Sport
Burton survive as Kilgetty beaten
BURTON guaranteed their place in Division 1 for the 2019 Season as their win over St Ishmaels, coupled with Kilgetty’s defeat against Whitland, saw them jump out of the bottom two.
Kilgetty had a seventeen-point advantage over second from Burton going into the final games and a positive result would have seen them stay up.
Burton knew all they could do was try and win their game and hope that Whitland did them a favour.
Tish won the toss and elected to bat but it was Burton who made the early breakthrough as Harry Nicholas was caught by James Davies off the bowling of John Scale on a score of 11. Scale then had Daniel Howells caught by Morgan Scale for a duck as Tish were reduced to 27-2.
Peter Bradshaw and Phil Cockburn then shared an excellent stand worth 73 runs as they put the pressure on the Burton bowlers.
Burton could have picked up another two wickets had it not been for a dropped catch and a missed run out and Tish looked to make them pay for those misses.
Bradshaw made 45 with five boundaries but he was then well caught by Toby Hayman off the bowling Jack Davies.
Cockburn then shared another 32 runs with Andrew Palmer before he was caught by Jonathan Venables off the bowling of Morgan Scale on a score of 44 which included four boundaries and one maximum.
Jack Nicholas did not last long at the crease as he was caught by Jack Davies off the bowling of Morgan Scale for a duck.
Daniel Richards made 14 but he was then caught by Hayman off the bowling of Scale.
Andrew Palmer batted well and his score of 51 from 53 balls (six fours, one six) took Tish to their total of 181-6.
Kilgetty got off to a good start in their game after losing the toss and being invited to bat first.
Openers Kurtis Marsh and Ross Hardy put on an opening partnership of 53 before Hardy was dismissed for 16 (2 fours and a 6). Marsh continued and hit 10 fours in his 58.
There followed a partnership of 46 between Kyle Marsh (32) and Dafydd Bevan (16) and further contributions from Toby Poole (17), Jack Parkinson (12) and Ian Poole (10 not out) as the overs ran out with the score on 181 for 9. Star bowlers for Whitland were spinner Jack Bowen (3 for 23), Mathew Davies (3 for 36), skipper iestyn Scourfield (2 for 32) and Nathan Evans (1 for 34).
Burton lost opener Richard Jones early in their reply as he was caught by Daniel Richards off the bowling of Brennan Devonald.
Luke Hayman scored 13 for Burton but he was then caught by Jack Nicholas off the bowling of Andrew Palmer.
Robert Neil also scored 12 for the home side before being caught by Harry Nicholas off the bowling of Andrew Pawlett.
Morgan Scale added just 11 before Pawlett picked up his second wicket as Scale was caught by Peter Bradshaw.
That left Burton on 84-4 but opener Toby Hayman and Jonathan Venables shared 74 runs for the fifth wicket to take Burton to within touching distance of victory.
Hayman eventually fell for a score of 90, unlucky to miss out on a century, as he was stumped by Jack Nicholas off the bowling of Andrew Palmer. His knock included 12 fours and one six.
James Davies was run out late on by Lenny Rees but Venables was the hero as he finished not out on 45 to guide his side to victory, and, more importantly, to safety.
After tea, the Whitland batsmen set about their chase. Steffan James was involved in two good partnerships – one of 54 with Gethin Scourfield (30) and one of 42 with Nathan Evans (25).
James was eventually out for 41 (5 fours), but then Mathew Davies showed his all-round ability as he took the initiative with a crucial innings of 59 with 5 fours and a six.
He was helped by Geraint Phillips (11) as the total was reached with two overs to spare. Top bowlers for Kilgetty were Christian Phillips (3 for 34), Jack Parkinson (3 for 34) and Kurtis Marsh (1 for 48).
The result left Whitland celebrating one of their best ever seasons with a fourth place finish, while Kilgetty have to contemplate life in Division 2 next season.
Sport
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1: Match reports
Goodwick United 3–0 Merlins Bridge
League leaders Goodwick United claimed a commanding 3–0 victory over Merlins Bridge at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village. Rhys Jones broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a spectacular 25-yard free kick. An own goal by Nick Squire early in the second half doubled the advantage, and Jones sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. The result keeps Goodwick four points clear at the top as they push to retain their title.
Carew 16–0 Herbrandston
Carew delivered a record-breaking performance, thrashing Herbrandston 16–0 at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. James Hinchliffe led the charge with six goals, supported by Shaun Whitfield’s rapid hat-trick. George Waters contributed four goals, Gareth Lewis added two, and Leon Davies completed the rout. The emphatic win lifted Carew out of the relegation zone, while Herbrandston remains firmly at the bottom of the table.
Clarbeston Road 5–2 St Ishmaels
Clarbeston Road cruised to a 5–2 victory over St Ishmaels at Knock Field. Ben John missed an early penalty for Clarbeston but redeemed himself by assisting Jake Wesley’s equaliser. Laurie Haworth and Dan Rees found the net, with Wesley adding a second to complete the scoring for Clarbeston. St Ishmaels’ captain Brennan Devonald netted twice, but his side dropped into the relegation zone.
Monkton Swifts 1–4 Hakin United
Hakin United strengthened their title challenge with a 4–1 win over Monkton Swifts. Dylan Davies put Monkton ahead early, but Hakin responded through Ryan Wilson and Mark Jones to take a 2–1 lead into halftime. Jay Kilby scored twice in the second half, sealing a vital away win for the Vikings.
Milford United 2–2 Pennar Robins
Milford United and Pennar Robins played out an entertaining 2–2 draw at Marble Hall. Liam Davies gave Milford the lead, but Jamie Wilkes equalised for Pennar. Dan James then put Pennar ahead, only for Leon Davies to bring Milford level again. Milford’s Sam Davies was sent off late, but neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.
Tenby 2–3 Kilgetty
Kilgetty staged a thrilling comeback to defeat derby rivals Tenby 3–2 at the Clicketts. Joe Leahy opened the scoring for Tenby, with Jordan Gorman quickly levelling for Kilgetty. Scott Ferney restored Tenby’s lead before halftime. However, Kilgetty turned the tide in the final ten minutes as Lloyd Hughes equalised, and captain Richard Cope struck the decisive winner to secure a dramatic victory.
Sport
Local rugby action: Thrills, wins, and tough battles across divisions
Crymych 19 – Llanelli Wanderers 33
Llanelli Wanderers showcased their title aspirations with a decisive bonus-point victory over Crymych. Despite a spirited effort from the Preseli Men, who trailed 12-18 at halftime, they couldn’t capitalize on second-half opportunities.
Crymych’s hooker Lee Griffiths scored two tries in the first half, and a late penalty try offered some consolation. The Wanderers, under Sean Gale’s guidance, proved dominant with tries from Rhydian Morgan, Lewis Jones, Rhodri Owens, and Sam Icke. Jones contributed two conversions and three penalties, keeping the Wanderers in contention at the top of the table. Crymych remain in a relegation battle.
Division One (West)
Pontarddulais 17 – Tenby United 26
Tenby United maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard-earned seventh victory of the season, defeating a determined Pontarddulais side. Though missing a bonus point, the disciplined Seasiders secured a valuable win.
Lloyd Thomas played a pivotal role, kicking four penalties and converting tries by Gwion Jones and Rob Luly. Acting skipper Jones shone with an individual effort. Pontarddulais responded with tries from Ethan Miles, Lewis Edwards, and Iwan Evans. Tenby stay second in the league with a game in hand over leaders Aberystwyth.
Division Two (West)
Whitland 13 – Fishguard & Goodwick 10
A late Harry Fuller penalty sealed Whitland’s narrow victory in a fiercely contested clash with Fishguard and Goodwick. The Seagulls led 7-3 at halftime after Ben John’s converted try answered Johnny Thomas’s penalty.
Rhys Nicholas turned the game in Whitland’s favor with a crucial intercept try, converted by Thomas. Although Mark Jones briefly leveled the scores, Fuller’s decisive penalty secured Whitland’s fourth win of the season.
Carmarthen Athletic 23 – Milford Haven 10
Carmarthen Athletic overturned a halftime deficit to claim a solid home win over Milford Haven. The Mariners led 10-6 at the break, thanks to Robbie Jones’s converted try and a James Trueman penalty.
The Athletic surged back with 17 unanswered points, including tries from Gethin Phillips, Morgan Morse, and Deian Morgan. Zak Williams added the conversions and penalties to seal the victory. Milford missed out on a losing bonus point in their fourth defeat of the season.
Division Three (West)
Cefneithin 16 – Cardigan 29
Cardigan continued their strong form with a bonus-point win over Cefneithin. The Teifisiders led 15-6 at halftime, with Marcus Castle and Shaun Leonard crossing the try line. Leonard was instrumental, adding another try and three conversions.
John Lumb and Jack Taylor scored second-half tries as Cardigan capitalized on excellent possession. Cefneithin fought back with a try by Jonathan Morgan and three penalties from Carwyn Evans but fell short.
Division Four (West)
Llanybydder 17 – Neyland 43
Neyland dazzled with a six-try bonus-point victory over Llanybydder. Leading 24-5 at halftime, the All Blacks saw tries from Owain Evans, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer, and skipper Georghe Williams.
Young winger Josh Watts added two second-half tries. Llanybydder responded with tries from Jake Evans, Dan Davies, and Dan Jones, converted by Ethan Sion Mathias, but Neyland’s dominance was unshaken as they returned to the top of the table.
Teirw Crymych 17 – St Davids 17
Teirw Crymych and St Davids battled to a draw in a thrilling encounter. The Bulls dominated early, building a 14-0 lead with tries from George Plummer and Trystan Griffiths, both converted by Adam Phillips.
St Davids stormed back with tries by Will James and Tom Clarke, before George Raymond’s late try leveled the scores. The conversion went wide, leaving both teams to share the points.
Dreigiau Emlyn 14 – Narberth Athletic 3
Narberth Athletic’s unbeaten run ended at Ddol Wiber as Dreigiau Emlyn’s forward strength secured a gritty win. A single forward-driven try and three penalties proved enough for the Dragons.
Athletic struggled to convert pressure into points, their only score coming from a Shane Rossiter penalty. The Dragons celebrated their third victory of the season.
Llangwm 17 – Pembroke 22
In a heated Division Four West derby, Pembroke edged out Llangwm in the first leg of the Palmer Cup at Pill Parks. The Scarlets held firm against a late surge to secure the win.
Llangwm opened strongly, with James Morgan and Dan Richards scoring tries, both converted by Harry Makepeace. Pembroke’s forwards turned the tide, with Jamie Brayford (2), Robin Badham, and Josh Greenwood crossing the line. Despite Llangwm’s late efforts, Pembroke extended their winning streak to three matches.
Sport
Pembrokeshire Vikings triumph over Port Talbot panthers
PEMBROKESHIRE VIKINGS faced a tough challenge against the formidable Port Talbot Panthers at Milford Haven RFC on Sunday afternoon. In a fiercely contested battle, the Vikings emerged as worthy winners with a final score of 33-17.
The Vikings’ try scorers included Dave Roberts, Karl Bate, Shaun Treadwell, Richard Williams, and Jack Elliott. Callum Power added to the scoreboard with four successful conversions. Karl Bate’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
A special mention goes to Sean Phillips, who made a welcome return to the team. Phillips delivered a brilliant 30-metre line break, unselfishly passing the ball to Dave Roberts, who crossed under the posts. His contribution exemplified the team spirit that defines the Vikings.
Matches between the Vikings and the Panthers are always marked by fierce rivalry, but also by strong friendships forged on and off the field. The team eagerly anticipates the return fixture in 2025.
The Vikings also extended their gratitude to Barry from Pembrokeshire College, a loyal supporter of the team. Additionally, thanks were given to sponsors Austwel LTD, Hedley Asset Management, and The Pembrokeshire Herald for their ongoing support.
Next match: A historic showdown
This Saturday, the Pembrokeshire Vikings will travel to Llandaff RFC to make history in a match against Rygbi Senedd Cymru. The team looks forward to another thrilling encounter as they continue their successful season.
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