Sport

Hook prove too strong for Kilgetty in Under 13s final

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2021

HOOK were crowned winners of the Under 13s league as they beat Kilgetty in the final at Cresselly.

This years’ final was between the top two sides from zones A & B both coming into the final with a 100% record in their zones with Hook beating Cresselly in one semi-final and Kilgetty beating Haverfordwest in the other. Both teams were winners in their own right and this was a repeat of the Under 11’s final of 2019.

Captain of Kilgetty, Jamie Keating, won the toss against his counterpart Oscar Willington of Hook and decided to bowl.

Hook built slowly with Rhys Phelps 11 and Ifan Williams looking very solid 25 retired. Jamie Keating bowled economically and Logan Hall 2-6 and a run out struck for Kilgetty.

However with Oscar Willington at the crease he added the required momentum with some fine shots all around the ground finishing with a big six to retire on 30. Kilgetty continued to bowl well with Olly Badham, George Morgan, Lewis Rossiter and Connor Davies with Hook finishing on 89-3.

Kilgetty needed a good start, but Callum Nutty 1-3 removed the dangerous Jamie Keating, 6 and Oscar Willigton looked very sharp removing Logan Hall. Kilgetty had to rebuild.

They did this through Kiaran Sine 25 retired and Connor Davies 8 who both ran between the wickets well. With Kilgetty still in the game albeit slightly behind the run rate there was a remarkable spell by Jamie Gray 3-10 with 3 wickets in one over, one bowled, a very good caught and bowled and an excellent catch by Ifan Williams on the backward square boundary, saw Hook take command.

Oscar Willington finished with 2-12 together with two catches. The other Hook bowlers, Rhys Phelps, Harri Evans, Ifan Williams and Manny Davies kept things tight and Kilgetty finished on 59-7.

It was great to see a large supportive crowd at the game who enjoyed an excellent 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 Cresselly for hosting the final including Richard Arthur and David Cherry the grounds staff. Afterwards the Club laid some hot dogs and other refreshments for the players, which was well received.

He thanked Umpires Chris Stapleton and Steve Williams, Scorers Becky Badham & Jon Willington who all contributed to the evening’s entertainment.

Last and by no means least he thanked Sponsors Colin John of Llewelyn Davies & Co Chartered Accountants for his continued and valuable support of Junior Cricket in the County. It was also great to see Richard Merriman, County Chairman and his wife Linda present who presented Hook with the winners Cup and medals in the absence of Colin.

Also present was former County chairman Paul Webb and his wife Janice who presented the runners up Cup sponsored by Tavernspite Nurseries and medals to Kilgetty.

This year for the first time there was also an inaugural player of the match award. This was sponsored by the Williams family in memory of the late John Williams, who had umpired this final for countless years and he himself was a distinguished umpire, highly respected by all in Pembrokeshire cricket and further afield. This award was presented by Hilary Williams, widow and her son Mark with his brother Phil and Jonathan who were unable to attend on the night. The award was presented to Oscar Willington for his all-round contribution in the final.

*Hook’s Oscar Willington was man of the match*

Hook: Oscar Willington, Rhys Phelps, William Harries, Callum Nutty, Ifan Wlliams, Jamie Gray, Manny Davies, Jack Thomas, Freddie Goodridge, Dylan Goodridge, Harri Evans, Edward Johnson, Charlie Holder, Alfie Smethurst, Alex Blowes

Kilgetty: Jamie Keating, Dyland Sine, Kiaran Sine, Lewis Rossiter, Logan Hall, Euan Gottwalz, Morgan Chinsammy, Louie Treadaway-Williams, Connor Davies, George Morgan, Olly Badham, Arlo Jones, Ollie Tucker, Evan Jones

Sponsor: Colin John – Llewelyn Davies & Co Chartered Accountants

Umpires: Chris Stapleton & Steve Williams

Scorers: Becky Badham & Jon Willington

Coaches: Trevor Badham & Jon Willington

Venue: Cresselly CC

Sport

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

2 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

5 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

6 days ago

January 20, 2025

Staff Writer

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?