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Bayley’s super knock stuns Town

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CRESSELLY’s Alex Bayley hit SIXTEEN sixes in a score of 167 not out to help his side to a big win over Haverfordwest on Saturday (May 29).

When Bayley came to the crease the home side had been reduced to 38-3 but he took matters into his own hands and Cresselly finished on a remarkable score of 303-8.

Johny White had already removed Dan Sutton and Iwan Izzard while Ashley James bowled Phil Williams.

Bayley joined Matthew Morgan at the crease and the pair shared 66 runs for the fourth wicket.

That partnership was broken by Clive Tucker who had Morgan caught by Jack Scriven on a score of 53.

Bayley had reached a score of 30 but he soon reached his half century in a stand of 73 for the fifth wicket with Simon Cole.

Tucker then removed Cole on a score of 25 and soon after Danny Potter had Ryan Lewis caught by Matthew Vaughan.

Bayley then reached his century but he then saw Dai Davies dismiss Dan James.

That wicket left Cresselly on 218-7 but Bayley carried on smashing the ball to the boundary.

He went on to hit five sixes in one over, which yielded a total of 31 runs, to finish unbeaten on 167 with a total of 16 sixes.

Town knew they would need to match Bayley’s display if they were to stand a chance of pulling off an unlikely run chase.

They did make a good start with Danny Potter and Ben Field sharing 62 runs for the first wicket.

Ryan Lewis made the breakthrough as he trapped Ben Field leg before on a score of 38 which included five fours and a six.

Lewis then bowled Potter on a score of 24 and Town soon collapsed to a score of 96 all out.

Simon Cole did the damage for Cresselly with five wickets for the loss of only 1 run from his five overs.

Tom Arthur also claimed three wickets as the home side secured victory by 207 runs.

Sport

Henri Cynwyl claims podium in Wigan rally

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Cardigan teenager secures second place in F1000 Junior battle

CARDIGAN rally talent Henri Cynwyl secured a well-earned second place at the Compbrake Motorsport Stages in Wigan over the weekend, in a tightly fought contest between the top three F1000 Junior drivers.

The 16-year-old Pembrokeshire College student, competing with co-driver Geraint Evans from north Wales, took to the track in his Citroën C1 against 12 other juniors under bright northern skies. Despite the circuit’s go-kart-style layout not playing to the car’s strengths, Henri put in a strong and consistent performance across the 12 two-mile stages.

“It was more of a go-kart track, which didn’t really suit the car that much,” said Henri. “But it was great to get seat time and earn more points for the overall British Championship. Any experience behind the wheel is invaluable, and I’m really grateful to my sponsors for making it possible.”

Henri, who works as an apprentice at DJ Hoyland Electricians in Cardigan, is part of the Teifi Valley Motor Club and currently leads the F1000 Junior Championship standings. With six rounds remaining—including a double-header in Scotland this July—the championship remains wide open, with drop scores and new venues adding to the challenge.

His mother, Anwen, praised the spirit of the event: “He drove well all day, and his times were consistent throughout. The young drivers all support each other—it’s like one big family. The parents all pitch in with food and drink, offering advice and encouragement. There aren’t many clubs or sports where you see that kind of camaraderie and sportsmanship. We’re lucky to be part of the F1000 community.”

As the season continues, all eyes will be on Henri to see if he can hold his lead and take the title in what promises to be a thrilling finish.

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Manager reflects on unity, discipline, and a season built on belief

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IN the days leading up to Sunday’s play-off final, Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock said one thing clearly: “The boys are looking forward to it and will be up for the challenge.”

He wasn’t wrong.

While supporters rightly celebrate a 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town and the return of European football to the club, it’s worth remembering that this moment was forged not in 90 minutes, but across a season built on togetherness, hard graft, and quiet conviction.

Pennock, reflecting before the final, pointed to signs he’d seen as early as last June.

“From the first session up at the Racecourse, then the beach the following week, you just saw a group that really wanted to work hard for each other,” he said.

That unity has defined the Bluebirds’ campaign. They achieved a club-record 51 points and finished with the best defensive record in the Cymru Premier — conceding just 26 goals in 32 games. It was a season not of flashy wins, but of collective discipline, focus, and belief.

And while Haverfordwest’s third-place finish guaranteed them a home final, it also meant an unusually long layoff — nearly four weeks without competitive football. For some, that might have spelled rust or lost momentum. For Pennock, it was opportunity.

“The break has given us a chance to get a few of the injured boys back fit,” he said on Friday. “No excuses from us — the boys are ready.”

Sunday’s performance proved that readiness, not just in energy but in character. It was a composed display from a squad that knew what was at stake and trusted in the process that had brought them this far.

Behind the scenes, there was also a challenge: keeping the squad focused and mentally prepared during the long wait. “Whatever happened in the previous 32 games doesn’t matter anymore,” Pennock said. “It’s all about Sunday.”

With the job now done and European qualification secured for the second year running, attention turns to logistics, the UEFA draw, and the question of whether Haverfordwest will again have to play at Cardiff City Stadium due to ground regulations.

But for now, the focus remains on a season that delivered on its promise — and on a manager who asked for belief and got it in return.

Photo caption: Stronger together: Haverfordwest’s season success rooted in unity and belief (Pic: HCAFC)

Cover photo by Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW

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Bluebirds beat Caernarfon Town 3–1 to book place in UEFA Europa Conference League

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HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will once again fly the flag for Pembrokeshire in Europe after a thrilling 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town in the JD Cymru Premier European play-off final on Sunday (May 18).

In front of a passionate home crowd of 1,717 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, the Bluebirds produced a composed and clinical performance to book their place in the First Qualifying Round of the 2025–26 UEFA Europa Conference League.

Ben Ahmun opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute with a composed finish, before Dan Hawkins doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark. Ahmun sealed the victory with his second of the afternoon in the 85th minute, rounding off a memorable display.

Caernarfon pulled one back deep into injury time through Louis Lloyd (90+4), but it was too little, too late for the visitors, as Haverfordwest celebrated back-to-back European qualifications — a historic achievement for the Pembrokeshire club.

This result means Haverfordwest will enter the UEFA Conference League at the First Qualifying Round, with the draw expected in mid-June and matches scheduled for July.

It continues an impressive rise for the club, who last summer thrilled supporters across Wales with their dramatic European ties against Shkëndija of North Macedonia, narrowly exiting the competition on penalties after a heroic second-leg performance in Cardiff.

The win also cements Haverfordwest’s growing reputation as a force in domestic Welsh football — with a strong squad, local support, and the experience of last year’s European campaign to build on.

Full-time: Haverfordwest County 3–1 Caernarfon Town

Scorers:

Haverfordwest – Ahmun (17, 85), Hawkins (32)

Caernarfon – Lloyd (90+4)

Attendance: 1,717

Venue: Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest

Competition: JD Cymru Premier European Play-Off Final

Photo caption:

Bluebirds flying high: Haverfordwest players celebrate after qualifying for Europe (Pic: HCAFC)

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