from the visitors line; scrum half Tom Lewis picked up the quick ball, broke wide and flat, fed Toby Smith running an acute angle and he ran through a bewildered defence to score from this training pitch move, which he duly converted himself.

The teams then lost another player each to yellow cards, as Cyle Weatherall and Hywel Baker were dismissed for their part in a short brawl.

Then with five or so minutes to go, Pembroke’s adventure was rewarded with another excellently constructed final try; from broken play in the middle of the field, the home side gathered possession, moved it wide, then back into mid field and finally wide again to replacement full back Ryan Wilkins, who gleefully crossed wide right for a converted try to cap a dominant, bonus point home performance.

Given the heavy ground, which had taken its toll on all of the players, both sides had served up a very entertaining spectacle for the large festive crowd, who showed their appreciation for both teams at the end of the game, which saw the home side victorious.

Related Topics:Crickmarren derby League 3 West A Pembroke Pembroke Dock Quins Rugby

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Cresselly and Whitland impress as Division One season opens

Published

4 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Herald Sport

THE 2025 Pembrokeshire Division One cricket season got underway on Sunday, with several teams making powerful early statements. Cresselly laid down a marker with an impressive win over a previously dominant Neyland side, while Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest also made emphatic starts.

Cresselly signalled their title ambitions with a 64-run victory over Neyland. Batting first, Cresselly posted 195 for 9 from their 45 overs, with useful contributions from Morgan Lewis (26), Charlie Arthur (20), and Simon Cole (20), before Dan James anchored the innings with a crucial unbeaten 74. Neyland, who have dominated much of the past decade but showed signs of decline last season, struggled in reply. Despite efforts from Andrew Miller (24) and Paul Murray (21), they were bowled out for 131. Tom Arthur (3 for 23) and Charlie Arthur (3 for 27) shared six wickets to seal a valuable opening win.

At Oatfield Park, Whitland made a commanding start with a 128-run victory over newly promoted Burton. Geraint Jones (79), Gopal Ramasamy (63), and Jonathan Thomas (61) guided Whitland to 240 all out. Burton’s reply faltered early, and despite some resistance from Joe Kiff (30) and Luke Hayman (20), they were dismissed for 112. Wayne Howells was outstanding with the ball, taking a remarkable 5 for 10.

Carew also opened their campaign strongly, defeating Lawrenny by 57 runs. Brian Hall (56) and Rhys Davies (40) helped Carew to 169 all out. Lawrenny’s innings never gathered momentum, and despite a fighting 25 from Oscar Lewis, they were bowled out for 112. Rob Williams starred with 4 for 12, supported by Ryan Morton (2 for 25) and Harry Thomas (3 for 35).

At The Racecourse, Haverfordwest were ruthless as they hammered Llangwm by 142 runs. Mikey Jones (86), Ben Field (47) and Jake Merry (31) powered Town to 240 for 8. Llangwm collapsed to 98 all out, with Steve Mills (31) and David Lewis (31) offering brief resistance. Rhys Sewell tore through the lower order with figures of 5 for 23.

Meanwhile at Herbrandston, newly promoted Herbie were given a tough introduction to Division One by Saundersfoot, falling to a 108-run defeat. John Mansbridge starred for Saundersfoot with a superb 77, backed by Simon Stanford (47), as the visitors reached 207 for 8. In reply, Herbrandston could only muster 99 all out, with Nathan Banner (14) and Robbie Hood (19) top-scoring. John Mansbridge capped a fine all-round performance by taking 5 for 32, while Tom Mansbridge added 4 for 27.

With Burton and Herbrandston both stepping up this season, the opening weekend underlined the gulf in quality, as established sides like Cresselly, Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest asserted early authority.

Sport

Narberth and Tish make strong statements on opening day of cricket season

Published

4 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Herald Sport

THE 2025 Pembrokeshire cricket season began in bright fashion on Saturday with a full round of 45-over fixtures across the county. Newly relegated Narberth and St Ishmaels both made strong opening statements as they target an immediate return to Division 1.

Before play, Narberth Cricket Club held a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the loss of their club life member and friend, Emma Richards (pictured).

Narberth then underlined their quality with a 38-run victory over Cresselly 2nds. Batting first, they posted 187 all out, built around an outstanding 93 from Jamie McCormack. Jordan Howell (19) and Louis Hough (26) provided useful support, while extras contributed a notable 25 runs. In reply, Cresselly 2nds fought hard, with Ryan Lewis making 47 and Josh Lewis adding 25, but they were bowled out for 149. Lewis Mason was the standout performer with the ball, taking 5 for 34 to secure maximum points for Narberth.

Tish were even more dominant, cruising to a 10-wicket win over Llanrhian. After bowling the hosts out for just 65—thanks to Tom Williams’ 3 for 10 and strong support from Andrew Pawlett (2 for 21) and Lewis Rhead (2 for 11)—Tish made light work of the chase. Brennan Devonald struck an unbeaten 40, partnered by Phil Cockburn (25 not out), as the visitors reached 67 without loss inside just 16 overs.

At Hook, the 1st XI were far too strong for Burton 2nds, recording a seven-wicket win. Burton struggled with the bat, managing only 64 all out, with Will Ridge providing the only real resistance with 44. Aled Phelps did the damage with the ball, finishing with superb figures of 6 for 26, while Rhys Phelps chipped in with 2 for 10. In response, Hook reached 66 for 3, with George James anchoring the innings with a composed 37.

Llechryd also made a winning start, overcoming Carew 2nds by six wickets. Carew 2nds were dismissed for just 57, with David Dunfee (4 for 11) and Florian Cartwright (3 for 3) leading the bowling attack. Llechryd made no mistake in the chase, reaching 60 for 4, with Jac Davies steadying the innings with 24.

At Imble Lane, Pembroke edged out Johnston by three wickets in a closely fought contest. Johnston posted 143 all out, with Chris Fitzpatrick top-scoring with a composed 66, and support coming from Liam Boswell (22) and Lee Summons (19). Gary James starred with the ball for Pembroke, taking 5 for 24. In reply, Pembroke’s chase was anchored by Ceri Brace (46) and Jack Harries (31), and although a late wobble threatened to derail them, they eventually reached their target with three wickets to spare.

It was an encouraging start to the season across Pembrokeshire, with many sides already showing signs of form and purpose ahead of what promises to be another highly competitive summer.

Photo caption:
Tribute: Narberth Cricket Club held a minute’s silence for club life member Emma Richards before their match against Cresselly 2nds (Pic: Narberth Cricket Club/Facebook).

News

Haverfordwest Youth clinch double with dominant display in cup final

Published

4 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Haverfordwest Youth 54 – Narberth Youth 24

IN a thrilling Pembrokeshire Youth Cup Final Haverfordwest Youth cemented their dominance by completing the league and cup double with a commanding 54-24 victory over Narberth Youth. From the outset, the Young Blues showcased their class, but Narberth fought valiantly, showing the heart and determination their coach, Jason Jennings, had called for.

Haverfordwest set the tone early, racing to a 14-0 lead within the opening quarter. No. 8 Kieran Harries and scrum-half Alfie Thomas were the first to cross the line, both tries converted by the reliable Rio Phillips. However, Narberth responded with resolve, as a well-worked try in the left corner from Ashton O’Riorden, following a clever pass from Sam Morris and Owen Woof, got them on the scoreboard.

But Haverfordwest weren’t about to let their lead slip. Harries, who was a standout performer throughout, quickly added his second try after powerful work up front from captain Iori Curtis, Logun Young, and Zac Shaw. Phillips converted, and Young was again involved in the build-up as Haverfordwest extended their lead to 28-5 at the break.

The second half saw little let-up in Haverfordwest’s relentless pressure. Left-winger Harry Lawrence touched down for the fifth try of the match, with Phillips converting again to make it five successful kicks from five attempts. A rare miss followed, but Harries, ever the workhorse, completed his hat-trick with another outstanding solo effort.

Narberth, however, had no intention of going down without a fight. Their resilience was rewarded with a well-deserved try from No. 8 Callum Goeman, which brought cheers from the sidelines. Haverfordwest’s prop Cruz Findlay and Young responded with tries of their own, but Narberth weren’t finished yet. A late brace from hooker Charlie Reynolds, coupled with a conversion by outside half Gethin Llewellin, ensured they ended the match with their heads held high.

Despite the spirited late rally from Narberth, there was no denying Haverfordwest’s quality on the day. Steve Parry’s side were undoubtedly the standout team of the season, and as joint captains Iori Curtis and Devin Williams proudly lifted the Youth Cup, it was clear that this was a well-deserved double.