Sport
Hook beat Kilgetty to win Under 11s final
THIS years final was between the top two sides from the North and South Zones. Both teams came through the group stage with a 100% record with Hook beating Llechryd in the Semi Final and Kilgetty beating Neyland.
The Under 11s game is played in a pairs format and Hook won the toss and decided to bowl first.
The Hook team all bowled extremely well with very few loose deliveries although the Kilgetty team made steady progress with every pair of batsmen accumulating runs with boundaries and excellent running between the wickets.
This was a team effort reflected in the batsmen scores of Kiaran 11, Jamie 14, Dylan 12, Olly 10, Logan 13, and Madoc 10.
For Hook Dylan 1-5, William 1-21 and Oscar 1-11 and an excellent throw with a direct hit took the vital wickets. Callum and Manny fielded well for Hook to support their bowlers.
At the half way stage opinion was divided with Kilgetty pleased with an impressive score and Hook delighted to take 4 wickets and restrict the score as they did but aware of the task ahead.
The scores were level when you compared the situation after the first pair of batsmen with Dylan James from Hook scoring 17.
The next Hook pair included the impressive Oscar Willington who scored 24 with some fine boundaries with one six that cleared the spectators.
However, the equally impressive Jamie Keating, Captain struck twice for Kilgetty in that pairing to almost even things up at the half way point of the Hook Innings.
The other wicket taker for Kilgetty was Olly 1-13. The 3rd pair of William and Dylan Goodridge made steady progress to take Hook to 268 with Arlo and Lewis fielding well for Kilgetty.
This brought Jack and Rhys Phelps to the crease. The pair advanced the score to 282 with two overs to go.
Some strong shots around the ground by Rhys (24) saw Kilgetty needing wickets from the last two overs.
The batsmen defended these well and chose their shots wisely to see Hook run out winners of an excellent game of cricket.
It was good to see a large supportive crowd who had enjoyed the evening of entertaining cricket.
In the presentation after the Match Martin Jones (Junior Organiser) congratulated both sides on reaching the Final with some Excellent play by both and Hook for their victory.
Both sides should be proud of their Junior sections. He thanked Hook for hosting the final including Phil Griffiths, groundsman, and afterwards the Club laid on Burgers and other refreshments for the players which was well received.
He thanked Umpires Simon Richards & Robert Ridge Scorers Jon Willington and Becki Badham who all contributed to the evenings entertainment.
Last and by no means least he thanked sponsors Colin & Angela John, Llewelyn Davies & Co Chartered Accountants for their continued and valuable support of Junior Cricket in the County.
It was also great to see Paul Webb County Chairman and his wife Janice and Nick Evans President in attendance.
Nick presented the runners up Cup sponsored by the Cricket Shop and medals to Kilgetty and Paul the Winners Cup sponsored by Llewelyn Davies & Co Chartered accountants to Hook.
Hook Team: Joint Captains Oscar Willington & Rhys Phelps, William Harries, Dylan James, Callum Nutty, Jack Thomas, Dylan Goodridge and Manny Davies
Kilgetty Team: Captain Jamie Keating, Dylan Sine, Logan Hall, Kiaran Sine, Lewios Rossiter, Olly Badham, Arlo Jones and Madoc Evans. Missing on the evening, Euan Gottwaltz, Morgan Chinsammy and Evan Jones.
Sport
Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season
CARMARTHEN TOWN AFC’s long-serving manager, Mark Aizlewood, has announced that he will not be renewing his contract, marking the end of an era for the club. In a heartfelt statement released on January 14, 2025, Aizlewood revealed this season would be his last at the helm of the Old Gold.
Aizlewood expressed gratitude to the players, staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors, and supporters who have supported him throughout his tenure. “The people of CTFC have made me one of their own,” he said, despite living 60 miles away. He also extended heartfelt thanks to his wife and family for their understanding and unwavering support.
Two decades of success
Aizlewood has been a defining figure in the club’s history, holding a UEFA Pro Licence for over 30 years and leading Carmarthen Town AFC to consistent top-six finishes in the Welsh league, as well as cup victories and European qualifications. “In my 20+ years at the club, these achievements became the norm, and we were at the very top of the football ecosystem in Wales,” Aizlewood remarked.
However, he acknowledged that the current situation at the club has shifted, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not the case any longer. The ship is pointing in the right direction, and the destination is agreed by all, but perhaps now is the right time for a new captain to steer the club along its agreed journey.”
Looking ahead
Aizlewood assured fans he remains passionate about football, declaring he will retain his UEFA Pro Licence and remain involved in the sport. As Carmarthen Town AFC prepares for a new chapter, Aizlewood wished his successor and the club every success in the future.
A legacy of dedication
Mark Aizlewood’s departure signals the end of one of the longest managerial tenures in Welsh football, a career marked by dedication, achievement, and an unyielding love for the game. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Carmarthen Town AFC.
The search for a new manager begins as the club aims to build on Aizlewood’s formidable achievements and continue its proud tradition in Welsh football.
Cover image credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW
Sport
Letterston marksman wins junior athlete award
A TALENTED young athlete from Letterston has been honoured at the British Shooting Awards 2024.
Seren Thorne was shortlisted for the prestigious awards and attended the gala event held at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. To the delight of her family and supporters, Seren was named the winner of the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award.
This accolade highlights Seren’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking her as one of the rising stars in British shooting.
Her mother, Sian Thorne, expressed immense pride in Seren’s achievement, sharing photos of the memorable evening.
The British Shooting Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the sport, with a full list of winners available on their official website.
PHOTO CAPTION: Champion marksman: Seren Thorne receiving the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award (Pic: Supplied).
Sport
Previewing the 2025 Super Bowl
Each year millions of people across the world gather to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. Last year, 3.4 million people in the UK watched the Super Bowl, up 1.1 million from the previous year. Considering the growth in popularity of American football in the UK, we anticipate the viewership will be even higher for 2025.
The 2025 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on 9 February 2025 at Caesars Superdrome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
NFL teams
12 teams began competing for a spot in the 2025 Super Bowl when the playoffs began on January 11. At this point, four teams were eliminated. This now leaves eight teams to compete in the Divisional playoffs. Four of these will make it to the Conference Championships before contesting for a spot at this year’s Super Bowl.
The eight teams left with a shot at competing in the 2025 Super Bowl are:
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Detroit Lions
- Houston Texans
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Rams
- Washington Commanders
Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs took the title for the second year in a row. However, the latest Super Bowl odds puts the Detroit Lions as the favourites to win this year’s Super Bowl, following a series of impressive performances in the regular season.
The national anthem and halftime show
Before the game commences, a special guest performs the national anthem. Last year, Reba McEntire offered a moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and this year the task falls to jazz singer Jon Batiste.
It’s not just the football match that people look forward to. Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle in themselves and many look forward to the performance as much as the game itself. This year, 17-time grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show. Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl in 2022.
How can I watch the Super Bowl in the UK?
The Super Bowl is being broadcast to fans free on ITV, including live online via ITVX on your laptop, mobile, or tablet.
Sky Sports is also broadcasting the event which you can watch online via Sky Go, NOW TV, or using the Sky Sports mobile app. You could also head to your local pub as plenty of pubs in Pembrokeshire will be showing the big game.
Will you be tuning in?
With a surge in popularity for American Football, it’s anticipated that more people from the UK than ever before will be turning their TVs on for the big event this year. Will you be watching this year’s Super Bowl?
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