Tish and Whitland win to take survival fight to final day

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2021

ST ISHMAELS and Whitland both won on Saturday (Aug 14) to take their bids for survival to the final day of the season.

As it stands, Tish occupy the second relegation spot but they are only eight points behind third from bottom Whitland.

Tish won on Saturday to boost their hopes while Whitland earned a good win at Haverfordwest to keep themselves out of the bottom two.

In their penultimate game of the season, Tish scored 205-7 in their 40 overs having been in trouble on 6-3.

Tudor Hurle removed both openers while Sam Franklin had Phil Cockburn caught by Yannic Parker.

Karl Rhead added 25 as he and Jonathan Pawlett looked to get Tish back into a good position. Rhead was then bowled Neil Powling as Tish slipped to 51-4.

Pawlett and Brennan Devonald then shared 95 runs for the fifth wicket to continue Tish’s recovery.

Devonald hit five fours and two sixes in his score of 49 but he fell to the bowling of Tom Mansbridge.

Soon after, Pawlett was out on a score of 83 after hitting nine fours and two sixes before falling to Hurle.

Andrew Pawlett and Andrew Williams then both finished unbeaten on scores of 20 to take Tish past 200 runs.

Saundersfoot lost Tom Mansbridge early in their reply to Brennan Devonald while Sam Franklin was trapped leg before by Andrew Williams on a score of 12.

Nick Cope and Danny Caine shared 79 runs for the third wicket but Cope was caught and bowled by Andrew Pawlett on a score of 45.

Caine also fell to Pawlett on a score of 55 as Saundersfoot were reduced to 122-4.

Yannic Parker and Paul Mansbridge shared 50 runs for the fifth wicket. Parker hit four fours in his score of 33 but he fell to the bowling of Karl Rhead.

Saundersfoot were quickly running out of overs with Mansbridge and Dom Green only able to add a further fifteen runs before the game came to a close.

In Haverfordwest, Whitland batted first after Town won the toss and they were able to reach a score of 184-6 from their 45 overs.

Whitland lost Dylan Blain early on but Wayne Howells and Jonathan Thomas shared 93 runs for the second wicket to put their side in a good position.

Howells made a patient 43 but he was then bowled by Archie Thomas.

Thomas hit eight fours in his score of 79 but he was then caught by Ashley James off the bowling of Johnny White.

Scott Newton’s late score of 30 ensured a good total for the visitors, meaning Town would need 185 to win the game.

Whitland made a key early breakthrough in Town’s reply as Jonathan Thomas ran out Mikey Jones and Gethin Scourfield also had the wicket of Jake Merry.

Ben Field and Dai Davies batted well together as they looked to swing the game back in Town’s favour but Scott Newton made another key breakthrough for Whitland.

Field hit five fours and two sixes in a score of 44 but he was caught by Geraint Jones.

Newton then bowled Dai Davies on a score of 34 and he then did the same to Dan Field to reduce Town to 93-5.

Jonathan Thomas then bowled Jack Scriven and had Archie Thomas stumped by Dylan Blain.

Thomas wasn’t done their either as he trapped Ashley James leg before and he then picked up another key wicket.

Danny Potter had made his way to a score of 26 as Town’s hopes of victory began to rest on him.

However, it was Thomas who struck to have him caught by Dylan Blain.

Thomas then took his sixth wicket as he trapped Johnny White leg before to bring Town’s innings to a close on 132 all out.

The final day of the season sees Tish travel to Narberth while Whitland host Cresselly.

Tish need to win and hope that Cresselly can beat Whitland convincingly if they are to stay up. Whitland know they just need a win in order to maintain their Division 1 status.

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

3 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

6 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

7 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?