Sport
Vikings and Wizards lock horns in West Wales Cup semi

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
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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