Sport

Cresselly claim Harrison Allen Bowl

Published

7 years ago

August 6, 2018

CRESSELLY were crowned Harrison Allen Champions for 2018 on Sunday (Aug 5), as they beat Lawrenny by 25 runs in a thrilling final.

The final was played in glorious sunshine in contrast to the heavy rain that had forced the game to be called off the previous week (Jul 28).

Like last week Lawrenny again won the toss and elected to field despite the good conditions.

Lawrenny did strike first however as they removed Dan Sutton early on before two more wickets reduced them to 56-3 off the first ten overs.

Adam Chandler and Alex Bayley then stole the show as they reached 84-3 after thirteen overs.

25 runs then followed in the next over as Cresselly turned on the style with some excellent shots.

Bayley reached his 50 off just 26 balls as they raced to 145-3 after 18 overs.

It was then Chandler’s turn to reach his half century in the twentieth over as their partnership past 100 to put Cresselly in control on 167-3.

The two batsmen continued to smash the ball every which way they could as Chandler finished the innings not out on 57 while Bayley was not out on an outstanding 79.

That took Cresselly to an imposing total of 194-3 from their first 22 overs.

Lawrenny knew they would need to bat well if they were to at least match Cresselly’s score but their reply did not get off to the best of starts.

Simon Cole, Steve Lewis and Patrick Elliot were all sent back in the hutch as Ryan Lewis took two wickets and Mike Shaw picked up the third leaving Lawrenny on 3-3 after just two overs.

The rebuilding effort began as Harry Thomas made his way to 26 and James Phillips to a score of 23 as Lawrenny recovered to reach 56-3 off 10.

Thomas and Phillips continued to play well in the middle as they took Lawrenny to 93-3 off 14 overs.

Their partnership stood 94 but Cresselly eventually made the breakthrough as James Phillips was run out by Mike Shaw on a score of 39.

Dan Sutton then picked up another run out with a direct hit and Lawrenny were now 108-5 off 16 overs.

Danger man Brad McDermott-Jenkins was then bowled by Shaw as Lawrenny slipped to 111-6.

Harry Thomas had made his way to an excellent score of 70 but he was then removed by Dan James to leave Lawrenny on 130-7.

Dan Cherry returned to take two wickets in the final over as Lawrenny finished their innings on 146-9, giving Cresselly a lead of 48 at the interval.

Cresselly then set about taking the game from their opponents and they reached 27-0 after four overs giving them a lead of 75.

That soon became 66-0 after ten with Dan Sutton on 35 and Adam Chandler on 26.

Lawrenny eventually made the breakthrough as Chandler departed on a score of 27. Sutton was then bowled on a score of 38 and soon after Iwan Izzard was sent back to the dressing room leaving Cresselly on 72-3.

Alex Bayley and Dan Cherry looked to rebuild for the hosts 89-3 off 15 overs.

Bayley could only add a score of 10 to his first innings knock before he was trapped leg before in the fifteenth over.

That soon became five as Lawrenny did their best to keep the lead down but with four overs to go, Cresselly held a lead of 158 with the score on 110-5.

Another run out checked Cresselly’s momentum as they reached 144-6 with Dan Cherry not out on 41.

They eventually finished on 149-6 meaning Lawrenny would need a mammoth 198 to win the Bowl Final.

Lawrenny got their reply going with a four off the first ball but they were soon in trouble after losing two quick wickets.

They reached 28-2 off the first four overs and 38-3 after six. That soon became 47-4 and Lawrenny were in danger of letting the game slip away from them.

They reached 65-4 after 12 overs needing 133 to win from the last ten overs. They did their best as the start of the next over saw two sixes and a four.

Cresselly were doing their best to stem the flow of runs but there was controversy in the fourteenth as Lawrenny fans claimed a four despite the fielders getting round to the ball, just two according to the umpires and Lawrenny were 90-4.

Joe Kidney was in good form for Lawrenny as he hit a six to make his way to a score of 48 but he was bowled as he went for another big shot.

Lawrenny continued to go for the big shots but two more wickets left them 111-7 after seventeen overs.

Two more wickets fell but Lawrenny refused to go down without a fight as Brad McDermott-Jenkins played a number of good strokes.

Lawrenny reached 160-9 off 21 overs and with 38 to win, the Bowl, barring any errors, was going to Cresselly.

McDermott-Jenkins continued to put on a show at the end and hit a six with the last ball to finish not out on 52 as Lawrenny finished their innings on 173-9.

That earned Cresselly a 25-run victory and they celebrated their first Bowl win since 2009.

Following the game, Pembroke County Cricket Club Chairman Paul Webb thanked everybody for attending the final and Cresselly and Lawrenny for an excellent game of cricket.

On receiving their runners up trophies, Lawrenny captain Joe Kidney congratulated Cresselly on their victory and thanked their set of supporters.

Cresselly’s Alex Bayley was also named as the man of the match for his excellent score of 79 not out in the first innings.

Speaking to the Herald after the presentation, Cresselly captain Neilson Cole said: “Lawrenny are a very dangerous side and Joe is one of the nicest guys I know and I’m sure he’s one hell of a skipper and they battled well today and they’ll be competing for the Bowl in the coming years, no doubt.

“It’s amazing, we’ve come so close, third time lucky. We’ve put our supporters through a lot the last couple of years and we’re just delighted to deliver it.

“Having played in the final before we know in the first innings, you can certainly lose it if you don’t get it right, Bayley’s innings was so important and he’s done it so many times for us in the bowl and rightfully man of the match today as that was the innings that turned the match.”

Up Next

Town edge Whitland as Cresselly and Neyland win

Don't Miss

Harrison Allen Bowl Final LIVE

News

Awards celebrate all that is good about Pembrokeshire sport

Published

3 days ago

December 2, 2025

Herald Sport

PEMBROKESHIRE’S sporting community came together on Friday evening as Folly Farm hosted the annual Sport Pembrokeshire Awards – a night dedicated to honouring achievements across every level, age group and discipline.

The awards recognise exceptional performances, inspiring journeys and the volunteers who keep local sport thriving behind the scenes. The ceremony was once again presented by Ceri Coleman-Phillips of BBC Wales Sport, supported by Cris Tomos.

Lifetime honour for Premier League star

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Pembrokeshire’s own Simon Davies.
The former Wales winger enjoyed a distinguished Premier League career with Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.

Davies scored in the 2010 Europa League final for Fulham, won fifty-eight caps for Wales – scoring six – and captained his country during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. He was named Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2002 and Fulham’s player of the season in 2007–08. After leaving the club in 2013, he returned to his boyhood side Solva AFC, famously paying £3 subs to play against St Ishmaels.

Special recognition for Wales Women’s Street Football Team

Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas introduced the evening’s Special Award, honouring the players of the Wales Women’s Street Football Team for their remarkable run to the quarter-finals of the Homeless World Cup in Oslo.

The squad trains in Haverfordwest and included five outstanding Pembrokeshire players – co-captains Tor Planner and Marie Tilley, alongside Claire Mantripp, Sam Lewtas and Bryony Davies. All have overcome personal challenges, including homelessness, mental health difficulties and social exclusion, yet wore the Welsh jersey with pride on the world stage.

The team was led by manager Jo Price, former Wales and Arsenal goalkeeper.
Support staff included Anji Tinley, Manager of the Garth Youth & Community Project and a Pembrokeshire County Councillor.

Cruising Free honoured after rowing the Atlantic

The Chairman’s Award for 2025 was presented by Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen to ‘Cruising Free’ of Neyland Rowing Club, who achieved one of the world’s toughest endurance feats – rowing 3,200 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Sophie Pierce, Janine Williams, Miyah Periam and Polly Zipperlan completed the gruelling crossing from Lanzarote to Antigua, raising money for cystic fibrosis and the Paul Sartori Foundation.

At 32, Sophie became the first person with cystic fibrosis to row an ocean, while 70-year-old Janine became the oldest woman ever to complete the challenge. The team’s achievement was hailed as a powerful example of determination, unity and courage.

Parkrun pioneers win School Award

The School Award went to the Federation of Tavernspite and Templeton Schools – the first Parkrun School in the UK.

The federation has built a Parkrun curriculum with Parkrun UK, using the weekly event to boost physical activity, support wellbeing, and develop leadership through the Parkrun Ambassador scheme. The schools were praised for exceptional inclusion, providing adapted PE equipment, wheelchair races and strong support for disadvantaged pupils. Estyn has highlighted their work as best practice.

A strong year for Pembrokeshire sport

Summing up the event, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said:
“My congratulations go to everyone who won awards and all those nominated. We are so lucky to have such a strong sporting scene here in Pembrokeshire, and my thanks go to all those who work so hard to ensure people of all ages and abilities can take part in the sports they love. Thanks also to our sponsors Valero, Folly Farm and Pure West Radio for supporting this celebration each year.”

Full list of winners

Girls U16: Ava Tyrie (Brazilian Ju Jitsu – Pembroke MMA)
Boys U16: Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)

Club of the Year: Milford Haven Hockey Club (MAIN PHOTO)
Junior Disability: Jake Evans (Llangwm RFC)
Young Volunteer: Alannah Heasman (Haverfordwest High School)
Junior Team: Merlin’s Bridge FC Under-14s 2024/25
Unsung Hero: Jenny Lewis (Clarbeston Road AFC)
Senior Team: Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club
Male Achievement: Liam Bradley (Triathlon)
Female Achievement: Sanna Duthie (Running)
Disability Sport: Rachel Bailey (Boccia)
Club Organiser: Silfan Rhys-Jones (Fishguard Table Tennis Club)
Coach of the Year: James North (Kilgetty AFC)
School Award: Tavernspite & Templeton Federation of Schools
Chairman’s Award: Cruising Free (Neyland Rowing Club)
Special Award: Street Football Wales
Lifetime Achievement: Simon Davies (Wales, Spurs, Fulham, Everton & Solva AFC)

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Week ten results

Published

4 days ago

November 30, 2025

Herald Sport

The Friendly League continues as Reynalton close the gap on leaders East Williamston

THE LATEST round of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League produced another mix of tight contests and emphatic victories.

Kilgetty were beaten 8–2 at home by Hundleton, while Reynalton delivered the standout performance of the week with a 10–0 win over East Williamston. Llanteg also impressed, defeating Carew 8–2.

Elsewhere, St Twynnells claimed a 7–3 win away at the Badgers, and Lamphey ran out 7–3 winners against St Johns. Cosheston had the bye.

League table – Week ten

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	8	7	0	1	+130	62
Reynalton	8	5	1	2	+64	50
Hundleton	8	4	1	3	+3	42
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	–5	41
Badgers	9	3	1	5	–21	41
St Johns	8	3	1	4	–6	38
St Twynnells	8	4	0	4	–34	37
Lamphey	9	4	0	5	–15	36
Kilgetty	9	4	0	5	–49	36
Cosheston	8	3	0	5	–13	35
Carew	7	3	0	4	–54	32

Reynalton’s dominant win means they move within touching distance of leaders East Williamston, setting up an intriguing second half to the season.

Sport

South Africa run riot as Wales suffer record defeat in Cardiff

Published

5 days ago

November 30, 2025

Herald Sport

Wales 0–73 South Africa
WALES endured one of the heaviest defeats in their history on Saturday as world champions South Africa ran in 11 tries at the Principality Stadium, producing a brutal 73-0 demolition that exposed the gulf between the sides and underlined the scale of the rebuilding task facing Welsh rugby.

The fixture, arranged outside the international window, left Wales without several first-choice players and short on experience. South Africa, by contrast, arrived in Cardiff at full strength and in ruthless form. What followed was a one-sided contest from the opening minutes to the final whistle.

First-half dominance

The Springboks established their authority early, their scrum immediately overpowering the Welsh pack and setting the tone for the afternoon. Tries from Gerhard Steenekamp, Ethan Hooker and Jasper Wiese put the visitors 21-0 ahead, with Wales struggling to exit their own half and repeatedly conceding penalties under pressure.

Wales’ lineout functioned reasonably well and there were brief flashes of ambition from Joe Hawkins, Joe Roberts and Rio Dyer, but every half-chance dissolved through handling errors or South Africa’s suffocating defensive line. A late surge from the Boks saw Morne van den Berg cross just before the break for a 28-0 half-time lead.

Second-half collapse

Any hopes of containment disappeared after the interval. South Africa emptied their bench—bringing on yet more power—and immediately cut through Wales again. Wilco Louw, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (twice), Canan Moodie, Ruan Nortje and Eben Etzebeth all scored in a relentless second half.

Wales’ discipline faltered under the pressure. Taine Plumtree and Aaron Wainwright were both shown yellow cards, with Wainwright’s high tackle sent to the bunker for review. South Africa’s own discipline cracked late on when Etzebeth received a straight red card for making contact with the eye area of Alex Mann—an incident captain Siya Kolisi later claimed was accidental.

Reaction

Player of the match Andre Esterhuizen, who produced a series of thunderous carries and turnovers, said the Springboks “worked really hard” to complete their Autumn clean sweep, praising Wales for “never giving up”.

Kolisi was gracious in victory but said he did not want the Etzebeth incident to overshadow the performance, adding: “The only way a team gets better is by playing the best. Wales will be stronger for facing this.”

Former Wales captain Dan Biggar, working as a pundit, was blunt in his assessment. “There are players there that aren’t at this level now, and may not play this level again,” he said. “I don’t think anyone learned anything from that.”

A difficult day for Welsh rugby

For Wales, the defeat will strengthen scrutiny of the WRU’s scheduling and long-term planning. A young and inexperienced squad battled gamely in patches—Mann, Hawkins and Dyer among those showing fight—but the mismatch was stark.

A crowd of around 50,000, well below capacity, reflected the mood of supporters as another bruising year for Welsh rugby nears its end.

Head coach Warren Gatland will now attempt to piece together the positives from a chastening afternoon, but the bigger questions facing the structure of the game in Wales remain unanswered.