Sport
Neyland seal home Village Cup semi-final after win in Derbyshire
NEYLAND will have a home tie in the semi-finals of the Village Cup after they beat Derbyshire side South Wingfield by five wickets on Sunday (July 18).
The Pembrokeshire side had already made the long trip to Mansfield for their abandoned last 16 tie and they made the slightly shorter trip to Derbyshire for their quarter final.
South Wingfield won the toss and chose to bat first but they were eventually bowled out for 101 in the 34th over.
The hosts made a steady start but Nathan Banner had opener Steven Wilson caught by Henry Durrant and Banner also bowled Andrew Wilson soon after.
That left the score on 18-2 but opener Richard Fenn and Alex Mace could only add another 22 runs before the next wicket fell.
Fenn had hit six fours in a score of 31 but he was then trapped leg before by Ross Hardy.
Mace fell on a score of 11 when he was caught and bowled by Andrew Miller who also ran out Charles Jones on the same score to leave the hosts on 57-5.
Sam Colclough did not last long in the middle as he was caught by Sean Hannon off the bowling of Miller for a duck.
Liam Mitchell scored 10 but he also fell to Miller when he was caught by Banner.
Harry Brown and Kyle Mitchell did their best to push the score on into three figures but after an eighth wicket stand of 25, Brown, who hit two fours and six in his score of 21, was caught by Patrick Hannon off the bowling of Henry Durrant.
That left South Wingfield on 96-8 and it was soon 97-9 when Brad McDermott-Jenkins trapped Mitchell leg before on a score of 9.
The home side were in danger of missing out on a three-figure score before Dan Connolly’s late boundary pushed the score to 101.
That was as good as it got though as Connolly was caught by Hardy off the bowling of McDermott-Jenkins.
Needing 102 to win Neyland made a steady start as Nick Koomen and Gregg Miller opened with a partnership of 31.
Miller departed first as he was caught by Kyle Mitchell off the bowling of Lewis Radford.
Soon after Ashley Sutton was caught by Sam Colclough off the bowling of Harry Brown as Neyland slipped to 40-2.
The Derbyshire side had their tails up with those two wickets but Koomen and Nathan Banner shared a third wicket stand of 54 to all but seal victory.
Banner was caught and bowled by Mitchell on a score of 23 and with the next ball, Mitchell had Ross Hardy caught by Liam Mitchell for a duck.
Sean Hannon was then caught by Steven Wilson off the bowling of Kyle Mitchell to reduce Neyland to 96-5.
However, with the very next ball, Koomen smashed the ball over the ropes to send Neyland to victory.
Koomen finished unbeaten on 68 with 11 fours and that late six to book a home semi-final tie for Neyland.
After the game, Neyland captain Sean Hannon said: “Delighted with another great win on the road. It will be nice to have home advantage in the semis which is reward for the effort the boys have put into travelling in the previous three rounds! Not only that but it’s nice for the supporters too, they will be able to come up and watch for once!”
Sport
Fishguard boxer wins bronze at international championships
A YOUNG Pembrokeshire boxer has achieved international recognition for his prowess in the ring.
Eighteen-year-old Mikey O’Sullivan, from Fishguard, secured a bronze medal in the 55kg class at the World Boxing Organisation World Championships held in Colorado. His remarkable performance included victories against opponents from Kyrgyzstan and Canada before being eliminated by the eventual gold medallist.
O’Sullivan, who trains with Cardigan ABC, was presented with a certificate by former International Boxing Federation featherweight world champion Lee Selby to honour his achievement.
Speaking about his success, O’Sullivan expressed pride in representing his hometown on a global stage, further solidifying his reputation as one of Pembrokeshire’s rising sports stars.
ROYAL NAVY BOXER TRIUMPHS
In another notable achievement, former Cardigan ABC boxer Ceri Glover, 20, from Aberporth, marked his senior 57kg debut for the Royal Navy with an impressive victory.
Glover defeated Tatenda Tapfuma of Titchfield ABC in his first bout since his February win for Cardigan ABC, showcasing his continued dominance in the ring.
Both boxers highlight the growing prominence of Welsh talent in the world of boxing, bringing pride to their communities and clubs.
News
2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards Finalists announced
THE finalists for the 2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards have been announced.
In total, 252 nominations were received and, following a selection meeting, the judging panel has named 39 finalists.
Matt Freeman, Manager of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide nominations.
“Every year it gets harder to narrow the nominations down to three finalists and once again the quality of the nominees was enormously high.
“The number and quality of nominees just shows the strength of the sporting scene here in Pembrokeshire.
All the finalists will be invited to a grand presentation ceremony at Folly Farm on Friday, November 29th, where the winners will be announced.
The ceremony will also reveal the winners of two further categories – the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award.
The awards are organised by Sport Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire County Council’s sport development team.
They are sponsored by Sport Pembrokeshire, Valero, Folly Farm and Pure West Radio.
The awards aim to recognise those people who have excelled in sport over the last 12 months, or who have given their time to coaching and organising grass roots sport.
Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2024 – Finalists
(In alphabetical order)
Coach of the Year
Francesca Morgan (Swimming)
Philippa Gale (Netball)
Tom Richards (Tennis)
Female Sporting Achievement
Gracie Griffiths (Race Walking)
Helen Carrington (Powerlifting)
Seren Thorne (Shooting)
Male Sporting Achievement
Jeremy Cross (Tennis)
Rhys Llewellyn (Athletics)
Sam Coleman (Powerboat Racing)
Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement
Carter Heywood (Football)
Hugo Boyce (Cycling)
Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)
Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement
Cerys Griffiths (Swimming)
Chloe John-Driscoll (Shooting)
Ffion Bowen (Football)
Disability Sport Award
Evelyn Thomas (Powerlifting)
Jules King (Crossfit)
Marc Evans (Cricket)
Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award
Finnley Walters (Boxing)
Jac Johnson (Gymnastics)
Lewis Crawford (Boccia)
Unsung Hero
John Laugharne (Rugby)
Owen Shanklin (Pool)
Sue Christopher (Surf Lifesaving)
Team Achievement of the Year
Alan Evans, Andrew Evans & Michael John (Short Mat Bowls)
Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club
Pembrokeshire County Bowls Team
Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year
Chaos Thunder U12’s Netball Team
Hakin United AFC u16’s
Neyland Yacht Club Junior Sailing Team
Young Volunteer of the Year
Anna May (Tennis & Surfing)
Caitlin Chapman (Netball)
George Richards (Cricket)
Club Organiser
Nadine Tyrrell (Gymnastics)
Nick Shelmerdine (Cricket)
Paul Hudson (Short Mat Bowls)
Club of the Year
Camrose AFC Women & Girls Football
Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club
Strength Academy Wales Cymru
Pictured above: The 2023 Club of the Year winner – Pembroke Cricket Club.
Sport
This week’s Herald local rugby roundup
Preseli Men concede late points to lose basement clash
Gorseinon 33 – Crymych 31
Crymych faced a heartbreaking defeat after leading 31-19 midway through the second half. Despite a promising start and a solid performance, Crymych allowed Gorseinon their first win in seven league starts due to a late try and a successful conversion. Crymych skipper Carwyn Phillips marked his milestone of 250 games with commitment alongside teammates Jon Hill, Iestyn Wood, and Llyr Davies. Osian Davies, Eilir George, and Lee Griffiths all scored tries, with George converting each, securing a 21-12 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Phillips added a bonus-point try, also converted by George, but Gorseinon surged back. Wingers Luke Evans and David Rees, centre Josh Hamer, and flankers Ben Morris and Iestyn Lewis each scored, with Tim O’Reilly’s crucial fourth conversion handing Gorseinon the win.
Premiership Division
Otters hold on to break their duck
Bonymaen 27 – Narberth 29
After six league defeats, Narberth clinched their first win in a nail-biter against fellow strugglers Bonymaen. The Otters built a 29-8 lead with tries from Will Blackburn, Ashley Sutton, and captain Tom Powell, with Jon Rogers converting and adding two more goals. But Bonymaen’s 19-point late surge nearly turned the tables as tries from Nathan Brooks, Andrew Richards, and Garin Williams narrowed the gap.
In the final moments, Narberth showed resilience to hold onto their slim lead, with hooker Tom Clarke earning the man of the match for his relentless work rate.
Division One (West)
14-man Seasiders hold on for a narrow win
Tenby United 17 – Yr Hendy 15
Tenby United preserved their perfect record, edging out Yr Hendy despite playing with 14 men after Lloyd Thomas received a red card early on. Thomas’s ejection forced tactical shifts, with Geraint Jones moving to outside half and Gwion Jones taking over at full back.
Captain Tom Barrass scored Tenby’s try after a turnover, with Geraint Jones adding a penalty for an 11-3 halftime lead. Yr Hendy’s Tyler Payne landed four penalties in the second half, but Tenby maintained their defensive discipline, securing a narrow 17-15 victory with man of the match Gethin Bradney leading with tackles.
Division Two (West)
Borderers bag deserved win
Nantgaredig 20 – Whitland 25
Whitland fought back from a 3-10 deficit to overcome Nantgaredig in a hard-fought match. After an extended break for an injury and a field switch, Whitland’s pack took control in the second half, with tries from Rhys Nicholas, Owyn Griffiths, Jack Mason, and Johnny Thomas, who also added a penalty.
Despite three tries from Nantgaredig’s Mark Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Aled Beynon, Whitland maintained their lead, showing consistency in both forwards and backs for a solid team performance.
Division Three (West)
Codd stars as Blues fend off Pontyberem
Pontyberem 13 – Haverfordwest 23
Haverfordwest centre Jack Codd’s 13 points helped his team overcome Pontyberem, who were still seeking their first win. Pontyberem took an early 10-0 lead, but Haverfordwest responded, with strong contributions from pack players Jonathan Mason, Mike Phillips, and captain Karl Busch. Rhodri Lewis opened the scoring for Pontyberem, but Codd’s accurate kicking sealed the win.
Division Four (West) A
James leads Saints to derby success
St Davids 31 – Llangwm 18
Will James shone for St Davids, scoring twice as they defeated local rivals Llangwm in challenging damp, cold conditions. Despite a strong start from Llangwm with an early try from Morgan Rees, St Davids struck back through James, who capitalized on a pass from Will Savage. Further tries from Nathan Foster and Iwan Davies extended the lead, with St Davids up 21-13 at halftime.
In the second half, Callum Jenkins scored for Llangwm, but James added his second try, and Zac Morgan secured St Davids’ fifth, sealing their 31-18 victory in this well-supported derby.
Bulls win at Bierspool
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 12 – Teirw Crymych 22
Teirw Crymych edged out Pembroke Dock Harlequins at Bierspool for their fourth win, with tries from Hedd George and Sean Wilson building a 12-0 lead. The Harlequins responded through Craig Barnett, but a late try and conversion from Adam Phillips sealed Crymych’s win, taking the margin just beyond a bonus-point range for the hosts.
Scarlets outlast Dreigiau Emlyn in thriller
Pembroke 36 – Dreigiau Emlyn 32
Pembroke pulled off a thrilling win at Crickmarren with six tries, including scores by Weatherall, Edwards, and Luke Hartland. Veteran forwards Brayford, Wiseman, and Palmer controlled the set pieces, while Dreigiau Emlyn countered with five tries of their own. Despite Emlyn’s persistence, Pembroke’s disciplined play earned them a narrow 36-32 win.
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