Sport
Evans and Williams win big at Pembrokeshire County Open
MATHIEU Evans was the big winner at the annual Pembrokeshire County Open tennis tournament.
The 19-year-old, making his debut in the senior draw, defeated last year’s champion Jeremy Cross in a scintillating men’s singles final at The Parade on Saturday, July 16.
The crowd were brought to their feet as Evans clinched match point in a championship tie-breaker to dethrone Cross, who played his part in what Haverfordwest Tennis Club president Brian Hearne hailed the greatest men’s final he has ever witnessed in his 63-year involvement.
Evans went on to claim further silverware with dad Bruce, a veteran of the tournament, in the men’s doubles, triumphing over Carmarthenshire duo Danny Cobinah and Lewis Thomas.
Kerry Williams reclaimed the ladies singles title she won back in 2019 defeating last year’s finalist Sarah Newman, who was consoled by defending the women’s doubles title with recent Four Nations champion Laura Davies. The pair edged Williams and partner Michelle Morgan in another tense championship tie break.
Cross, a current Wales Senior Open champion, went on to defend his mixed doubles title with Ceri Coleman-Phillips. Together they defeated Newman and Pete Warren Lavis, who beat Nathan Jones earlier in the day to take home the men’s plate.
The junior tournament was also a huge success this year and ran alongside the senior competition.
Robbie Stirling defended his boys under 12s singles title, while Phoebe Johnson was the girl’s age group winner.
Eddy Brown and Josie Hawke won the boys and girls under 14s singles competitions, with Hawke adding the under 16s trophy to her collection. Etienne Hole edged an entertaining boys under 18s final.
In the doubles there was more silverware for Stirling, who claimed the under 12s boys title with Gethin Frank, while Fynn Price and Shaun Bolger were the under 14s champions.
The tournament was once again refereed by club coach Tom Hole with 79 players taking part over the fortnight.
Haverfordwest Tennis Club chairman Dean Richards thanked Hole and his right-hand woman Sarah Keogh for all their hard work, plus a small group of volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the competition ran smoothly.
“Finals day was a huge success, the Parade was buzzing with excitement with family and friends cheering on competitors,” said Richards.
“Thanks to all the participants for entering, and a special mention to those players who travelled from as far as Neath to take part.
“The planning has already begun for next year.”
Results in full
Men’s singles: Mathieu Evans beat Jeremy Cross 6-3 4-6 1-0
Ladies singes: Kerry Williams beat Sarah Newman 6-1 6-0
Men’s doubles: Mathieu Evans and Bruce Evans beat Danny Cobinah and Lewis Thomas 6-3 6-2
Ladies doubles: Laura Davies and Sarah Newman beat Kerry Williams and Michelle Morgan 6-2 2-6 1-0
Mixed doubles: Jeremy Cross and Ceri Coleman-Phillips beat Pete Warren Lavis and Sarah Newman 7-6 6-2
Men’s plate: Pete Warren Lavis beat Nathan Jones 6-3 6-1
Under 18s boys: Etienne Hole beat William Phillips 6-1 7-5
Under 16s girls: Josie Hawke beat Honey Johnson 4-0 4-2
Under 14s boys: Eddy Brown beat Ned Rees Wigmore W/O
Under 14s girls: Josie Hawke beat Anna May 4-2 1-4 1-0
Under 12s boys: Robbie Stirling beat William Cross 7-6 0-6 1-0
Under 12s girls: Phoebe Johnson beat Isabelle Owen 4-1 4-0
Under 14s boys doubles: Fynn Price and Shaun Bolger beat Eddy Brown and Ben Brown 4-6 7-6 1-0
Under 12s boys doubles: Robbie Stirling and Gethin Frank beat Ethan James Scale and Sidak Mahey 6-0 6-1
Sport
Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston
Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6
BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.
The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.
St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.
Team line-ups
Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.
St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.
Sport
Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3
Goodwick United 7-0 Carew
Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.
Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports
Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.
Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United
Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.
Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road
In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.
Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers
Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.
Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins
Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.
Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes
Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.
Analysis:
Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.
Sport
Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory
Broad Haven 4-4 Solva
In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.
Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports
Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.
Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II
Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.
Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II
The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.
Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth
Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.
Analysis:
The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.
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