Sport
Bridge taste West Wales Cup glory

MERLINS Bridge won the West Wales Cup on Tuesday night (May 7) as they beat Carew 3-1 at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea in an exciting clash.
It was the first time both sides had reached the final and the first ever all-Pembrokeshire final and both were keen to put on a show for the good crowd in attendance.
Both have had excellent runs to the final with Merlins Bridge earning a narrow win against last season’s runners up Penlan Club while Carew have come from behind in two separate games.
Anticipation grew ahead of the match as Carew and Merlins Bridge named strong sides.
For many of the Carew side it was a first taste of the West Wales Cup Final while three members of the Merlins Bridge squad won the cup with Johnston a few years ago.
Merlins Bridge came from behind to beat Carew in the Senior Cup Final in April while their two league encounters finished in a draw and a 3-1 win for the Wizards.
There was a scare for the Rooks with only a minute on the clock as Scott Richards overcooked his back pass and keeper Tom Davies could only kick the ball out of play.
It was Carew who had the first chance as Iwan Izzard won the ball in midfield and passed to Jordan Richards on the edge of the box who wriggled his way past a couple of defenders before shooting just wide of the goal.
Merlins Bridge’s Dai Davies was shown the first yellow of the evening as he brought down Shaun Whitfield but the free kick came to nothing.
Carew again came close as Sam Christopher found Pembrokeshire League top scorer Jordan Richards in the box but he took a touch before seeing his shot saved. He then poked the rebound towards goal but the ball was cleared off the line by a combination of Bridge defenders.
With ten minutes gone, Shaun Whitfield took a throw which came back to him and he crossed into the box but Richards saw his header saved by Gary Thomas.
Carew would have been regretting those missed chances two minutes later as, from a Carew corner, the ball was cleared to Adam Hawkins who found Laurie Haworth on the right and he crossed to the back post for Hawkins to half volley in.
The Rooks were given a free kick just inside the D moments after but Jack Christopher saw his effort hit the wall and his follow up go over the bar.
Joe Leahy then saw a shot saved while Lloyd Hughes saw a shot go wide for Carew.
Alex Bayley then played in Lloyd Hughes and he fired low into the net for a deserved goal to bring the Rooks level.
Hughes then crossed into the box towards the back post but keeper Thomas fumbled the ball, allowing Richards a shot but he was equal to it to keep the scores level.
The Wizards were then given a free kick near the half way line which Leahy sent towards goal and his cross had to be turned over by the Carew keeper.
With just over half an hour gone, Carew’s Jack Christopher was shown a yellow for a foul on Leahy, giving the Wizards a free kick on the edge of the box. Leahy stood over it but saw his effort blocked over the bar.
There was a blow for Carew shortly before half time as Lloyd Hughes had to go off injured and he was replaced by Scott Ferney.
With two minutes to go until half time Sam Christopher crossed into the box for Richards but his shot was blocked with claims of handball waved away.
The half time whistle went with the sides still locked at 1-1 with everything still to play for in the second half.
At the start of the second half Sam Christopher flashed a cross towards goal which bounced out off the angle of post and crossbar.
Zac Rowell then made his way into the box but after he went down he was shown a yellow card for diving.
Nathan Greene then came close for the Wizards but his strong shot was turned over the bar.
Jack Christopher then crossed into the box for Richards but his header was straight at Gary Thomas.
Matthew Divry then crossed from the right for Joe Leahy just inside the box but he flashed a shot just over the bar.
With just over an hour gone Adam Hawkins won the ball back from Jack Christopher and he went on to slot the ball into the bottom left corner to give the Wizards the lead again.
Insult was added to injury for Christopher as he had to go off to be replaced by Max Brindley.
Iwan Izzard then came close to bringing Carew level again but his curling effort was saved by Gary Thomas.
Hawkins was denied the chance of a hat trick as he was then replaced by Will Haworth with fifteen minutes to go.
With nine minutes to go the Bridge made it 3-1 as Ashley Beck played a nice one-two with Nathan Greene and the former finished in similar fashion to team mate Hawkins with the ball going in off the boot of the Carew keeper.
With four minutes to go Carew won a corner which fell to Tom Grover but he fired over the bar.
Both sides made a number of substitutions with Joe Leahy seeing yellow for his slow walk off late on.
The Wizards saw the game out to seal their first ever West Wales Cup win.
After the match, two goal hero Adam Hawkins said: “It’s amazing, it’s my second time winning it, we’ve got an amazing group of lads here.
“We were unlucky with the league but to come away with the Senior Cup and the West Wales Cup this season, you couldn’t ask for much more really.
“They are a quality side and we knew it would be a close game but on the balance of play I think we deserved it.”
Merlins Bridge manager Matthew D’Ivry added: “I am delighted, this group of players deserve it for the hard work and commitment they have shown. We’ve had tough draws in the cup this season but that hard work has paid off.
“Carew are a really good side and we knew they were going to have a good spell in the game. Gary Thomas made a few good saves and towards the end of the first half we started playing our football.
“At half time we were confident that if we came out and started well we would get the right result.”
The two sides also drew praise from Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb who tweeted: “Congratulations to Merlins Bridge for winning the West Wales Cup at the Liberty Stadium. Comiserations to Carew but great to have two Pembrokeshire teams in the final.”
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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