Sport

Clubs ‘can’t wait to get started’ as Pembrokeshire Football League returns

Published

3 years ago

September 2, 2021

THE Pembrokeshire Football League returns this weekend with clubs across the county delighted to be back in action.

This Saturday, September 4, after 16 months away, league football is back in Pembrokeshire and for some, it can’t come quick enough.

The covid-19 pandemic forced the 2019-20 season to be cancelled with Hakin United being crowned winners of Division 1 on a points per game method.

Attempts to return to some sort of normality were curtailed in late 2020 after a rise in cases across the country.

The pandemic has also had an impact on a number of clubs with Saundersfoot just one of a number of teams in Wales who have had to pull out of their respective leagues.

There is good news in that Prendergast Villa have been able to reform and they will enter Division 5 under the leadership of Adrian Blundell.

The Herald spoke to a number of clubs ahead of Saturday’s games to see how they were feeling and many told us they can’t wait to get started.

Merlins Bridge’s secretary said: “It’s absolutely great news that league football has finally returned.

“Another positive after the awful time we have recently had. Amazing to see competitive football being played again, not only at senior football but also the juniors and the mini’s.

“It’s been a long time coming and good luck to everyone with the forth coming season. The down side is seeing some clubs struggling and folding. Look at Saundersfoot for example. A long standing Pembrokeshire football team that has had to pull out.

“Covid has definitely had an impact on all the club’s I’m sure. Some more than others. Saturday can’t come quick enough.”

Herbrandston manager Stuart McDonald said: “I am sure that I speak for many players and managers when I say that the return of competitive football within Pembrokeshire is an exciting prospect.

“The last 18 months have been challenging for every club, and moving forward things have undoubtedly changed.

“Throughout pre-season there has been an apprehensive buzz around the club, everyone hoping that the season would get the green light.

“With the green light given, we now approach the season with huge excitement and also cautious optimism, ensuring that the safety of everyone involved is at the forefront of what we do. Good luck to all our Pembrokeshire teams and referees.”

St Clears manager Nick Squire said: “It’s an exciting time for everyone, not just in St Clears, but for everyone in the county, maybe a realisation of the value of the game and how much it really means to our lives, not just the competitive side but the social too.

“It felt like it was never going to come but it’s finally here and we can’t wait to get started.”

Hakin manager Scott Davies said: “We at Hakin United are delighted to have local football back. It is a huge part of our community and has been sorely missed over the last 16 months.”

Milford United manager Andrew Burgoyne added: “It’s been a long time coming and life has a very different look now.

“A return to football feels like a return to normality, although we know that we still need to be cautious. That won’t be easy in both a sporting and social context.”

Manager of Neyland, Gavin Rowland said: “It’s great to be back training seeing old and new faces at the club. The players have shown a good commitment so far and have enjoyed being back together.

“Everyone is looking forward to the first league game this weekend and we along with every other club are excited to get back to league action.”

Having missed the football for 18 months, Saturday will be a welcome relief for all involved. Good luck to all clubs for the new season.

Fixtures for Saturday, September 4

Division 1

Fishguard Sports v Pennar Robins

Goodwick United v Hundleton

Hakin United v Carew

Monkton Swifts v Merlins Bridge

Narberth v Neyland

St Ishmaels v Clarbeston Road

Division 2

Broad Haven v Milford Athletic

Kilgetty v Solva

Merlins Bridge II v Monkton Swifts II

Milford United v Johnston

Pennar Robins II v Hakin United II

St Clears v Herbrandston

Division 3

Camrose v Pembroke Boro

Carew II v Tenby

Clarbeston Road II v Fishguard Sports II

Cosheston v Broad Haven II

Lawrenny v Goodwick United II

Pendine v Haverfordwest CC

Division 4

Haverfordwest CC II v Carew III

Hundleton II v Milford United II

Neyland II v Narberth II

Pennar Robins III v St Ishmaels II

Solva II v Letterston

St Florence v Camrose II

Division 5

Herbrandston II v Prendergast Villa

Johnston II v Newport Tigers

Letterston II v Kilgetty II

Milford Athletic II v Lawrenny II

Pembroke Boro II v Angle

Tenby II v St Clears II

Sport

Fishguard boxer wins bronze at international championships

Published

2 days 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

5 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.