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
All football in Wales postponed as Storm Darragh threatens severe disruption
THE FAW has announced the postponement of all football matches scheduled for Saturday, December 7, as Storm Darragh is set to bring life-threatening conditions to the country.
The decision follows a rare red weather warning issued by the Met Office, forecasting winds of up to 90mph and heavy rainfall across Wales and parts of southwestern England. This is the first red alert since Storm Isha in January, with forecasters warning of extensive disruption, including potential damage to buildings, power outages, and severe flooding.
An FAW spokesperson said:
“The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.
“It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury, and the Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.
“Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences.”
Precautions and ongoing assessments
The FAW confirmed that matches scheduled for Friday, December 6, and Sunday, December 8, will be reviewed individually, depending on league policies and updated weather conditions.
The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for rain in Wales from 3:00pm today until midday tomorrow, alongside two amber warnings for wind on Saturday. Rhondda Cynon Taf, where severe flooding affected between 200 and 300 properties during Storm Bert last month, is among the areas bracing for renewed challenges.
Residents are urged to prepare for potential disruptions and stay informed of weather updates. Storm Darragh’s impact is expected to be one of the most severe weather events in recent months, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety advisories.
Sport
Football: Manderwood Second Division Cup, Round 1 (Nov 30, 2024)
Carew 0 – 7 Neyland
NEYLAND stormed into the next round with an emphatic 7-0 triumph over Carew. Max Bowman-Davies stole the show with a hat-trick, supported by two goals from Alfie Crawford. Joe Gale and Dylan James rounded off the scoring in a match dominated by Neyland from start to finish. Carew struggled to contain their visitors’ relentless attacking display.
Monkton Swifts 3 – 0 Broad Haven
Monkton Swifts advanced comfortably, beating Broad Haven 3-0. Rhys Sture set the tone with an early goal, followed by a strike from Phil John to double the lead. Rudy Poole capped off the win with a penalty, ensuring a clean sheet for the Swifts and a place in the next round.
Fishguard Sports 7 – 0 Solva
Fishguard Sports delivered a commanding performance, crushing Solva 7-0. Ieuan Llewellyn netted twice, while Jack Griffiths, Luke Thomas, Greg Hughes, Anthony Couzens, and Adam Lawrence each added a goal. Solva had no answers to the relentless attack from the home side.
Narberth P-P Johnston
The fixture between Narberth and Johnston was postponed and will be rescheduled.
Sport
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1 Roundup
Goodwick United 7 – Monkton Swifts 2
GOODWICK UNITED extended their lead at the top of the table with a commanding 7-2 victory over Monkton Swifts. Rhys Dalling was the standout performer, netting four goals, including a stunning solo effort to complete his hat-trick. Goodwick led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Kieran Blundell and Rhys Jones. The second half saw an attacking masterclass as Jonny Horgan added two more before Dalling rounded off the scoring. Monkton Swifts managed a brilliant 25-yard strike from Connor Davies but were unable to contend with Goodwick’s relentless firepower.
Clarbeston Road 4 – Carew 4
A dramatic 4-4 draw unfolded as Carew snatched a stoppage-time equaliser at Clarbeston Road. Marcus Griffiths gave Carew an early lead, but Laurie Haworth and Ben John turned the game in favour of the hosts by half-time. Leon Davies’ brace put Carew back in front, but goals from Matthew Davies and a second from Haworth saw the Road edge ahead once more. Zac Rowell salvaged a crucial point for Carew in the dying seconds, lifting them out of the relegation zone in a pulsating encounter.
Hakin United 2 – St Ishmaels 0
Hakin United climbed to second in the standings with a solid 2-0 victory over St Ishmaels. The Vikings took control early, with Ryan Wilson opening the scoring with a spectacular long-range effort. Liam Parks doubled the lead with a close-range finish. Despite dominating the game, Hakin couldn’t extend their advantage further. The result pushed St Ishmaels into the relegation zone after a tough outing.
Pennar Robins 3 – Milford United 1
Pennar Robins overturned a first-half deficit to secure a 3-1 win against Milford United. Milford took the lead just before the break through Jack Dyer, despite Pennar dominating possession. Ben Adams equalised early in the second half, followed by a stunning finish from Cameron Brunton to put the hosts ahead. Luke Phillips sealed the victory with a late penalty. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy put in an impressive display, but his heroics couldn’t prevent the defeat.
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