Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

Neyland beat Cresselly to take advantage in title race

Published

on

NEYLAND moved ahead of title rivals Cresselly on Saturday (Jun 11) as they beat them by four wickets.

There was a brief rain shower before the match began and when Neyland won the toss they chose to field first.

Cresselly, who had scored 331 on home soil the previous week, reached a total of 155 but had suffered an early setback when Matthew Morgan had to retire hurt on a score of 19. He had dived in to get a run but unfortunately dislocated his shoulder.

Dan James top scored with 38 while Tom Murphy added 36. Iwan Izzard added 34 but Neyland were able to keep Cresselly’s score down.

Andrew Miller bowled well for Neyland as he finished with figures of 2-23. Jack John (2-31) and Nick Koomen (2-44) also chipped in with valuable wickets.

Neyland lost openers Lewis Page and Paul Murray early in their reply, Page trapped leg before Dan James and Murray bowled by Charlie Arthur.

When Ashley Sutton departed after being caught by Alex Bayley, off the bowling of James, Neyland were 41-3.

Patrick Bellerby and Nick Koomen steadied the innings and they shared 35 runs for the fourth wicket.

Bellerby scored 18 but he was caught by Charlie Arthur off the bowling of Tom Arthur.

Koomen and Brad McDermott-Jenkins then added 43 runs for the fifth wicket to take Neyland closer to their target.

Koomen hit six fours in his score of 45 but he was then caught by Charlie Arthur off the bowling of Tom Murphy.

McDermott-Jenkins and Gregg Miller continued to put runs on the board as both reached scores of 30.

Miller hit four fours and a six in his knock but was then bowled by Tom Murphy.

McDermott-Jenkins finished unbeaten on 30 with two fours and two sixes to see Neyland to victory.

On Saturday, June 18, Neyland host Pembroke Dock while Cresselly travel to Narberth.

Sport

Manager reflects on unity, discipline, and a season built on belief

Published

on

IN the days leading up to Sunday’s play-off final, Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock said one thing clearly: “The boys are looking forward to it and will be up for the challenge.”

He wasn’t wrong.

While supporters rightly celebrate a 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town and the return of European football to the club, it’s worth remembering that this moment was forged not in 90 minutes, but across a season built on togetherness, hard graft, and quiet conviction.

Pennock, reflecting before the final, pointed to signs he’d seen as early as last June.

“From the first session up at the Racecourse, then the beach the following week, you just saw a group that really wanted to work hard for each other,” he said.

That unity has defined the Bluebirds’ campaign. They achieved a club-record 51 points and finished with the best defensive record in the Cymru Premier — conceding just 26 goals in 32 games. It was a season not of flashy wins, but of collective discipline, focus, and belief.

And while Haverfordwest’s third-place finish guaranteed them a home final, it also meant an unusually long layoff — nearly four weeks without competitive football. For some, that might have spelled rust or lost momentum. For Pennock, it was opportunity.

“The break has given us a chance to get a few of the injured boys back fit,” he said on Friday. “No excuses from us — the boys are ready.”

Sunday’s performance proved that readiness, not just in energy but in character. It was a composed display from a squad that knew what was at stake and trusted in the process that had brought them this far.

Behind the scenes, there was also a challenge: keeping the squad focused and mentally prepared during the long wait. “Whatever happened in the previous 32 games doesn’t matter anymore,” Pennock said. “It’s all about Sunday.”

With the job now done and European qualification secured for the second year running, attention turns to logistics, the UEFA draw, and the question of whether Haverfordwest will again have to play at Cardiff City Stadium due to ground regulations.

But for now, the focus remains on a season that delivered on its promise — and on a manager who asked for belief and got it in return.

Photo caption: Stronger together: Haverfordwest’s season success rooted in unity and belief (Pic: HCAFC)

Cover photo by Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW

Continue Reading

Sport

Bluebirds beat Caernarfon Town 3–1 to book place in UEFA Europa Conference League

Published

on

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will once again fly the flag for Pembrokeshire in Europe after a thrilling 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town in the JD Cymru Premier European play-off final on Sunday (May 18).

In front of a passionate home crowd of 1,717 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, the Bluebirds produced a composed and clinical performance to book their place in the First Qualifying Round of the 2025–26 UEFA Europa Conference League.

Ben Ahmun opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute with a composed finish, before Dan Hawkins doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark. Ahmun sealed the victory with his second of the afternoon in the 85th minute, rounding off a memorable display.

Caernarfon pulled one back deep into injury time through Louis Lloyd (90+4), but it was too little, too late for the visitors, as Haverfordwest celebrated back-to-back European qualifications — a historic achievement for the Pembrokeshire club.

This result means Haverfordwest will enter the UEFA Conference League at the First Qualifying Round, with the draw expected in mid-June and matches scheduled for July.

It continues an impressive rise for the club, who last summer thrilled supporters across Wales with their dramatic European ties against Shkëndija of North Macedonia, narrowly exiting the competition on penalties after a heroic second-leg performance in Cardiff.

The win also cements Haverfordwest’s growing reputation as a force in domestic Welsh football — with a strong squad, local support, and the experience of last year’s European campaign to build on.

Full-time: Haverfordwest County 3–1 Caernarfon Town

Scorers:

Haverfordwest – Ahmun (17, 85), Hawkins (32)

Caernarfon – Lloyd (90+4)

Attendance: 1,717

Venue: Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest

Competition: JD Cymru Premier European Play-Off Final

Photo caption:

Bluebirds flying high: Haverfordwest players celebrate after qualifying for Europe (Pic: HCAFC)

Continue Reading

Sport

Carew crush Llangwm as title race begins to take shape

Published

on

CAREW remain the team to beat in Division One of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League after another dominant performance, as the early-season table starts to take shape.

The 2022 champions were ruthless against Llangwm, piling on a massive 365-5 before skittling the visitors for just 102 — winning by 263 runs. Nick Davies struck a classy 101, supported by 88 from Shaun Whitfield and 62 from Tim Hicks. In reply, James Hinchcliffe tore through the Llangwm batting with figures of 4-8, while Iori Hicks chipped in with 2-15.

Cresselly remain on their heels, comfortably beating Lawrenny by eight wickets. After bowling Lawrenny out for 119 — with Tom Arthur taking 3-29 and Charlie Arthur 3-32 — Morgan Lewis (60) and Charlie Arthur (41*) saw them home in just 21.5 overs.

Neyland kept pace near the top with a hard-fought four-wicket win over Burton. Ashley Sutton’s 76 and Dai Davies’s unbeaten 23 proved vital after Burton posted 147 all out, with Luke Hayman contributing 22 and taking 3-35 in a losing effort.

Saundersfoot also chalked up a win, chasing down 102 to beat Whitland by seven wickets. Prashant Gautam was the pick of the bowlers, taking 5-10, while Nick Cope took 4-21 and hit 26 not out to complete a fine all-round display.

Haverfordwest edged past Herbrandston by four wickets in a nervy low-scoring affair. Herbie were dismissed for 98, with Chris Phillips taking 3-11 and Fin Ateyo 3-13. Ben Field guided Town to victory with a patient unbeaten 50.

DIVISION ONE RESULTS – SATURDAY, MAY 17

  • Carew 365-5 (Nick Davies 101, S. Whitfield 88) beat Llangwm 102 all out by 263 runs
  • Cresselly 123-2 (Morgan Lewis 60) beat Lawrenny 119 all out by 8 wickets
  • Neyland 148-6 (Ashley Sutton 76) beat Burton 147 all out by 4 wickets
  • Saundersfoot 103-3 (Nick Cope 26no, Gautam 5-10) beat Whitland 102 all out by 7 wickets
  • Haverfordwest 100-6 (Ben Field 50no) beat Herbrandston 98 all out by 4 wickets

DIVISION ONE TABLE (AFTER WEEK 4)

PosTeamPWLBatBowlPts
1Carew440182078
2Cresselly440171776
3Neyland431161866
4Saundersfoot431151462
5Haverfordwest422151350
6Burton413141640
7Lawrenny413121539
8Herbrandston413141438
9Whitland413151136
10Llangwm404101222

DIVISION TWO: Narberth and Pembroke unbeaten

Narberth stay top with a dominant 155-run win over Johnston. Jamie McCormack smashed a stunning 175, before Ryan Williams (4-49) helped bowl Johnston out for 169.

Pembroke are hot on their heels after chasing down Hook’s 230 with six wickets in hand. Jack Harries was the standout, finishing unbeaten on 125.

Carew II and Llechryd also enjoyed wins, while St Ishmaels crushed Burton II by 217 runs, with Brennan Devonald (136) and Peter Bradshaw (83) in the runs.

Division Two table (Top 3):

  1. Narberth – 78 pts
  2. Pembroke – 76 pts
  3. Hook – 65 pts

DIVISION THREE: Fishguard flying

Fishguard top Division Three after an eight-wicket win at Stackpole. Nigel Delaney anchored the chase with 63 not out.

Jake Davie’s unbeaten 96 helped Pembroke Dock beat Hundleton by 72 runs, while Steve Williams (73) and Charlie Holder (54) powered Hook II past Laugharne.

Elsewhere, Lamphey edged out Kilgetty by 3 wickets, and Neyland II held off Haverfordwest II in a tight contest.

Division Three table (Top 3):

  1. Fishguard – 69 pts
  2. Pembroke Dock – 64 pts
  3. Kilgetty – 52 pts

DIVISION FOUR: Saundersfoot II stay perfect

Saundersfoot II made it four from four with an eight-wicket win over Narberth II. Lewis Treadway-Williams top-scored with 44 not out.

Pembroke II were equally dominant, thrashing Haverfordwest III by 131 runs with Paul White unbeaten on 118.

Crymych and St Ishmaels II also recorded big wins, while Carew III saw off Lawrenny II by 70 runs.

Division Four table (Top 3):

  1. Saundersfoot II – 76 pts
  2. Crymych – 68 pts
  3. Pembroke II – 67 pts

DIVISION FIVE: Pembroke Dock II out front

In Division Five, Pembroke Dock II made light work of Haverfordwest IV, winning by nine wickets. Tom Grimwood hit an unbeaten 60.

Herbrandston II defeated Hundleton II, while Llechryd II cruised to victory over Cresselly III. Whitland II and Neyland III did not play.

Division Five table (Top 3):

  1. Pembroke Dock II – 67 pts
  2. Whitland II – 65 pts
  3. Herbrandston II – 65 pts

DIVISION SIX: Lamphey II climbing

Lamphey II secured a seven-wicket win over Kilgetty II, while Whitland III eased past Llechryd III by ten wickets. Pembroke III won a low-scoring game against Haverfordwest/Cresselly.

Division Six table (Top 3):

  1. Haverfordwest/Cresselly – 49 pts
  2. Lamphey II – 41 pts
  3. Pembroke III – 38 pts

Next week promises more exciting action across all divisions, with several top-of-the-table clashes in the pipeline.

Continue Reading

Sport1 day ago

Bluebirds beat Caernarfon Town 3–1 to book place in UEFA Europa Conference League

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will once again fly the flag for Pembrokeshire in Europe after a thrilling 3–1 win over Caernarfon...

Community2 days ago

Paddle-out protest sees 200 take to the water in Broad Haven

National day of action calls out sewage pollution across the UK BROAD HAVEN was the scene of a dramatic demonstration...

Community3 days ago

Hundreds turn out for Battle of Goodwick Moor reenactment

Community celebrates Pembrokeshire’s medieval heritage with spectacular living history event GOODWICK Moor was transformed into a living battlefield on Saturday...

Community3 days ago

Hundreds gather in Narberth for colourful Eisteddfod parade and proclamation ceremony

Sun shines on town as Gorsedd of Bards declares 2026 Eisteddfod plans CROWDS lined the streets of Narberth on Saturday...

News3 days ago

Police search Bramble Hall Farm in major operation

Landowner says man fled across fields as woman arrested A LARGE police presence was reported at Bramble Hall Farm in...

News4 days ago

Man arrested after three-car crash on A40 near Haverfordwest

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving following a three-vehicle collision on the A40 near Haverfordwest....

News5 days ago

Paddleboarders rescued off Pembrokeshire coast after being blown out to sea

Little and Broad Haven lifeboat crew locate duo near Druidston after emergency 999 call TWO young paddleboarders were rescued off...

Business5 days ago

Skilled labour crisis hits Pembrokeshire’s fishing fleet, warns new national report

Not one Welsh skipper rated crew availability as ‘good’ in Seafish 2024 survey PEMBROKESHIRE’S fishing industry is facing a critical...

News5 days ago

Council’s Deputy Leader doubles down in Welsh language row

THE DEPUTY LEADER of Pembrokeshire County Council has defended the Cabinet from claims it is “anti-Welsh”.Cllr Paul Miller’s remark came...

Business6 days ago

Withyhedge landfill operator seeks to increase waste limit by 50,000 tonnes

Campaigners call for permit reduction instead, warning trust has been “shredded” THE COMPANY behind Pembrokeshire’s controversial Withyhedge landfill site has...

Popular This Week