Sport
Wales thump Ireland to seal Grand Slam

WALES secured a historic Grand Slam on Saturday (Mar 16), as they thumped Ireland 25-7 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Going into the game they knew that a win would see them crowned Six Nations Champions and that anything but would have opened the door for the Irish or England to snatch the title.
However, Wales were in no mood to let their Grand Slam hopes fade away and scored with just over a minute on the clock gone, and they never looked back.
It was the perfect start for Warren Gatland’s men as Ken Owens’ throw found its way to Gareth Anscombe who beautifully chipped over for Hadleigh Parkes to catch and touch down. Anscombe then added the extras.
It meant that Jonathan Sexton’s first act of the game was to restart it but they very nearly scored moments after, only for an excellent tackle.
Jacob Stockdale picked the ball up and looked as if he would run to the try line but Parkes made a try-saving tackle and Wales were able to win the ball back.
Wales increased their lead with a penalty on 18 minutes with a 49-metre penalty from Anscombe and they continued to push forward, not wanting to sit on their lead.
Two minutes later they had a penalty advantage but when the ball was kicked ahead, Gareth Davies’ over-eagerness saw him tackle the Irish player after the whistle had gone, much to the displeasure of the four Irishmen around him. The penalty was reversed.
Irish errors continued to be punished though and with five minutes of the first half remaining, Anscombe sent another penalty through the posts to make it 13-0.
On the stroke of half time, Ireland were guilty of collapsing the scrum and Anscombe again scored a penalty to give Wales a 16-0 lead at the break.
The first score in the second half would prove crucial, a Wales score would deflate Ireland while an Ireland score would give them hope.
After both sides traded penalties it was the home team who got the first points as Anscombe again punished Ireland with a 33-metre penalty which sailed just inside the posts to make it 19-0.
The Grand Slam was within Wales’ grasp and when Sexton’s restart went out of play, you got the sense that an Irish comeback seemed unlikely.
Another penalty from Anscombe made it 22-0 with just under half an hour to play but Ireland came back looking for a way into the game. However, try as they might they passed the ball out of play.
Connor Murray then came close to scoring but was held up and some excellent defending saw Wales turn the ball over.
With just over ten minutes to go Anscombe scored his sixth penalty to continue his perfect record and it was only a matter of time before Wales were crowned champions.
There was still time for Ireland to attack though and came close as Wales were penalised for being offside on three occasions but a knock on allowed Wales to clear the ball.
As the clock ticked over the 80 minutes, Wales knew they had done enough to secure the Grand Slam and a fourteenth win in a row but Ireland were not going down without a fight.
Stockdale was again halted but the ball was recycled to Jordan Larmour who dived over for a consolation try. Jack Carty added the extras but the celebrations for Wales had already begun.
It was a third Six Nations title for Warren Gatland in his final tournament, his second Grand Slam, proving that Wales were the one team to beat.
They will now look forward to preparing for the World Cup in Japan which starts in September.
Sport
Duggie Morris Cup quarter finals: Carew, Llangwm and Narberth through

CAREW, Llangwm and Narberth have all won their respective Duggie Morris Cup quarter finals this week.
Tonight, (May 25) Saundersfoot host Neyland for the last spot in the semi-finals.
On Tuesday, Carew beat St Ishmaels by 32 runs. Carew won the toss and chose to bat first and they scored 147-8 in their 20 overs.
They lost Rhys Davies and Shaun Whitfield early on but scores of 31 (five fours) and 18 from Morgan Grieve got Carew going.
Gareth Lewis also made a score of 18 before a late unbeaten score of 20 from Iori Hicks saw Carew to their total, setting Tish 148 to win the game.
Lewis Rhead was again the pick of the bowlers as he finished with figures of 3-24 from his four overs.
Jonathan Pawlett and Robbie Thomas each picked up a wicket while Phil Llewellyn, Huw Scriven and Brennan Devonald each claimed a run out.
Tish lost Phil Llewellyn and Jonathan Pawlett early in their reply, both falling to Iori Hicks, but Brennan Devonald looked in fine form.
He smashed seven fours and three sixes in his score of 60 from 33 balls but when he fell to Rhys Davies, Tish’s innings began to falter.
Only two other batsmen made it into double figures as Mark White and Shaun Whitfield both claimed two wickets in as many balls.
Peter Bradshaw finished unbeaten on 17 but Tish finished their innings on 115 all out.
Llangwm were victorious in their quarter final on Wednesday (May 24) as they beat Division 2 side Llanrhian by seven wickets.
Llanrhian struggled to get going in their innings and finished their 20 overs on 90-8.
It took Llangwm just eight overs to knock off the required runs with Steven Mills top scoring on 31. Matthew Kiff added 22 before Luke Brock finished unbeaten on 19 to see his side over the line.
Tuesday’s other quarter final saw Narberth host Burton. Burton batted first and made a good score of 161-4 in their 20 overs.
Narberth also batted exceptionally to get the runs needed, winning the game in the 17th over.
News
Peter Bowen’s Landofsmiles triumphs at Uttoxeter Racecourse

PEMBROKESHIRE trainer Peter Bowen is basking in the glory of a resounding victory as Landofsmiles clinched the three-mile chase at Uttoxeter Racecourse, leaving competitors trailing by a commanding ten lengths.
Notably, this triumphant return to the winner’s circle comes after a staggering 486-day hiatus.
“What a brilliant winner!” exclaimed Peter, elated by yesterday’s achievement. “And it was under a great ride from Sean. Well done to all connections.”
This afternoon, Sean will embark on his maiden experience of Grand Steeple-Chase day, having formed a partnership with Noble Yeats this season following Sam Waley-Cohen’s retirement from the saddle.
“I’m very excited as the horse has the class to be fourth in the Gold Cup and then fourth in the National off very nearly top weight,” shared Bowen confidently.
“He’s very classy, and he should take to it. He won the National on his first try at the fences, and I think he’s quite an adaptable horse, so hopefully, he can run well.”
While Bowen is preparing for his inaugural ride in France, the jockey from Little Newcastle is undeterred by the unfamiliar terrain.

“I’ll get over there early, walk the course, and I’ve watched the race being run from the last few years to see how horses jump each fence. So I’ll definitely be doing my homework.”
The Bowen yard at Yet Y Rhug has undergone a remarkable transformation from its modest origins as a bungalow and a couple of fields to a first-class racing establishment.
Today, it boasts 70 boxes, including 20 housed in the recently-constructed American barn. The yard’s training facilities encompass a six-furlong straight uphill all-weather carpet gallop, a four-furlong round all-weather carpet gallop allowing horses to engage in continuous work over two miles, and a one-furlong-deep sand gallop.
Furthermore, the yard features two schooling arenas, both equipped with all-weather carpet surfaces, one accommodating hurdles and fences for training purposes.

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Little Newcastle, where Peter was raised and initially tasted success training point-to-pointers, the yard serves as a testament to his unwavering work ethic, dedication, and hands-on approach to his beloved profession.
Peter knows each horse entrusted to his care by name, recognizing their preferences, aversions, and even their peculiar idiosyncrasies.
Since ascending to the top echelons of horse racing training in 1995, Peter’s horses have become familiar faces in winner’s enclosures across the country’s renowned racecourses, most of which require a lengthy journey from Pembrokeshire.
Those fortunate enough to be close to Peter can attest to his indomitable spirit, tireless commitment, and personal involvement in the sport he holds dear. He cherishes an intimate knowledge of every horse under his tutelage, ensuring a bond that extends beyond the racetrack.
News
Thousands of cyclists embark on Carten100 Charity Ride from Cardiff Pembrokeshire

TODAY, May 20, Pembrokeshire braces itself as over 2,000 cyclists gear up to embark on the much-anticipated Carten100 charity ride, spanning from Cardiff to Tenby.
Originating in 2004 as a venture between four friends, the Carten100 event has evolved into a beloved annual tradition, drawing participants of all skill levels. Emphasizing camaraderie over competition, the event’s motto declares it “not a race, but a challenge.”
As the start of the ride looms, a significant number of cyclists from Pembrokeshire have already made their way to Cardiff on Friday, May 19, in anticipation of the event’s early morning commencement.

This year, the primary charity supported by Carten100 is the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, an organization dedicated to providing essential medical care for children. Generous donations will also be extended to Multiple Sclerosis Society Cymru, Kids Cancer Charity, and Pembrokeshire Care, Share, and Give, underscoring the event’s broader impact on various causes.
The cyclists will traverse a carefully mapped-out route, beginning on the A48, with a designated rest stop at Baglan. Continuing their journey on the A484, riders will find further respite at a feed station in Burry Port. Finally, they will make their way into Pembrokeshire on the B4314, where an additional opportunity awaits at the Alpha Inn feed station in Tavernspite for a well-deserved refreshment break.
Anticipation mounts as the cyclists are expected to arrive in the charming coastal town of Tenby from mid-afternoon. Spectators eagerly await their arrival in Tudor Square, ready to extend a warm welcome before the riders make their way to the picturesque harbor for a chance to recharge and reflect on their accomplishment.
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of both participants and onlookers, High Street and Tudor Square will be closed to vehicles from 1 pm to 8 pm, allowing the festivities to unfold without hindrance.
The Carten100 charity ride not only tests the endurance and determination of cyclists but also serves as a testament to the power of community support and goodwill.
By rallying together and championing worthy causes, participants and organizers alike demonstrate their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

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