Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

Vikings and Wizards lock horns in West Wales Cup semi

Published

on

TONIGHT (March 26), Hakin United will take on rivals Merlins Bridge in the semi-final of the West Wales Cup at the Bridge Meadow stadium in Haverfordwest.

It will be the latest chapter in a long rivalry between the two clubs but with a place in the final up for grabs this one is going to be extra special.

Merlins Bridge won a thrilling game between the two sides earlier in the season 4-3 at the Racecourse but Hakin will be looking to exact some revenge for that defeat.

The Wizards are having a strong season with just one league defeat to their name, against leaders Monkton Swifts, and are also in the final of the Senior Cup, having also beat Hakin on their way.

Hakin United sit five points behind their opponents in the table after three defeats in their fourteen games so far.

It will be another exciting and close game between the two teams and one that is not to be missed.

The Vikings have been in five finals, winning it three times, including once in the 50s when it was called the Amateurs Cup.

Merlins Bridge have been in the semi-finals twice but have never reached the final and they will be hoping to make it third time lucky.

Route to the final

They began their run to the last four with a 1-0 win away to Kilvey Fords in October with Will Haworth grabbing the only goal to send them through to round 2.

The Wizards were again drawn away from home to last season’s beaten finalists Penlan Club but they again came back with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Joe Leahy.

In the third round Merlins Bridge played Monkton Swifts and two goals from Nathan Greene and another from Leahy gave them a 3-0 win.

Leahy and Greene were at it again in the fourth round as they both scored to earn the Wizards a 2-1 win over Swansea side Llandarcy.

Merlins Bridge were drawn at home to Plough Colts in the last eight and earned a 5-2 win with Adam Hawkins scoring twice and other goals from Leahy, Greene and Dai Davies.

Leahy and Greene have both been on the scoresheet in each round from the third round and Hakin will do well to keep these two quiet.

The Vikings played Llandeilo in the first round and came away with a 5-2 thanks to a hat trick from Cameron Thomas and other goals from Shane Walsh and Nicky Woodrow.

Woodrow then scored four for the Vikings in round 2 as he helped his side thrash Milford United 12-2. Justin Harding, Mark Jones and Ryan Wilson all scored twice in that game alongside others from Shane Walsh and Adam John.

Hakin played Morriston Town in the third round and earned a 3-0 win thanks to a Woodrow hat trick.

In the fourth round, Hakin needed extra time to get past St Josephs as two goals from Justin Harding and another from Walsh saw them through.

In the quarter final they were drawn against holders Goodwick United and came from behind to win 3-1 thanks to two goals from Woodrow and one from Ryan Wilson.

Justin Harding and Nicky Woodrow have both been in good scoring from in the Cup and they will likely prove a handful for the Bridge defence.

What they say

The Herald asked both camps for their thoughts on the game and here is what they had to say.

Hakin United manager Kristian Bennet said: “It’s going to be a battle! It is a big pitch and it will be a big occasion so it should be a cracker. The players are looking forward to it with it being one step from the Liberty.”

Merlins Bridge boss Matthew D’Ivry said: “It’s going to be a tough one, I have been with the club for fifteen years but we’ve never been in the West Wales final in that time. We’ve had a hell of a draw against Penlan, who were favourites, who we beat to zero, and we then beat Monkton, Kilvey and Llandarcy.

“It will be strange playing Hakin but we know their qualities but we are confident that if we perform to our capabilities no one in west Wales can beat us. The (Senior Cup semi-final) result will give us confidence but we will have to be careful of being over-confident.

“It’s massive for both clubs but I am confident our boys will give absolutely everything.”

The final will take place at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on Tuesday, May 7.

Sport

Manager reflects on unity, discipline, and a season built on belief

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Sport

Bluebirds beat Caernarfon Town 3–1 to book place in UEFA Europa Conference League

Published

on

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)

Continue Reading

Sport

Carew crush Llangwm as title race begins to take shape

Published

on

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)

PosTeamPWLBatBowlPts
1Carew440182078
2Cresselly440171776
3Neyland431161866
4Saundersfoot431151462
5Haverfordwest422151350
6Burton413141640
7Lawrenny413121539
8Herbrandston413141438
9Whitland413151136
10Llangwm404101222

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):

  1. Narberth – 78 pts
  2. Pembroke – 76 pts
  3. 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):

  1. Fishguard – 69 pts
  2. Pembroke Dock – 64 pts
  3. 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):

  1. Saundersfoot II – 76 pts
  2. Crymych – 68 pts
  3. 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):

  1. Pembroke Dock II – 67 pts
  2. Whitland II – 65 pts
  3. 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):

  1. Haverfordwest/Cresselly – 49 pts
  2. Lamphey II – 41 pts
  3. Pembroke III – 38 pts

Next week promises more exciting action across all divisions, with several top-of-the-table clashes in the pipeline.

Continue Reading

Crime8 hours ago

Death at Pembroke Dock property sparks police probe – arrests made

Three in custody on suspicion of Class A drug supply following incident A HEAVY police presence was seen on Glenview...

Education9 hours ago

Council shifts stance after backlash over Welsh education survey

New pledge to gather school choice data from all parents — not just those choosing Welsh-medium education PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL...

News10 hours ago

Natural Resources Wales criticised over incident response cuts, closures and tax blunder

NRW accused of risking long-term damage to Welsh environment A SENEDD committee has issued a scathing report on Natural Resources...

Charity1 day ago

Angle lifeboat crew respond to three callouts in just twelve hours

More than eleven hours at sea for volunteer RNLI team ANGLE RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat crew were launched three times within...

Community2 days ago

Plans for ‘alien’ Tenby harbour gate refused after outcry

COUNCIL plans for ‘alien’ and ‘industrial’ metal gates to prevent vehicle entry on to Tenby’s iconic harbour have been refused...

Sport3 days ago

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...

Community4 days ago

Paddle-out protest sees 200 take to the water in Broad Haven

National day of action calls out sewage pollution across the UK BROAD HAVEN was the scene of a dramatic demonstration...

Community4 days ago

Hundreds turn out for Battle of Goodwick Moor reenactment

Community celebrates Pembrokeshire’s medieval heritage with spectacular living history event GOODWICK Moor was transformed into a living battlefield on Saturday...

Community4 days ago

Hundreds gather in Narberth for colourful Eisteddfod parade and proclamation ceremony

Sun shines on town as Gorsedd of Bards declares 2026 Eisteddfod plans CROWDS lined the streets of Narberth on Saturday...

News5 days ago

Police search Bramble Hall Farm in major operation

Landowner says man fled across fields as woman arrested A LARGE police presence was reported at Bramble Hall Farm in...

Popular This Week