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Pembrokeshire outgunned by Carmarthen

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PEMBROKESHIRE produced an excellent team performance but on the day were outgunned by their counterparts from Carmarthenshire on Sunday (Jul 7).

Llechryd CC was the venue for this 30 over match, which saw Carwyn Jones emerge as the Carmarthenshire hero with an outstanding innings of 90 not out to win the day.

Pembrokeshire skipper Ifan Wyn-Jones won the toss and elected to bat on a dry pitch and very fast outfield. He opened the innings with Oscar Lewis and these two gave their team a flying start with an all action partnership of 60.

Lewis looked in fine form, striking five boundaries before a mix up saw him stranded mid-pitch and run out for 27. Pembrokeshire were dealt a double blow when they lost key run gatherer Rhys Phelps next over.

Wyn-Jones was joined by Oscar Willington, these two continuing the assault on the bowlers in a partnership of 44. With the total at 104, Wyn-Jones went for a superb 31 in his debut regional innings having hit four boundaries. Once again Pembrokeshire lost two quick wickets as Willington followed soon after, having looked well set with a classy 32 from only 25 balls including five boundaries.

William Harries (12) played a brief cameo before holing out, which left Delme Morris-Alleyne and Rhys Jones to take the innings to a close at 171 for 6.

These two batted well together in a partnership of 33, finishing undefeated on 18 and 11 respectively.

For Carmarthenshire the bowlers found it tough work in the conditions but spinners Jacob Williams (3 for 19) and Tomos Axford (2 for 29) led the way in keeping their team in the hunt alongside an excellent spell from Ruby Kirk.

In reply Carmarthenshire were soon in trouble at 5 for 2, with Willington (2 for 18) grabbing the wickets of the dangerous Axford and Cellan Allcock in his first over. This brought Steffan Bennett, grandson of Wales rugby legend Phil Bennett, and Jones to the crease.

A couple of early chances went begging for the bowlers but thereafter these two batted superbly in a partnership of 95. Bennett went for 31 including four boundaries and Matthew Mitchell (16) continued the support for Jones.

Jamie Keating (1 for 13) and Dylan James (1 for 16) along with a run out from Morris-Alleyne kept Pembrokeshire in the game, but Jones was not to be denied. He struck 10 boundaries and three sixes in his classy undefeated 90 to take his team to victory with three overs to spare.

Both teams produced a feast of high standard cricket for a large and appreciative crowd. All of the players deserve credit for their performances in what was a great advert for the game.

Pembrokeshire Squad: Ifan Wyn-Jones (c) (Llechryd), Oscar Lewis (Lawrenny), Rhys Phelps (Hook), Oscar Willington (Hook), William Harries (Hook), Delme Morris-Alleyne (Llechryd), Dylan James (Hook), Rhys Jones (Whitland), Jamie Keating (Kilgetty), Liam Morley-Trivett (Laugharne), Sam Lynch (Laugharne)

Sport

World Cup qualifiers 2026: How are Wales doing? 

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THE 2026 World Cup is going to be bigger and better than ever before, with the tournament expanding to accommodate an additional 16 teams this time around, for a total of 48. 

This makes qualifying a little more interesting as many more teams have the opportunity to perform on the highest stage. Teams like England were able to secure their place in the competition fairly early, while other groups have been under more pressure to secure top spots – Wales included. 

So whether you’re a casual viewer here for the drama, or a dedicated fan watching both on TV and across online betting apps for the best odds, here’s a rundown of how Wales are doing in the World Cup qualifiers. 

How are Wales performing? 

Wales have been in qualifying Group J, alongside Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. Despite tough competition, Wales, led by head coach Craig Bellamy, have produced some great performances and have given themselves a reasonable chance of making the finals. This would be their third qualification ever, following on from 2022’s success.

They had a strong start against Kazakhstan, in which they claimed a solid 3-1 victory at home. They then drew 1-1 against North Macedonia thanks to a 96th minute equaliser, and thrashed Liechtenstein 3-0 back in June. The undefeated streak ended with a 4-3 loss to group favourites Belgium in Brussels (and again a loss to Rudi Garcia’s team in Cardiff last month). 

With another victory over both Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein under their belts, these results have put Wales in a good position within the group, but they nonetheless face a fight to qualify, being two points behind Belgium, and behind North Macedonia on goal difference. 

If Wales win and Belgium lose (as unlikely as that seems), they would qualify for the World Cup automatically as group winners. 

Lose or draw and it’s the play-offs for Craig Bellamy’s men. In some senses, there’s less pressure on tonight’s match as Wales have already at least qualified for the play-offs as one of the Uefa Nations League group winners. However, finishing second in the group would give them an easier path to qualification. 

Looking ahead to the 2026 play-offs 

If Wales miss out on topping the group (which is likely), they will have to settle for a play-off spot, which is a much more challenging route to qualification. 

Should they lose or draw tonight, they will have to face a top-seeded team away from home to have a chance at reaching the play-off final. However, should they beat North Macedonia, they will play weaker opposition at home. 

Today’s crucial game for Wales 

The 2026 qualifiers have and continue to be highly competitive in Europe. Wales are in the mix, having proven that they can challenge, but are sitting very much in between favourites and underdogs. 

Tonight’s match is looming, the stakes are high, and anything could happen. A win could put them on the path to automatic qualification if Liechtenstein can overcome the odds, while a draw or loss will force them to rely on the hardest play-off route. Welsh fans will be hoping for a strong performance, as well as a bit of luck.

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Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Week eight results and league table

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THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – known as the Friendly League – has released the latest results following week eight of the competition.

Last week’s matches saw:

  • East Williamston 8–2 Cosheston
  • Kilgetty 7–3 St Twynnells
  • Reynalton 5–5 St Johns
  • Llanteg 8–2 Lamphey

The fixture between Hundleton and Carew was postponed, while Badgers had a bye.

Updated league table – Week eight

TeamPlayedWonDrawnLostShot DiffPoints
East Williamston770016062
Reynalton74123440
St Johns7313-235
Cosheston73043333
Badgers7304-1033
Llanteg7304-3933
Carew6303-2030
St Twynnells7304-4530
Hundleton6303-829
Lamphey8305-1929
Kilgetty7304-5426

More fixtures are set to follow as the Friendly League moves into the second half of the season.

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Sport

Haverfordwest County Women make it two wins from two in Phase 2

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HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women continued their strong start to Phase 2 with an impressive 4–2 victory over a determined Morriston Town side on Sunday.

It was a superb all-round performance from the Bluebirds, combining sharp team play with some outstanding individual finishes. Striker Kayla Jones led the way with a well-taken brace, while Ella May Mumford and Tayla Gibbs also got on the scoresheet to secure all three points.

The win makes it back-to-back victories in Division A, further strengthening the squad’s momentum going into the next fixture.

Haverfordwest County now turn their attention to their next home match on Sunday 23rd, when they host Bonymaen Colts Ladies.

Squad: Rhian Jones, Freya Watkins Williams, Erin Frost, Katie Gibbins, Mollie Flanagan, Bethan Chapman, Tayla Gibbs, Ella May Mumford, Emma Smith, Ffion Kirk, Kayla Jones.

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