Sport
Hook and Llangwm seal Ormond Youth success

HOOK and Llangwm won the 2018 Ormond Youth Cup on Sunday (Sept 2) as they beat last year’s winners Carew and Saundersfoot in the Final.
Rain had put the match in doubt but the excellent work from the Carew groundstaff meant the teams were able to get the game underway shortly before 1:30pm with a full game in prospect.
Carew and Saundersfoot won the toss but invited their opponents to bat with the ground still damp from a sprinkling of rain.
Despite that, openers Noah Davies and George James got their side off to an excellent start with a stand of 65 runs.
That was broken when Rhys Grigg bowled James on a score of 36 that included three fours and two sixes.
Soon after Tom Mansbridge had Aled Phelps caught by Lewis Catt, leaving Hook and Llangwm on 66-2 nearing the halfway stage.
Mansbridge then picked up his second wicket as Davies was stumped by Morgan Grieve on a score of 25.
Jack Nicholas then scored 20 to take his side to 100 but he was then bowled by John Mansbridge.
Keegan Codd added another ten runs to the total but he was also heading back to the pavilion when he was caught by Grieve off the bowling of Carl Thomas.
Harry Nicholas made a score of 8 before being caught by Elliot Waters off the bowling of John Mansbridge and Callum Jenkins was then caught by Catt off the bowling of Thomas.
Ben Fairburn and Finlay Elrick then finished not out as they guided their side to an opening total of 123-7.
Carew and Saundersfoot’s reply did not get off to the best of starts as Tom Mansbridge was bowled by Noah Davies with the fourth ball of the innings.
John Mansbridge and Morgan Grieve then got their side off the mark with a stand of 32 before something quite special happened.
Aled Phelps was brought on to bowl and with the second ball of his second over he had Mansbridge stumped by Jack Nicholas on a score of 16. Phelps then bowled Carl Thomas and Rhys Grigg to claim a sensational hat trick. He wasn’t finished there as he picked up a fourth wicket in a row, bowling Rhys Canton.
That saw the defending champions slip from 32-1 to 32-5 in one over and they were in need of some help.
Morgan Grieve did his best with a score of 31 but he was then bowled by Davies. Tudor Hurle and Lewis Catt both fell in similar fashion as they were stumped by Nicholas off the bowling of Ben Fairburn for scores of 11 and 4 respectively.
Harry Nicholas then picked up the wickets of Taran Richards and Morgan Broomhall to dismiss Carew and Saundersfoot for just 76, giving Hook and Llangwm a lead of 47 at the halfway point.
Hook and Llangwm set about trying to make Carew and Saundersfoot’s final target as big as they possibly could as Davies and James shared 47 runs for the opening wicket.
Davies made 18 but he was then caught by Canton off the bowling of Tom Mansbridge. James then shared another 35 runs with Aled Phelps before James was caught by Catt off the bowling of Mansbridge on a score of 40 that included one maximum.
Phelps then shared 40 runs with Jack Nicholas as Hook and Llangwm’s lead passed 150 runs. Phelps had played well for his score of 35 but he was then run out.
Keegan Codd was also run out on a score of 7 while Jack Nicholas finished not out on 18 to take his side to a total of 135-5, setting Carew and Saundersfoot 182 to win.
The Mansbridge duo then made a good start to their reply with Tom scoring 24 before he was caught by Fairburn off the bowling of Phelps.
John scored 21 before he was bowled by Phelps and Tudor Hurle was then caught and bowled by Callum Jenkins to leave them 54-3.
Morgan Grieve and Rhys Grigg then did their best to get Carew and Saundersfoot back on track with Grieve scoring 21 before he was caught by James off the bowling of Jenkins.
Keegan Codd then had Carl Thomas caught by Elrick on a score of 9 and Canton caught by James on a duck.
Harry Nicholas also bowled Lewis Catt on a score of 4 while Grigg had made his way to a score of 46 with three fours and two sixes before he was caught by Elrick, also off the bowling of Nicholas.
Nicholas then bowled Taran Richards as Carew and Saundersfoot finished their innings on 137-9, giving victory to Hook and Llangwm by 45 runs.
Aled Phelps was named man of the match for his four wickets in four balls and his score of 35 in the second innings.
Sport
Manager reflects on unity, discipline, and a season built on belief

IN the days leading up to Sunday’s play-off final, Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock said one thing clearly: “The boys are looking forward to it and will be up for the challenge.”
He wasn’t wrong.
While supporters rightly celebrate a 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town and the return of European football to the club, it’s worth remembering that this moment was forged not in 90 minutes, but across a season built on togetherness, hard graft, and quiet conviction.
Pennock, reflecting before the final, pointed to signs he’d seen as early as last June.
“From the first session up at the Racecourse, then the beach the following week, you just saw a group that really wanted to work hard for each other,” he said.
That unity has defined the Bluebirds’ campaign. They achieved a club-record 51 points and finished with the best defensive record in the Cymru Premier — conceding just 26 goals in 32 games. It was a season not of flashy wins, but of collective discipline, focus, and belief.
And while Haverfordwest’s third-place finish guaranteed them a home final, it also meant an unusually long layoff — nearly four weeks without competitive football. For some, that might have spelled rust or lost momentum. For Pennock, it was opportunity.
“The break has given us a chance to get a few of the injured boys back fit,” he said on Friday. “No excuses from us — the boys are ready.”
Sunday’s performance proved that readiness, not just in energy but in character. It was a composed display from a squad that knew what was at stake and trusted in the process that had brought them this far.
Behind the scenes, there was also a challenge: keeping the squad focused and mentally prepared during the long wait. “Whatever happened in the previous 32 games doesn’t matter anymore,” Pennock said. “It’s all about Sunday.”
With the job now done and European qualification secured for the second year running, attention turns to logistics, the UEFA draw, and the question of whether Haverfordwest will again have to play at Cardiff City Stadium due to ground regulations.
But for now, the focus remains on a season that delivered on its promise — and on a manager who asked for belief and got it in return.

Photo caption: Stronger together: Haverfordwest’s season success rooted in unity and belief (Pic: HCAFC)
Cover photo by Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW
Sport
Bluebirds beat Caernarfon Town 3–1 to book place in UEFA Europa Conference League

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will once again fly the flag for Pembrokeshire in Europe after a thrilling 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town in the JD Cymru Premier European play-off final on Sunday (May 18).
In front of a passionate home crowd of 1,717 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, the Bluebirds produced a composed and clinical performance to book their place in the First Qualifying Round of the 2025–26 UEFA Europa Conference League.
Ben Ahmun opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute with a composed finish, before Dan Hawkins doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark. Ahmun sealed the victory with his second of the afternoon in the 85th minute, rounding off a memorable display.
Caernarfon pulled one back deep into injury time through Louis Lloyd (90+4), but it was too little, too late for the visitors, as Haverfordwest celebrated back-to-back European qualifications — a historic achievement for the Pembrokeshire club.
This result means Haverfordwest will enter the UEFA Conference League at the First Qualifying Round, with the draw expected in mid-June and matches scheduled for July.
It continues an impressive rise for the club, who last summer thrilled supporters across Wales with their dramatic European ties against Shkëndija of North Macedonia, narrowly exiting the competition on penalties after a heroic second-leg performance in Cardiff.
The win also cements Haverfordwest’s growing reputation as a force in domestic Welsh football — with a strong squad, local support, and the experience of last year’s European campaign to build on.
Full-time: Haverfordwest County 3–1 Caernarfon Town
Scorers:
Haverfordwest – Ahmun (17, 85), Hawkins (32)
Caernarfon – Lloyd (90+4)
Attendance: 1,717
Venue: Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest
Competition: JD Cymru Premier European Play-Off Final
Photo caption:
Bluebirds flying high: Haverfordwest players celebrate after qualifying for Europe (Pic: HCAFC)
Sport
Carew crush Llangwm as title race begins to take shape

CAREW remain the team to beat in Division One of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League after another dominant performance, as the early-season table starts to take shape.
The 2022 champions were ruthless against Llangwm, piling on a massive 365-5 before skittling the visitors for just 102 — winning by 263 runs. Nick Davies struck a classy 101, supported by 88 from Shaun Whitfield and 62 from Tim Hicks. In reply, James Hinchcliffe tore through the Llangwm batting with figures of 4-8, while Iori Hicks chipped in with 2-15.
Cresselly remain on their heels, comfortably beating Lawrenny by eight wickets. After bowling Lawrenny out for 119 — with Tom Arthur taking 3-29 and Charlie Arthur 3-32 — Morgan Lewis (60) and Charlie Arthur (41*) saw them home in just 21.5 overs.
Neyland kept pace near the top with a hard-fought four-wicket win over Burton. Ashley Sutton’s 76 and Dai Davies’s unbeaten 23 proved vital after Burton posted 147 all out, with Luke Hayman contributing 22 and taking 3-35 in a losing effort.
Saundersfoot also chalked up a win, chasing down 102 to beat Whitland by seven wickets. Prashant Gautam was the pick of the bowlers, taking 5-10, while Nick Cope took 4-21 and hit 26 not out to complete a fine all-round display.
Haverfordwest edged past Herbrandston by four wickets in a nervy low-scoring affair. Herbie were dismissed for 98, with Chris Phillips taking 3-11 and Fin Ateyo 3-13. Ben Field guided Town to victory with a patient unbeaten 50.
DIVISION ONE RESULTS – SATURDAY, MAY 17
- Carew 365-5 (Nick Davies 101, S. Whitfield 88) beat Llangwm 102 all out by 263 runs
- Cresselly 123-2 (Morgan Lewis 60) beat Lawrenny 119 all out by 8 wickets
- Neyland 148-6 (Ashley Sutton 76) beat Burton 147 all out by 4 wickets
- Saundersfoot 103-3 (Nick Cope 26no, Gautam 5-10) beat Whitland 102 all out by 7 wickets
- Haverfordwest 100-6 (Ben Field 50no) beat Herbrandston 98 all out by 4 wickets
DIVISION ONE TABLE (AFTER WEEK 4)
Pos | Team | P | W | L | Bat | Bowl | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Carew | 4 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 20 | 78 |
2 | Cresselly | 4 | 4 | 0 | 17 | 17 | 76 |
3 | Neyland | 4 | 3 | 1 | 16 | 18 | 66 |
4 | Saundersfoot | 4 | 3 | 1 | 15 | 14 | 62 |
5 | Haverfordwest | 4 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 13 | 50 |
6 | Burton | 4 | 1 | 3 | 14 | 16 | 40 |
7 | Lawrenny | 4 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 15 | 39 |
8 | Herbrandston | 4 | 1 | 3 | 14 | 14 | 38 |
9 | Whitland | 4 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 11 | 36 |
10 | Llangwm | 4 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 12 | 22 |
DIVISION TWO: Narberth and Pembroke unbeaten
Narberth stay top with a dominant 155-run win over Johnston. Jamie McCormack smashed a stunning 175, before Ryan Williams (4-49) helped bowl Johnston out for 169.
Pembroke are hot on their heels after chasing down Hook’s 230 with six wickets in hand. Jack Harries was the standout, finishing unbeaten on 125.
Carew II and Llechryd also enjoyed wins, while St Ishmaels crushed Burton II by 217 runs, with Brennan Devonald (136) and Peter Bradshaw (83) in the runs.
Division Two table (Top 3):
- Narberth – 78 pts
- Pembroke – 76 pts
- Hook – 65 pts
DIVISION THREE: Fishguard flying
Fishguard top Division Three after an eight-wicket win at Stackpole. Nigel Delaney anchored the chase with 63 not out.
Jake Davie’s unbeaten 96 helped Pembroke Dock beat Hundleton by 72 runs, while Steve Williams (73) and Charlie Holder (54) powered Hook II past Laugharne.
Elsewhere, Lamphey edged out Kilgetty by 3 wickets, and Neyland II held off Haverfordwest II in a tight contest.
Division Three table (Top 3):
- Fishguard – 69 pts
- Pembroke Dock – 64 pts
- Kilgetty – 52 pts
DIVISION FOUR: Saundersfoot II stay perfect
Saundersfoot II made it four from four with an eight-wicket win over Narberth II. Lewis Treadway-Williams top-scored with 44 not out.
Pembroke II were equally dominant, thrashing Haverfordwest III by 131 runs with Paul White unbeaten on 118.
Crymych and St Ishmaels II also recorded big wins, while Carew III saw off Lawrenny II by 70 runs.
Division Four table (Top 3):
- Saundersfoot II – 76 pts
- Crymych – 68 pts
- Pembroke II – 67 pts
DIVISION FIVE: Pembroke Dock II out front
In Division Five, Pembroke Dock II made light work of Haverfordwest IV, winning by nine wickets. Tom Grimwood hit an unbeaten 60.
Herbrandston II defeated Hundleton II, while Llechryd II cruised to victory over Cresselly III. Whitland II and Neyland III did not play.
Division Five table (Top 3):
- Pembroke Dock II – 67 pts
- Whitland II – 65 pts
- Herbrandston II – 65 pts
DIVISION SIX: Lamphey II climbing
Lamphey II secured a seven-wicket win over Kilgetty II, while Whitland III eased past Llechryd III by ten wickets. Pembroke III won a low-scoring game against Haverfordwest/Cresselly.
Division Six table (Top 3):
- Haverfordwest/Cresselly – 49 pts
- Lamphey II – 41 pts
- Pembroke III – 38 pts
Next week promises more exciting action across all divisions, with several top-of-the-table clashes in the pipeline.
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