Sport

Neyland seal Division 1 title after beating Lawrenny in thriller

Published

3 years ago

August 22, 2021

NEYLAND Cricket Club were crowned Champions of Division 1 on Saturday (Aug 21) as they beat Lawrenny in a thrilling end to the season.

Going into the game Neyland needed to make up a 9-point deficit on their title rivals while Lawrenny knew they just needed to win to secure the Division 1 title.

With Neyland reaching 140-9 in their innings Lawrenny looked favourites to go on and win it but Sean Hannon’s men produced an excellent bowling display to overhaul that deficit to ensure the hosts would retain their trophy.

The two sides played each other at the beginning of August and on that occasion it was Lawrenny who came out on top after bowling Neyland out for 155.

It was a similar low-scoring affair again on Saturday but Neyland held their nerve to avenge that defeat.

Lawrenny won the toss and chose to field after rain had hit the county for much of the night and morning before the game.

Nick Koomen and Patrick Bellerby opened up for Neyland with a partnership of 25 but Jamie Lewis made the breakthrough as he had Koomen caught by James Phillips.

Rob Williams then bowled Bellerby on a score of 19 from 14 balls to reduce Neyland to 32-2.

Williams also had Nathan Banner caught by Kurtis Marsh to put Neyland in further trouble on 43-3.

Ross Hardy and Scott Jones added 26 runs for the fourth wicket but Ryan Morton broke that partnership as he bowled Hardy on a score of 14.

Scott Jones scored 18 but he was caught by Tom Cole off the bowling of Kurtis Marsh.

Marsh then had Andrew Miller caught by Harry Thomas and when he bowled Patrick Hannon soon after, Neyland had slipped to 78-7.

Sean Hannon and George Evans took over and they shared 51 runs for the eighth wicket as they looked to give their side something they could defend.

Hannon scored 17 but was then caught by Cole off the bowling of Thomas.

George Evans went on to reach a score of 34 but he was ran out off the last ball of the innings as Neyland finished on 140-9.

Lawrenny made a steady start to their reply but Ross Hardy made the crucial breakthrough as he bowled Harry Thomas.

Soon after, Nathan Banner trapped James Buckle leg before to reduce Lawrenny to 21-2.

Kurtis Marsh made his way to a score of 36 with six fours but he was also trapped leg before by Gary Lloyd.

Nick Koomen then bowled James Phillips before Lloyd grabbed his second as he had Joe Kidney caught by Ross Hardy.

Koomen then grabbed his second as Hardy again took the catch to dismiss Ryan Morton.

Lloyd then bowled Tom Cole to reduce Lawrenny to 67-7.

Kyle Marsh and Rob Williams looked to keep Lawrenny in the game with a stand of 34 for the eighth wicket but time was also beginning to run out for the visitors.

Marsh had reached a score of 23 but he was bowled by Patrick Hannon to leave Lawrenny on 101-8.

It meant they needed another 40 in the final five overs to seal victory. They could however only reach 119 as Neyland secured victory by 21 runs.

The win gave Neyland 18 points while Lawrenny claimed six points. It saw Neyland finish top by only three points.

Speaking to the Herald after the match, Neyland captain Sean Hannon said: “Delighted about winning the league. Given the long season we’ve all had its reward for the effort the lads have put in.

“You have to give credit to Lawrenny for a fantastic tussle, there isn’t much between the sides as you can tell from the 5 games we’ve played them this season. I’m sure they’ll be hungry to go again next season!

“At half way I didn’t really dwell on our total. It wasn’t a massive score but I knew we didn’t give them full bowling points which was important.

“140 is a funny score really, 20 runs fewer and it would have been easy for them, 20 runs more then Lawrenny would have had to have a different mentality to get the runs which may have helped them.

“Our total was largely thanks to George Evans who remains a key figure in our squad and I was especially pleased to see him have a title winning knock. Although we were missing a few key players we still had a lot of bowling options so I knew we were capable of bowling them out!”

Neyland will look to make it a double-winning season on Saturday (Aug 28) when they take on Carew in the final of the Harrison Allen Bowl.

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?