Sport
Wizards hold their nerve to reach final
MERLINS Bridge are through to the final of the West Wales Cup for the first time after they beat Hakin United 8-7 on penalties at the Bridge Meadow on Tuesday night (Mar 26).
A big crowd gathered for the game and they witnessed another classic as Merlins Bridge came from behind to lead in extra time, only for a Justin Harding penalty to level matters and force more spot kicks.
Sadly for Hakin, Jimmy Walker saw his penalty saved by Bridge keeper Gary Thomas and the Wizards celebrated another excellent win.
Both sides had chances to go ahead early on as Harding saw an effort saved before Laurie Haworth saw his effort bounce out off the bar.
Midway through the half it was the Vikings who took the lead as Nicky Woodrow’s stunning effort left Thomas with no chance.
Haworth came close to finding an equaliser when he was played through but Hakin keeper James Manson did well to come out and deny him.
The Bridge came close again but when the half time whistle went it was still the Vikings who held the advantage.
In the second half the Wizards started well as they looked to get back into the game with both Leahy and Haworth coming close.
The Vikings responded and had a good spell of pressure but were unable to add to their lead.
Then with just over twenty minutes to go, Leahy sent a free kick into the box and Adam Hawkins rose highest to head home and make it 1-1.
Five minutes later the Wizards nearly took the lead when Leahy was played through but Manson made a good save to keep the scores level.
Harding then came close for the Vikings but his shot was again saved by Thomas.
Neither side were able to find a late winner and it meant that extra time would be needed.
Six minutes into extra time Merlins Bridge gained the advantage as Leahy was played in and he calmly slotted in.
Woodrow then crossed for Hakin but the Wizards were able to clear before Harding could poke the ball in.
They then had a free kick which Ryan Wilson sent into the box but Shane Walsh’s effort came back off the post.
In the second period of extra time, Hakin almost equalised but Thomas made a good save to tip Bradley Barrett’s shot over the bar.
Just as it looked like the Wizards would see the game out, Hakin were awarded a penalty. Justin Harding held his nerve to score and keep his side in the West Wales Cup.
There was little time left and it meant that the sides would need to be separated by a penalty shoot out.
Greene and Laurie Haworth scored early for the Bridge while Woodrow and Harding replied for Hakin.
After ten penalties it was 5-5 with neither side putting a foot wrong.
It was now into sudden death and Andrew John and Alex Ouzman both scored their respective penalties to make it 7-7.
Gethin Roberts then scored for the Bridge but Hakin’s Jimmy Walker saw his spot kick saved by Thomas sparking wild celebrations amongst the Bridge players and coaches.
It means a first West Wales Cup Final appearance for the Wizards and it could be an all Pembrokeshire final if Carew beat Giants Grave in the other semi tonight (Mar 27).
The final will take place at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday, May 7.
Sport
Annual veterans tennis tournament was the most popular yet
HAVERFORDWEST Tennis Club’s ninth annual veterans tournament proved to be the most popular yet with a record 42 entries.
Running from 9 September to finals day on 14 September, players over the age of 45 competed in singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions.
David Roch James beat Marc Thompson to claim the men’s singles title, while Liz Green edged Jenny Guard in the ladies’ final.
Marc was consoled in the men’s doubles, where he and partner Gwyn Scale defeated Louis Warren and Peter Brooker.
Meanwhile Liz enjoyed double delight, with she and Angela Scourfield beating Helen Groves and Jane Groves in the ladies’ final.
Jane Allen and John Parker triumphed in the mixed doubles, beating Ruth Moss and Richard Davies in a hugely entertaining finale.
The traditional finals day dinner took place in the clubhouse afterwards, with the trophies presented by club president Brian Hearne.
Tournament organiser Richard Davies was thanked for his hard work, along with Sarah Keogh and her team of volunteers who provided the meal.
Sport
Don’t miss Sport Pembrokeshire Awards nominations deadline
THE deadline for nominations for the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards is fast approaching.
Anyone thinking of putting a sportsman or woman, coach, club, team or organisation forward for any of the categories is urged to do so before the closing date of Sunday October 13th.
The Awards will be held at Folly Farm on Friday November 29th.
The award categories are:
- Coach of the Year
- Female Sporting Achievement
- Male Sporting Achievement
- Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement
- Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement
- Disability Sport Award
- Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award
- Unsung Hero
- Club Organiser of the Year
- Team Achievement of the Year
- Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year
- Young Volunteer of the Year
- Club of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement
An additional award announced on the night is the Schools Award, which recognises a local school which works extra hard to make sport and physical activity fun, inclusive, and innovative – and forges strong bonds with the local community.
Thanks go once again to the Awards sponsors, Valero, Pure West Radio and Folly Farm for ensuring that the celebration of Pembrokeshire sport can continue.
To make a nomination, go to: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/forge/index.asp?x=F53021F86D
Sport
Division 4 West sees high-scoring affairs and tightly contested fixtures
THE latest round of matches in the division 4 west saw some high-scoring affairs and tightly contested fixtures, as the table starts to take shape early in the season. Neyland and Narberth Athletic continue to set the pace, while Llangwm’s struggles continued, and Teirw Crymych recorded a dominant win. Here’s a breakdown of all the action.
Llangwm 17-19 Dreigiau Emlyn
In a closely fought contest, Dreigiau Emlyn narrowly edged Llangwm 19-17. Llangwm put up a brave fight, with tries from Calum Jenkins and George James, both converted by Harry Makepeace, who also added a penalty. However, Dreigiau Emlyn’s scorers were not available, though their performance was enough to secure the victory. Llangwm, despite showing flashes of quality, remain winless after three games.
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 22-40 Neyland
Neyland continued their unbeaten run with a commanding 40-22 victory over Pembroke Dock Harlequins. Damien Miller was in fine form for the Quins, scoring two tries, while Ben Gibby also crossed the line. Ben Hathaway added a conversion and a penalty. However, Neyland proved too strong, with Ben Williams, Josh Watts, and Owen Hamer each contributing tries, while Oli Rothero starred with two tries of his own. Rothero also slotted over three conversions and three penalties, guiding his team to a comprehensive win and cementing their position at the top of the table.
St Davids 0-40 Narberth Athletic
Narberth Athletic dominated St Davids in a one-sided affair, winning 40-0. The scoring started early, with Harry Phillips and Shane Rossiter each scoring two tries. Harry Williams and Kyle Williams also crossed the line, while Rossiter’s reliable kicking saw him add five conversions. St Davids, who struggled to make an impact, were simply outclassed by a Narberth side that looks like serious title contenders after their second consecutive victory.
Teirw Crymych 42-21 Llanybydder
Teirw Crymych produced one of the performances of the weekend with a resounding 42-21 win over Llanybydder. Tomos Lewis led the charge with two tries, while Hedd Jones, Griff Lloyd, Luke Freebury, and Osian Thomas each scored a try apiece. Elgan Wilson was flawless with the boot, converting all six tries. Llanybydder did respond, with Osian Roberts crossing the line twice and Will Evans also adding a try. Roberts converted all three scores, but Teirw Crymych were too strong on the day, earning their first win of the season.
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