Sport
Vikings see off Monkton

HAKIN United picked up another win on Saturday (Jan 15) as they beat Monkton Swifts 3-1.
It was a physical encounter with both sides giving their all.
The Vikings took the lead after fourteen minutes as Camron Thomas crossed into the box and Mark Jones headed in to the top corner.
The visitors continued to create chances with Ben Aldred shooting wide while Shane Walsh volleyed over.
They held on to their lead until half time but they scored again on the hour mark.
Leon Luby whipped a cross into the box for Shane Walsh to knock in at the back post.
Monkton pulled a goal back just four minutes later as they broke from defence before the ball was played through for Dylan Davies who smashed an effort in off the underside of the bar.
The Swifts pushed for an equaliser but became susceptible to a counter attack.
With fifteen minutes to go Camron Thomas played the ball up to Ashley Bevan who held the ball before finding Luby who then beat two defenders before firing into the bottom right corner.
On Saturday, January 22, Hakin are at home to Hundleton while Monkton host Neyland.
Monkton Swifts: Taylor Gullam, Chris Richards, Rhodri Davies, Josh Richards, Shaun Donohoe, Declan Carroll, Blake James, Tom Powell, Dylan Davies, Jamie Wilkes, Jason Finnegan. Subs: Gareth Finnegan, Jack Clarke, Martyn Carroll.
Hakin United: Sam Franklin, Jake Merry, Camron Thomas, Jay Power, Mark Jones, Craig Nicholson, Justin Harding, Ben Aldred, Shane Walsh, Leon Luby, Jack Britton. Subs: Ryan Wilson, Laurie Haworth, Ashley Bevan.
Sport
East Williamston maintain lead as Week 20 results confirmed

THE LATEST results from last week’s league fixtures saw Kilgetty secure a 7-3 victory over Llanteg, while Carew dominated Badgers with an 8-2 win. Cosheston delivered a strong performance, beating Lamphey 9-1, and St Twynnells claimed an 8-2 win over St Johns. East Williamston had a bye, while the match between Hundleton and Reynalton was postponed.
Current League Standings (Week 20)
Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | S/D | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
East Williamston | 17 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 267 | 135 |
Carew | 17 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 104 | 98 |
Cosheston | 17 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 55 | 93 |
St Johns | 16 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 57 | 90 |
Llanteg | 18 | 6 | 1 | 11 | -54 | 84 |
Hundleton | 17 | 8 | 0 | 9 | 57 | 83 |
Reynalton | 16 | 9 | 0 | 7 | 24 | 83 |
Badgers | 18 | 6 | 1 | 11 | -15 | 75 |
St Twynnells | 17 | 6 | 1 | 10 | -111 | 74 |
Kilgetty | 16 | 5 | 0 | 11 | -175 | 58 |
Lamphey | 17 | 5 | 0 | 12 | -132 | 57 |
Meanwhile, the weekend’s triples tournament had to be abandoned after the round-robin stage due to an accident involving Nev Ruff of Badgers. The knockout round will be rescheduled, with the league committee extending their best wishes to Nev for a speedy and full recovery.
News
Local MP completes his first Haverfordwest Parkrun

HAVERFORDWEST Parkrun number 312 took place on Saturday (Mar 15) at the Racecourse, with 80 participants crossing the finish line—among them, Henry Tufnell MP, who completed his first parkrun.
The MP recorded a time of 18 minutes and 14 seconds at the free weekly 5k community event. His wife, Poppy, also took part, volunteering for the first time as one of 15 helpers who ensure the event runs smoothly under the parkrun UK umbrella.
The event, which has now seen 24,536 finishers, takes place every Saturday at 9:00am. Organisers expressed gratitude to Haverfordwest Racecourse Public Park Trust for their continued support in hosting the event and to Haverfordwest Cricket Club for providing toilet facilities for participants each week.
News
Future of Wales’ last Greyhound track uncertain amid ban proposal

THE VALLEY Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, the last remaining greyhound racing track in Wales, faces an uncertain future following the Welsh Government’s proposal to outlaw the sport.
Greyhound racing has been a part of Welsh sporting history for nearly a century, with the first races taking place on April 7, 1928. At its peak, the sport drew tens of thousands of spectators, with the Welsh White City Stadium in Cardiff once attracting crowds of 25,000. The Valley Greyhound Stadium itself opened in 1976 and has undergone significant renovations over the years, including the addition of an indoor lounge and licensed bar in 2011. The stadium was granted a licence by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) in August 2023, ensuring compliance with modern animal welfare and racing standards.

Welsh Government pushes for ban
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced on February 18, 2025, that the government intends to implement a ban on greyhound racing “as soon as practically possible.” He stated: “I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”
The proposed ban follows increasing pressure from animal welfare groups and a government consultation that received 35,000 signatures supporting the end of the sport. Welfare concerns, including the risks of injury and post-racing care for retired dogs, have been key drivers behind the move.
Divided opinions on the proposal
The announcement has sparked widespread debate. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the decision, arguing that it aligns with evidence-based policy on animal welfare. BVA President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux commented: “It is crucial that all animals in sporting activities are protected under the highest welfare standards.”
However, industry representatives and racing enthusiasts argue that the decision is not grounded in sufficient evidence. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has strongly opposed the move, with Chairman Jeremy Cooper stating: “This decision has been heavily influenced by animal rights activists. Our industry has made significant strides in ensuring the welfare of greyhounds.”
Essex businessman Dave Barclay, who has owned the Valley Greyhound Stadium since November 2021, is understood to be seeking legal advice in light of the government’s plans.
Impact on local economy and sport
If the ban is enacted, Wales would become the first UK nation to outlaw greyhound racing, leaving only 18 tracks operational in the rest of the country following the closure of Crayford Stadium in January. The closure of the Valley Greyhound Stadium is expected to result in the loss of approximately 30 jobs and leave a void in the local sporting community.
Former England and British and Irish Lions rugby player Mike Burton, now a greyhound trainer, expressed disappointment: “I come to Wales because they are good people, they are all grafters and love the sport. This is a huge loss.”
Uncertain future for greyhound racing in Wales
Despite the outcry from the industry, the Welsh Government remains committed to phasing out the sport. The exact timeline for implementation is unclear, but with the next Senedd election set for May 2026, the ban could be in place before then.
As the debate continues, stakeholders on both sides await further details on the government’s plan, including support measures for affected workers and provisions for the welfare of retired racing greyhounds. For now, the final bend looms for Wales’ last greyhound track, and its future remains uncertain.
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