Sport
Finals day serves up a treat
THE annual Pembrokeshire County Tennis Tournament was back with a bang this month with spectators blessed with glorious weather and some incredible matches.
Now in its 72nd year, 95 competitors entered the junior and senior tournaments which culminated in finals day at Haverfordwest Tennis Club on Saturday, July 17.
In all those years, Club President Brian Hearne said he could not remember a higher quality men’s final, which was contested between ex-Great Britain and Jersey’s most decorated tennis player Jeremy Cross and the club’s very own professional coach Tom Hole.
The Parade could well have been mistaken for Wimbledon with the standard on show, with Cross clinching the title Hole had won in the previous year.
Cross went on to add the mixed doubles trophy to his collection with the women’s singles champion Ceri Coleman-Phillips, who produced an unlikely comeback to beat Sarah Newman. Together they beat the holders Hole and Sarah Keogh in the final match of the day.
Hole picked up silverware in the men’s doubles with Nathan Jones as did Newman in the women’s doubles with partner Laura Davies.
Hole and Jones beat Laurie Haworth and Jack Britton, while Newman and Davies edged the experienced duo of Keogh and Jane Allen.
The junior tournament was just as hotly contested, with Robbie Stirling and Josie Hawke crowned the under 12s singles champions, while Levi Jones and Honey Johnston won the under 14s titles.
William Phillips won the boys under 16s crown, while Ned Rees-Wigmore and Jay Thomas won the under 12s boys doubles.
Club chairman Dean Richards declared the tournament a huge success, with “players having to contend with the heat as well as their opponents”.
“The tournament was well supported throughout the fortnight with crowds gathering every night to watch the matches in good spirit,” he said.
“A special mention to the Haworth family who came out in force to support their five entries.”
Mr Richards also thanked the tournament sponsors and umpires.
“Putting on a tournament does not happen on its own, there is a team of dedicated people to ensure it runs smoothly and is enjoyed by all.
“I’d like to thank tournament referee Tom Hole for all his hard work, ably assisted by Sarah Keogh who puts her heart and soul into the club.”
If you would like to give tennis a go, there are discounted memberships available for new players. Visit the club website or Facebook page. Alternatively contact membership secretary Sue Jones on 01437 711088.
Results in full:
Men’s singles
Jeremy Cross beat Tom Hole 6-1 6-3
Ladies singles
Ceri Coleman-Phillips beat Sarah Newman 1-6 6-4 1-0
Men’s doubles
Tom Hole and Nathan Jones beat Laurie Haworth and Jack Britton 6-0 6-1
Ladies doubles
Sarah Newman and Laura Davies beat Sarah Keogh and Jane Allen 6-2 6-3
Mixed doubles
Jeremy Cross and Ceri Coleman-Phillips beat Tom Hole and Sarah Keogh 5-7 6-2 1-0
Under 12s boys singles
Robbie Stirling beat Fynn Price 6-2 6-2
Under 12s girls singles
Josie Hawke beat Amelia Williams 7-6
Under 14s boys singles
Levi Jones beat Danny Thomas 6-2 6-2
Under 14s girls singles
Honey Johnston beat Charlotte Owen 6-2 6-3
Under 16s boys singles
William Phillips beat Tim Chadwick 6-3 6-2
Under 12s boys doubles
Ned Rees-Wigmore and Jay Thomas beat Sean Bolger and Fynn Price 6-2 3-6 1-0
Sport
Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston
Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6
BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.
The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.
St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.
Team line-ups
Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.
St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.
Sport
Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3
Goodwick United 7-0 Carew
Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.
Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports
Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.
Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United
Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.
Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road
In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.
Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers
Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.
Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins
Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.
Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes
Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.
Analysis:
Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.
Sport
Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory
Broad Haven 4-4 Solva
In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.
Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports
Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.
Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II
Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.
Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II
The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.
Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth
Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.
Analysis:
The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.
-
News3 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News7 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Education4 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
Top News6 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
Top News7 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News7 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours
-
News7 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
Top News7 days ago
Caws Cenarth ‘matriarch’, Thelma Adams, dies aged 86