Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

Harrison Allen Bowl Final preview: Lawrenny v Haverfordwest

Published

on

THE curtain will come down on the Pembrokeshire Cricket season this weekend as Haverfordwest take on Lawrenny in the final of the Harrison Allen Bowl.

For Lawrenny it will be another chance to get their hands on the prestigious trophy after they were beaten by Cresselly in last year’s final.

Haverfordwest will be looking to regain the trophy they last won in 2016.

The game will take place in Cresselly on Saturday, August 31, and starts at 12pm.

ROUTE TO THE FINAL

Haverfordwest began their route to the final in May when they took on Hundleton in the first round.

Hundleton reached a score of 63-6 in their innings before Town passed that for the loss of only one wicket.

In the second round, Town saw off 2017 winners Neyland as they beat them by 18 runs.

They scored 161-4 in their innings as Adam James scored 38 while Simon Holliday finished unbeaten on 83.

Some excellent bowling then saw them restrict Neyland to 143-7 in their reply to seal their passage to the quarter finals.

In the last eight, Haverfordwest beat Herbrandston by six wickets.

Four wickets from Adam James, three from Archie Thomas and two from Clive Tucker saw them bowl Herbie out for 72.

Ben Field then scored 27 in reply and Dai Davies finished unbeaten on 24 to see their side into the semis.

Haverfordwest proved too strong for opponents Whitland as they secured a 105-run victory.

Simon Holliday scored an excellent century as Town posted 210-5 from their 22 overs. They then restricted Whitland to 105-9 to book their place in Saturday’s final.

Lawrenny had a bye in the first round and did not have a game in the second round as opponents Johnston could not field a side.

That saw them to the last eight without having played a game and they were pitted against rivals Carew.

Lawrenny scored 141-9 in their innings with Brad McDermott-Jenkins scoring 32, Ryan Morton scoring 27 and Joe Kidney scoring 26.

McDermott-Jenkins and Rob Williams then each took four wickets as they restricted Carew to only 94-9 in reply.

Lawrenny played Saundersfoot in the semi final who had knocked out holders Cresselly in the quarters.

Saundersfoot batted well for their score of 154-7 but Lawrenny went through as Joe Kidney hit a six off the final ball in a thrilling conclusion.

LEAGUE FORM

Lawrenny have had an excellent season, finishing in second place with thirteen wins to their name from 18 games.

Photo from the game between Lawrenny and Haverfordwest in June

They finished well clear of neighbours Cresselly and Carew and only suffered three defeats.

Haverfordwest finished the league campaign in fifth place with six wins and three draws to their name.

The two league games between the finalists went the way of Lawrenny as they bowled Town out for scores of 81 and 101.

Lawrenny finished the season with a good win over Cresselly while Haverfordwest’s last game with Carew ended in a draw.

WHAT THE CAPTAINS SAY

Haverfordwest captain Danny Potter said: “We are feeling good going into the final. We played well last weekend so hoping to bring that form into this week

“Lawrenny have become a very good side. They have boys who have played really well this year so we have to be at our best.”

Lawrenny captain Joe Kidney said: “The boys cannot wait to get going. It’s a special day and this time, I sense we’re not letting the occasion get the better of us.

“Haverfordwest are a fantastic team and they have a lot of big players.

“However, I am only focussed on our performance and if we put the same effort that we have done all season we will have something to show for it.

“I hope everyone gets to watch a great final that will live long in the memory.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Saturday’s final promises to be an excellent game and perhaps more even than their league games would suggest.

Both sides have players who can hurt the opposition and have players who have experience of playing in a Harrison Allen Final.

Simon Holliday’s century in the semi-final showed what he is capable of while Danny Potter also scored a century in Town’s last game of the season.

Lee Summons and Clive Tucker both claimed wickets on Saturday and they will again be a threat for the Town.

Brad McDermott-Jenkins has also shown his worth for Lawrenny with vital runs and wickets in the competition and in their final game of the season he scored 79 and also took six wickets.

Steve Lewis also scored a half century while captain Joe Kidney has also shown he can hold his nerve hitting that six off the final ball to send his side into the final.

Lawrenny will be keen to make up for last year’s defeat while Town will be aiming to reclaim the trophy.

This final is one you wont want to miss, make sure you get down to Cresselly to support your team.

Sport

Memories made as Neyland RFC Under-14s shine on Tewkesbury tour

Published

on

NEYLAND RFC’s Under-14s have returned home from a thrilling rugby tour packed with action, adventure and unforgettable memories.

The young players kicked off their Tewkesbury 2025 tour in impressive style with a nail-biting 29-22 win against Bredon Star RFC — a closely fought contest that showcased the team’s determination and growing talent on the pitch.

But the tour wasn’t just about rugby.

After the match, the boys swapped boots for paddles as they took on exhilarating raft races and giant paddleboarding challenges — proving that their team spirit extended well beyond the try line.

Capping off the tour in style, the team had the honour of forming the Guard of Honour at the high-profile Premiership Rugby clash between Gloucester Rugby and Exeter Chiefs. Standing shoulder to shoulder as the pros ran out, the boys got a front-row taste of top-flight rugby – an experience many described as “a dream come true.”

A spokesperson for the club said: “What an experience and what memories! This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of the boys and a huge step in their rugby journey.”

The tour was made possible through months of dedicated fundraising and the generous support of the local community. Special thanks were extended to Milford Haven Round Table, whose support ensured the team could attend the Gloucester game in person.

“The boys were a credit to the club and their families,” added the spokesperson. “They’ve come back inspired, motivated, and already counting down the days to the next tour.”

Continue Reading

News

Milford teenager to represent Wales at MMA World Championships in Abu Dhabi

Published

on

A PEMBROKESHIRE teenager is set to represent Wales at the upcoming MMA World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

Ty Haughey, a rising star in amateur mixed martial arts, has been selected to compete against some of the best young fighters from around the world. His selection follows strong performances at recent national competitions, where he demonstrated skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

The MMA World Championships, organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), are considered the highest level of competition for amateur fighters. The 2025 tournament in Abu Dhabi will bring together athletes from dozens of countries, offering a platform for young fighters to showcase their talents on an international stage.

Ty’s family are now fundraising to help cover the significant costs associated with representing his country, including travel, accommodation, training, and equipment. A GoFundMe page, World Championship Dreams in Abu Dhabi, has been set up by Ciaran Haughey to help raise the necessary funds.

Debbie Haughey, Ty’s grandmother, contacted The Herald to highlight her grandson’s achievement and appeal for support. She said: “My grandson has been selected to represent Wales in MMA at the World Championships. We would be so grateful for any support to help him get there.”

The fundraising appeal emphasises that Ty’s selection is not just a personal achievement but a chance to put Pembrokeshire and Wales on the map in an increasingly competitive sport. Donations of any size are welcome to help Ty fulfil his dream of competing for a world title.

More information about Ty’s journey and details on how to donate can be found here: World Championship Dreams.

Continue Reading

Sport

Cresselly and Whitland impress as Division One season opens

Published

on

THE 2025 Pembrokeshire Division One cricket season got underway on Sunday, with several teams making powerful early statements. Cresselly laid down a marker with an impressive win over a previously dominant Neyland side, while Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest also made emphatic starts.

Cresselly signalled their title ambitions with a 64-run victory over Neyland. Batting first, Cresselly posted 195 for 9 from their 45 overs, with useful contributions from Morgan Lewis (26), Charlie Arthur (20), and Simon Cole (20), before Dan James anchored the innings with a crucial unbeaten 74. Neyland, who have dominated much of the past decade but showed signs of decline last season, struggled in reply. Despite efforts from Andrew Miller (24) and Paul Murray (21), they were bowled out for 131. Tom Arthur (3 for 23) and Charlie Arthur (3 for 27) shared six wickets to seal a valuable opening win.

At Oatfield Park, Whitland made a commanding start with a 128-run victory over newly promoted Burton. Geraint Jones (79), Gopal Ramasamy (63), and Jonathan Thomas (61) guided Whitland to 240 all out. Burton’s reply faltered early, and despite some resistance from Joe Kiff (30) and Luke Hayman (20), they were dismissed for 112. Wayne Howells was outstanding with the ball, taking a remarkable 5 for 10.

Carew also opened their campaign strongly, defeating Lawrenny by 57 runs. Brian Hall (56) and Rhys Davies (40) helped Carew to 169 all out. Lawrenny’s innings never gathered momentum, and despite a fighting 25 from Oscar Lewis, they were bowled out for 112. Rob Williams starred with 4 for 12, supported by Ryan Morton (2 for 25) and Harry Thomas (3 for 35).

At The Racecourse, Haverfordwest were ruthless as they hammered Llangwm by 142 runs. Mikey Jones (86), Ben Field (47) and Jake Merry (31) powered Town to 240 for 8. Llangwm collapsed to 98 all out, with Steve Mills (31) and David Lewis (31) offering brief resistance. Rhys Sewell tore through the lower order with figures of 5 for 23.

Meanwhile at Herbrandston, newly promoted Herbie were given a tough introduction to Division One by Saundersfoot, falling to a 108-run defeat. John Mansbridge starred for Saundersfoot with a superb 77, backed by Simon Stanford (47), as the visitors reached 207 for 8. In reply, Herbrandston could only muster 99 all out, with Nathan Banner (14) and Robbie Hood (19) top-scoring. John Mansbridge capped a fine all-round performance by taking 5 for 32, while Tom Mansbridge added 4 for 27.

With Burton and Herbrandston both stepping up this season, the opening weekend underlined the gulf in quality, as established sides like Cresselly, Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest asserted early authority.

Continue Reading

Business23 hours ago

Top security firm wins national praise — and it all started in Pembrokeshire

A PEMBROKESHIRE security company that began as a local start-up just over three years ago has been awarded a string...

Crime1 day ago

Man accused of raping women after nights out in Carmarthen denies charges

A MAN allegedly raped a woman just “30 seconds’ walk from the police station” after they left a pub together,...

Crime2 days ago

14-year-old girl jailed for attempted Ammanford murders

A SCHOOL girl has been jailed  for attempting to murder two teachers and a pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Ammanford. The...

Community2 days ago

Quarter century milestone for guardian of Wales’ exceptional coastal waters

ONE of Europe’s longest serving guardians of a marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC), protecting waters around Pembrokeshire, is celebrating...

Crime2 days ago

Pupil who tried to murder teachers and pupil at West Wales school faces sentence

A TEENAGE girl who attempted to murder two teachers and a pupil during a stabbing spree at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman...

Community3 days ago

Raw sewage floods school playground hours after major development plans lodged

A MAJOR sewage flood at Broad Haven School has sparked outrage in the village, coming just hours after a planning...

Community4 days ago

Crowds pack Cardigan for Barley Saturday celebrations

CARDIGAN was packed on Saturday (Apr 26) as people gathered for the town’s traditional Barley Saturday festivities. The popular event,...

News4 days ago

Major emergency response at Goodwick seafront

A CRITICAL medical incident at Goodwick seafront prompted a major emergency response on Friday (April 25). The alarm was raised...

Community5 days ago

Trefin to host VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations

TREFIN and surrounding communities will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a full day of commemorative events on...

Community5 days ago

Paul Davies joins growing backlash over £40m Newgale road scheme

Senedd Member backs STUN’s £500k alternative to protect coast without harming village SENEDD Member Paul Davies has joined growing opposition...

Popular This Week