First win in 21 years caps off remarkable season for the Vikings

HAKIN UNITED are celebrating after being crowned West Wales Intermediate Cup champions for the 2024–25 season, following a dramatic 3–2 win over Tenby in Wednesday night’s final (May 15) at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The Vikings, who also recently won the Pembrokeshire Senior Cup, completed a sensational double in front of a passionate crowd, ending a 21-year wait to reclaim the prestigious regional title. Their last triumph in the competition came during the 2003–04 campaign.

The final proved to be a thrilling contest, with both sides going toe to toe in an evenly matched affair. Hakin’s attacking intent paid off with three vital goals, while Tenby refused to back down and kept themselves in the tie with two of their own. In the end, the Pembrokeshire League giants edged it, showing their experience and grit on the big stage.

The win was the culmination of a hard-fought campaign. Hakin had reached the final by overcoming Dafen Welfare 3–1 in the quarter-finals and then defeating St Joseph’s with a last-gasp winner from substitute Leon Luby in the semi-final – a moment that sealed their return to the West Wales showpiece after more than two decades.

The club’s official social media celebrated the achievement with the message: “West Wales Intermediate Champions 24/25 – Boys, we love you!” echoing the joy felt across the town and among the travelling supporters in Swansea.

This cup final success once again underlines Hakin United’s status as one of the most successful and consistent clubs in Pembrokeshire football. With silverware secured and pride restored, attention now turns to building on this momentum in the seasons ahead.

Photo caption:

Cup glory: Hakin United celebrate after winning the West Wales Intermediate Cup on Wednesday (Pic: Hakin United FC Facebook)spo

A NEW pickleball court has opened in Milford Haven — the first of its kind in Pembrokeshire.

Pickleball Milford Haven has spent the last few months preparing the play area at St Katharine’s Green on The Rath, transforming it into a dedicated space for the fast-growing sport.

The first session took place on Saturday (May 10), with a good turnout and several newcomers saying they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, is gaining popularity across the UK for its accessibility and fun, social nature.

Anyone interested in joining or learning more is invited to contact Mrs Queenie Scales on 07814 122443.

As the Premier League season draws to a close and most of the major outcomes have been decided, now is the perfect time to look at the season so far. 

Champions and the Champions League

This year, due to England’s performance in UEFA’s coefficient rankings, five clubs are guaranteed a place in the Champions League. 

Liverpool were recently crowned champions of the Premier League following an impressive 5-1 victory over Tottenham on April 27, with the victory also guaranteeing them a spot in the top five. 

However, four spots are still left to be decided and the battle is close between the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. As a result, those who are looking for Premier League & Champions League betting opportunities are constantly seeing prices fluctuate on a gameweek-by-gameweek basis. With only three matches left for each team now, one minor slipup could cost a team a place in the top five. 

Arsenal have performed admirably throughout the season, only losing four out of their 35 games and securing 18 wins. Punters have considered Arsenal to be an almost guaranteed top five finisher for the past few months, but they’re stuttering to the finish line. 

Following Arsenal is Manchester City and Newcastle United, who have favourable odds at 1/50 and 1/4 respectively. The clubs are tied at 19 wins each, with Man City one point ahead of Newcastle and just three points behind Arsenal. 

Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa are all in with a chance but Chelseae are slightly ahead, leaving Forest and Villa vulnerable. 

The race for the top five is looking more competitive than ever before, so we’re certainly in for a nailbiting few weeks as the competition comes to an end. Remember, if you are betting on which team will capture one of these all-important spots, gambling legislation is continually changing. For instance, Ireland’s new gambling regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) officially came into force last month. So, before you place a bet, ensure you’re gambling responsibly and know the rules in your area.

Relegations

Southampton were the first to go following their 3-1 defeat at Spurs. This was the side’s 25th defeat. Not long after, Leicester City joined the relegations when they were beaten by Liverpool 1-0. This is the second relegation in three years for the club who had a rough start, losing the first six games of their campaign. 

Finally, Ipswich Town made up the last of the three relegated teams, when they lost 3-0 to Newcastle on April 26.

An exciting season all round

There are only a few matches left to go but the season so far has certainly been one for the books, from stellar performances by Liverpool to an unfortunate outcome for Southampton. Be sure to tune in for the remaining matches to see who makes it into the top five.