Sport

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

Published

5 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

Charity

Local insurance brokers help raise over £1,300 for Bluebirds Foundation

Published

4 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

The Haverfordwest County AFC Bluebirds Foundation is celebrating a £1,300 boost this month thanks to local insurance brokers Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking.

A recent fundraising day raised £653.64, which was fund matched by the insurance broker’s parent company, the Benefact Group, doubling the amount to over £1,300.

Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking St Clears are sponsors of Haverfordwest County AFC
which includes supporting the charitable arm of the club, Bluebirds Foundation. The Foundation focuses on the prevention of poverty and strengthens the bond between the
football club and local people, including launching junior supporter clubs and community
brunch clubs.
Harry Thomas, aTrustee at Bluebirds Foundation said:
“We are extremely grateful to Lloyd & Whyte for further enhancing the funds raised at
our Foundation Fundraiser, held at the Ogi Bridge Meadow in collaboration with
Haverfordwest County AFC and we look forward to working closely with Lloyd & White again at future events.”
Leyla Phillips stated:
“Events like this show what community is all about. I think it’s great what the
Bluebirds foundation are doing locally for Pembrokeshire, and it was a pleasure to be
a part of it. Being part of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking and the Benefact Group
made it even more special as we are proud to match all funds that were raised on the day which I’m sure will be a nice addition for the foundation, to enable them to carry
on doing great initiatives within our community.’’
The funday event saw bouncy castles, cake stands, a raffle, shirt swap stand, kick-up
competitions, and inflatable goal, alongside the normal match day activities, all providing
hours of fun for spectators and supporters.

And to top it all, Haverfordwest County AFC won 6-0 on the day against Llanelli Town AFC.

Sport

Narberth youngsters impress in busy day of cricket

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH Cricket Club’s junior sides enjoyed a strong day of performances, with the under-15s recording a convincing win and the under-14 girls pushing Cresselly all the way in a close contest.

The under-15s defeated St Ishmaels after posting 120-7, before bowling their opponents out for 54.

Narberth’s under-14 girls were also in action, producing an excellent effort against a talented Cresselly side.

In an eight-a-side, 16-over match, Narberth made 83-5 before Cresselly reached 84-4 to edge the contest.

Mia Phillips top-scored for Narberth with an unbeaten 22, while Sylvie Dunlop made 7 not out. The pair also shared a 50 partnership.

Leah Lewis contributed 18 with the bat and took 1-4 with the ball, while Tia Blewitt produced an excellent spell, taking 3-3.

Despite the narrow defeat, the performance underlined the strength of girls’ cricket at Narberth and the progress being made by the club’s young players.

Sport

Narberth hosts successful girls’ cricket festival

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2026

Herald Sport

YOUNG cricketers from across west Wales took part in a successful under-10s girls’ cricket festival hosted by Narberth Cricket Club on Sunday.

Teams from Whitland, Pembroke Dock, Neyland, Llangennech and Pembroke joined the host side for a day of cricket which highlighted the growing strength of the girls’ game in the region.

Organisers said all teams showed excellent teamwork, enthusiasm and sportsmanship throughout the festival.

Thanks were also given to Narberth coach Ceri Davies, whose organisation helped ensure the day was a success.

Host team: Narberth’s under-10s girls at Sunday’s cricket festival (Pic: Shannon Harries).