Sport

Harrison Allen final preview: Neyland v Carew

Published

3 years ago

August 25, 2021

IT’S the one they all want to win. The Harrison Allen Final takes place this Saturday (Aug 28) with Neyland taking on Carew.

As always the game will be played at Cresselly Cricket Club and it promises to be another exciting final.

Neyland won the competition in 2020, beating Haverfordwest in the final, and having won the league last weekend, they will be keen to make it a double-winning season.

Carew though are playing in their first final since 2012 and will be looking to lift the trophy for the first time since 2010.

Carew beat Haverfordwest in that final but you have to go all the way back to 1971 for the last time Neyland played Carew in the final.

That occasion saw Neyland come out on top with Stuart Watts putting in a man of the match performance in that game.

50 years on and the two are set to do battle once again and with both teams evenly matched it is hard to choose a winner.

Division 1

In the league, Neyland finished top while Carew finished in fourth place after their final game of the season was abandoned.

The league games between the two produced similar results with Neyland winning on both occasions.

In May, Carew were bowled out for 122 before Neyland reached their target with seven wickets in hand.

Henry Durrant and Ross Hardy starred on that occasion for the hosts and there was a similar result when the two sides met in the reverse fixture in July.

Carew scored 171-9 in their innings with Hayden Shapcott scoring 45 and James Hinchcliffe scoring 32.

Hardy was again amongst the wickets before Nick Koomen scored 54 and Nathan Banner finished unbeaten on 57 to see Neyland to another seven-wicket win.

Although the results may have been the same, cup cricket is never the same.

Route to the final

Carew began their route to the final in May with a trip to Saundersfoot. Carew were kept to a low total of 122-9 in their innings but they were able to restrict Saundersfoot to 113-7 in their reply to win by nine runs.

In the second round, Carew beat Narberth in another close game.

They scored 151-4 first up before Narberth fell only two runs short in their chase on 149-8.

In the quarter finals, Carew made an excellent total of 236-3 in their innings against Kilgetty.

Lewis Hicks scored 65 and Nick Davies added 55 before Carew were able to bowl Kilgetty out for 137 to win by 99 runs.

The semi-finals saw them go up against Division 2 side Burton in Neyland. They successfully chased down Burton’s total of 142-5 to win by eight wickets.

Luke Hicks was again on form scoring 53 to see his side into the final.

Holders Neyland had a bye in the first round and they hosted Hook in the second round.

Neyland proved too strong with Patrick Bellerby scoring an unbeaten 101 in their total of 177-3.

They then restricted Hook to 81-9 in their reply to seal an excellent win.

Neyland played Lawrenny in their last-eight tie and they made it through to the last four with a narrow win.

The home side scored 145-8 in their innings with Ross Hardy scoring 58.

A score of 52 from Kurtis Marsh wasn’t enough for Lawrenny though as they could only reach 138-5 in reply, Brad McDermott-Jenkins taking three wickets for Neyland.

That set up another big clash against Cresselly in the semi-final which was played at Kilgetty.

Neyland batted first again and scored 160-5 in their innings with Ross Hardy scoring 41 and Ashley Sutton finished unbeaten on 52.

Cresselly pushed Neyland all the way with Iwan Izzard finishing unbeaten on 98 but they fell just two runs short on 158-4.

In their run to the final, Carew have shown they have the firepower to post a big total whilst also being able to defend a smaller one.

Neyland have also shown their ability to build a total and that they can restrict their opponents.

This season has also seen Neyland reach the Village Cup semi-final and Welsh Cup quarter finals and whilst they were beaten in both of those games, Sean Hannon’s team will have taken a lot from those experiences.

Having played on Saturday and Sunday for much of August and throughout the season, Saturday’s title win will have given them a big boost ahead of the final.

The Harrison Allen will represent their 36^th game of the season and they will look to end on a high.

Carew also reached the Duggie Morris final earlier this year where they were beaten by Lawrenny and they will be keen to avoid another final defeat.

Their final game of the season was abandoned last Saturday but the team did take part in the Aled Davies Memorial tournament on Sunday.

Carew won that and they will look to follow that up this weekend.

What the captains say

Carew captain Shaun Whitfield said: “We’re definitely looking forward to it, especially after losing the Duggie Morris final.

“It should be a good game against a good team. They are the best team in our league, well captained, and well drilled so we know it’s going to be a tough game.

“You normally have to beat the top teams to win the Harrison Allen so this Saturday will be no different.

“We’ve got a full team to choose from, there should be a big crowd and a good atmosphere and we’re just really looking forward to it.”

Neyland captain Sean Hannon said: “We’ve had some good contests with them over the years. We had a very close game at the quarter final stage last season so we are not underestimating them, they are a good side with some dangerous players.

“It’s a great day out and you never get bored of taking part in it so I’m really looking forward to it.

“With our win last weekend it’s sort of taken a little bit of pressure off us next week as we’ve already got one trophy in the cabinet. It’s not going to distract us from the Harrison Allen though as that’s the trophy everyone talks about.”

A final word

Both teams are expecting a tough game and are keen to get their hands on the trophy so it promises to be another exciting final.

With spectators allowed in to sporting events once again, it will only add to the atmosphere.

The two teams are evenly matched so we won’t be predicting a winner. We’ll let the cricket do the talking.

May the best team win.

Sport

Fishguard boxer wins bronze at international championships

Published

1 day ago

November 17, 2024

Herald Sport

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.

*Ceri Glover from Aberporth (Image: Cardigan ABC)*

News

2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards Finalists announced

Published

3 days ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

4 days ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

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.