A CALL to end Pembrokeshire council support for the annual Long Course Weekend triathlon event which it is said has left south county communities ”at breaking point” is to be heard later this week.

Billed as ‘Europe’s largest multi-sport festival’, the event features swim, bike and run over a variety of distances, with the elite athletes completing all three disciplines at maximum distance to earn the coveted Long Course Weekend medal.

The Tenby-based multi-day triathlon events have been held in the summer since 2010 in the county, but concerns have been raised about loss of trade and inconvenience due to road closures associated with it.

Local members Cllr Chris Williams and Cllr Alec Cormack are to ask, at the December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s full council, that the council withdraw support for the annual Long Course Weekend.

Their Notice of Motion says: “This multi-day triathlon event, typically taking place in June, has been a significant success in terms of showcasing our county and promoting physical activity. However, as the event has grown in scale, it has increasingly led to disruption for residents and businesses along the course, many of whom report inconvenience or loss of trade due to road closures spanning up to three days.

“While Pembrokeshire County Council does not provide direct financial contributions to the event, it offers substantial ‘in-kind’ support. Given the feedback from residents and businesses, it is evident that public support for the event has diminished. Additionally, in light of the council’s ongoing financial pressures, it is no longer appropriate to allocate resources to support a profit-driven event at the expense of taxpayers.”

It ends, proposing that “PCC withdraw all support for the Long Course Weekend moving forward, ensuring that council resources are directed towards services and initiatives that directly benefit the wider community”.

In a supporting statement, the two councillors say the event has now “reached a scale where its negative impacts are impossible to ignore in village communities,” and “the continued support of the LCW by Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) is no longer justifiable”.

“Our community is at breaking point; residents and businesses in Saundersfoot, Amroth, Wisemans Bridge and Coppet Hall are effectively cut-off for the majority of a Saturday each June/July by the Long Course Weekend two-lap bike race. Many other areas of South Pembs are similarly affected, some on both Saturday and Sunday if they are also on the run course too.”

It adds: “Community support for the event, which began on a much smaller scale and without road closures, has always been based on the argument of the event representing a ‘greater good’ for Pembrokeshire as a whole – especially to businesses in the Tenby and surrounding area, even if it had a negative effect on Saundersfoot and Amroth.

“However, [at a meeting on September 11 this year] where county councillors from the whole route provided community feedback it seemed to us that there were no councillors enthusiastically supporting the event in its current form and its current location.”

They finished: “There is a mounting sense of frustration in our wards that the Long Course Weekend is a fait accompli and will always take place each year in the same place, in more or less the same way. We therefore ask councillors to support our motion to end the council’s support of Long Course Weekend in its current form.”

LAST WEEKEND’S games may have been washed out, but The Herald sat down with popular referee Marty Jones to hear his reflections on the season so far.

Best welcome of the season?

“Fishguard Sports for their Division 2 clash against Carew 2nds was the standout,” Marty said. “The respect they showed was impeccable. From the warm welcome by coaching staff and players to the thoughtful touches like tea at half-time and full-time, they went above and beyond. Even the payment was sorted upfront, which is always appreciated! The atmosphere created by their coaches and supporters was excellent—no issues there, unlike what can occasionally happen elsewhere. Visiting Fishguard is always a pleasure… well, apart from the rabbit holes!”

Most impressive team?

“It has to be Goodwick United,” Marty revealed. “I’ve only reffed their first team once this season, and while that particular game didn’t go smoothly for me, they’re an incredible team. Their resilience and defensive quality set them apart. There’s a saying: ‘Attackers win you games, defences win you titles,’ and Goodwick embody that. Nick Jones, their keeper, has the best distribution in the league by far. Reffing them is always a privilege, and as a football lover, I relish officiating games involving the top teams.”

Surprising quality?

“Division 1 and Division 2 this season are the best I’ve seen in years,” Marty observed. “Tenby have particularly caught my eye. While I know how good they are, they’ve still managed to surprise me with their performances—drawing with Hakin, pushing Goodwick, and consistently playing entertaining, attacking football. They’re a pleasure to referee and would be great to watch as a fan. It speaks volumes about the strength of Division 1 that a quality team like Tenby isn’t in title contention.”

Standout players?

“It’s tough to choose,” Marty admitted. “For juniors, Ollie Clarke from New Hedges Saundersfoot deserves a mention. He’s respectful, talented, and scored the best header I’ve ever seen. The juniors league is in great shape, with plenty of promising players like him. For seniors, I have to highlight Jack Ashman. His recent performance was incredible—the best individual display I’ve seen all season. While I’m not saying he’s the most consistent player in the league, that match was something special.”

Title predictions?

“Goodwick United for Division 1,” Marty predicted confidently. “Their defence is rock solid, and I can’t see them losing. Hakin aren’t quite there yet. Division 2 is much harder to call, but I’d back Fishguard Sports. They have the squad depth to edge out Narberth in a close race.

“For the cups, I’d love to see a Hakin vs. Goodwick final in the Senior Cup, with Hakin on their day being capable of anything. In Division 2, I’m picking Fishguard for a league and cup double. That said, I haven’t reffed Narberth yet, so maybe I’m being a little unfair to them. It’s brilliant to see such strong competition in both divisions—it keeps the Pembrokeshire leagues exciting!”

Lawrenny (82 for 4) beat Neyland B (63 for 5) by 19 runs

THE MATCH between Lawrenny and Neyland B turned into an unexpectedly low-scoring affair, with both sides struggling to rack up runs. Challenging conditions, possibly due to the newly introduced balls known for swinging more before being fully “knocked in,” appeared to hamper the batting.

Batting first, Lawrenny posted a modest 82 for 4 in their 10 overs. Finley Lewis (12) and Will Allen (21 from 15 balls) top-scored, with Rhys Eynon adding a quickfire 23, including two sixes and two fours, before being run out. Noah Williams remained unbeaten on 16, with 10 extras boosting the total. Neyland B’s Tom Pritchard (2 for 12) and Iestyn Myles (1 for 21) were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Neyland B struggled against Lawrenny’s bowling attack, led by Finley Lewis (2 for 5). Early dismissals of John Tennick (3) and Iestyn Myles (2) left the team reeling at 5 for 2. Jamie Smith managed 13, while Tom Pritchard fought hard with a defiant 22, but it wasn’t enough. Additional contributions from Lawrenny’s bowlers Will Allen (1 for 16), Rhys Eynon (1 for 12), and Oscar Lewis (1 for 12) ensured Neyland B were restricted to 63 for 5, sealing Lawrenny’s 19-run victory.

Cresselly cruise to victory over Pembs Seniors A

Pembs Seniors A (97 for 5) lost to Cresselly (98 for 0) by 6 wickets

Cresselly continued their dominant run with a clinical performance against Pembs Seniors A. Chasing a modest target of 98, they cruised to victory in just 7.4 overs without losing a wicket.

The Seniors struggled with the bat after losing key player Kevin Bowen for 3. Andrew Williams (24) and Alan Webster (36 not out from 24 balls) provided some stability, but the rest of the lineup faltered. Stuart Carpenter chipped in with 15, including a six, but contributions from Huw Scriven (5) and Mark Hicks (0) were minimal.

Cresselly’s bowlers, led by Griff Jenkins (2 for 16) and Tom Arthur (1 for 20), kept the Seniors in check. In reply, Noah Williams (25, including three fours) and Griff Jenkins (26, with two sixes and two fours) retired unbeaten, setting the platform for Tom Rowlands (23 not out) and Milo Jones (16 not out) to finish the chase in style.

Haverfordwest Lightning strike Seniors B

Haverfordwest Lightning (128 for 4) beat Pembs Seniors B (88 all out) by 40 runs

Haverfordwest Lightning delivered a commanding performance, setting a strong total of 128 for 4 in their 10 overs before dismissing Pembs Seniors B for 88 to win by 40 runs.

Shan Pereira anchored the Lightning’s innings with an excellent 37, supported by Will Phillips (26) and Matthew Vaughan (19). Jake Merry contributed 12, and with 26 extras, the team posted a daunting total.

The Seniors’ response relied heavily on Jonathan “Taffy” Williams, who remained unbeaten on 38, smashing four sixes. His all-round effort included a stellar 4 for 24 with the ball, but he received little support. Martin Thomas added 28, but the rest of the lineup collapsed, scoring just 7 runs between them.

Haverfordwest’s bowlers, particularly Jake Merry with a sensational 2 for 2, ensured the Seniors never gained momentum. Sean Atyeo (1 for 14) and Dylan Lee (1 for 17) also contributed, sealing Lightning’s victory with an impressive all-round effort.