Sport
Cresselly edge ahead in title race
CRESSELLY edged ahead in the Division 1 title race on Saturday (Jul 30) as they beat St Ishmaels by 60 runs.
Tish won the toss and chose to bat but they could only watch on as Cresselly again reached 300 runs.
Adam Chandler and Simon Cole shared 100 runs for the first wicket but Chandler was first out when he was caught by Jordan Millich off the bowling of Andrew Pawlett.
Cole and Iwan Izzard continued to push the score on as they added another 151 runs for the second wicket.
Both passed their half centuries but it was Izzard, who had hit four fours and two sixes in his score of 53 from 38 balls, who was next to go when he was caught by Brennan Devonald off the bowling of Millich.
Cole had hit 18 fours and five sixes but his excellent knock of 142 was eventually brought to an end when he was caught by Devonald off the bowling of Millich.
Tish then took more wickets as they looked to keep the score down. Peter Bradshaw had the wicket of Nicky Cope and he was followed back by Ryan Lewis who was bowled by Millich.
Millich then trapped Dan James leg before as Cresselly were reduced to 293-6.
Alex Bayley was then also out, having made a score of 16, when he was stumped by Huw Scriven off the bowling of Bradshaw.
Tom Murphy hit two late fours to take Cresselly to their total of 304-7 before declaring after 38 overs.
Tish knew they would need to make a good start if they were to reach that total but they lost opener Daniel Richards when he was trapped leg before by Ryan Lewis.
Peter Bradshaw and Karl Rhead added 52 runs for the second wicket but Cresselly struck again as Charlie Arthur bowled Rhead on a score of 15.
Bradshaw and Brennan Devonald then shared 135 runs for the third wicket as they looked to keep their side in with a chance of victory.
Bradshaw hit ten fours in his score of 72 but he was trapped leg before by Nicky Cope.
Tom Murphy then had Phil Cockburn caught by Lewis as Tish’s innings began to stall.
Devonald reached his century but he then saw Jonathan Pawlett caught by Alex Bayley off the bowling of Murphy on a score of 12.
Jordan Millich was then bowled by Nicky Cope as Tish were reduced to 217-6.
Devonald had hit 12 fours and five sixes in his score of 108 from 85 balls but he was caught by Neilson Cole off the bowling of Murphy.
That all but ended any hopes Tish had of victory and Cresselly went on to close the game out.
Lewis trapped Huw Scriven leg before and Ieuan Hawkins caught by Neilson Cole before Andrew Pawlett was bowled by Arthur on a score of 16.
That saw Tish bowled out for 244 and gave Cresselly victory by 60 runs.
Cresselly now have a 13-point lead over nearest challengers Carew with three games left to play.
On Saturday, August 6, Cresselly travel to Pembroke Dock while St Ishmaels host Llangwm.
FISHGUARD & GOODWICK RFC hosted the Pembrokeshire Vikings on Saturday (Mar 8) in a spirited mixed-ability rugby match. The game, played at a fast pace, saw some seasoned heads in the Fishguard side controlling play, leading to a 34-14 victory for the home team.
Among the notable moments, Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz took to the field for the Seagulls, adding to the competitive but friendly atmosphere. Vikings mascot and vice-captain Luca Morillo played his first match alongside his father, Andrew Morillo, who captained the team for the day. Joe Lewis also made a welcome return, featuring in his first game of the season.
The Vikings’ standout performers included James Tylor, Daffyd Cowl, Ross Price, and Ashley Couceiro. Special recognition went to Gareth Rees, who played his final match before undergoing surgery. Coach Gethin Bateman was actively involved throughout, rallying his side.
The Vikings’ points came from tries by Daf Cowl and Luca Morillo, with Morillo’s try converted by his father. Cowl was named sponsors’ man of the match for his efforts.
While the match left a few sore bodies in its wake, it was a celebration of rugby’s inclusive spirit and camaraderie.
LEAGUE leaders Narberth remain in control of the Division 2 title race, holding a two-point advantage over Fishguard Sports, who secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Johnston.
Fishguard win nine-goal battle
Fishguard Sports kept their title hopes alive with a thrilling 5-4 win over Johnston. Goals from Anthony Couzens, Greg Hughes, Ieuan Llewellyn, Luke Thomas, and Matthew Lewis ensured the visitors claimed all three points. Johnston fought back with a hat-trick from Callum Rees and a strike from Josh Knapp, but it wasn’t enough to deny Fishguard.
Lawrenny run riot against Solva
Two of last season’s promoted sides met in a crucial battle for survival, with Lawrenny overpowering Solva 8-3. Joe Kidney led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by Owen James (2), Matthew Lewis (2), and Sam Davies. Solva responded through Kieran Price (2) and Josh Bland but struggled to cope with Lawrenny’s attacking firepower.
Carew Reserves claim vital win
Carew Reserves picked up a crucial 3-1 away victory at Broad Haven. Connor Hay opened the scoring before James Hinchliffe struck twice. Marco Valentine netted for the hosts, but the visitors proved too strong.
Weekend round-up
With Hakin United Reserves and Camrose both out of action, Fishguard closed the gap on Narberth, while Broad Haven remain winless at the foot of the table.
Division 2 standings
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Narberth | 18 | 15 | 2 | 1 | +59 | 47 |
| 2 | Fishguard Sports | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | +62 | 45 |
| 3 | Hakin Utd Reserves | 19 | 13 | 2 | 4 | +39 | 41 |
| 4 | Camrose | 19 | 11 | 1 | 7 | +18 | 34 |
| 5 | Neyland | 18 | 9 | 3 | 6 | +14 | 30 |
| 6 | Merlins Bridge Res | 19 | 9 | 3 | 7 | +14 | 27 |
| 7 | Johnston | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | +7 | 26 |
| 8 | Carew Reserves | 21 | 6 | 3 | 12 | -31 | 21 |
| 9 | Solva | 22 | 4 | 6 | 12 | -19 | 18 |
| 10 | Lawrenny | 20 | 4 | 2 | 14 | -51 | 14 |
| 11 | Monkton Swifts Res | 18 | 3 | 4 | 11 | -45 | 13 |
| 12 | Broad Haven | 18 | 0 | 4 | 14 | -67 | 4 |
Goodwick edge out St Ishmaels
League leaders Goodwick United maintained their unbeaten league record with a narrow 1-0 victory over St Ishmaels. Nathan Greene’s goal proved the difference, securing another three points for the Phoenix Park outfit. The win takes them to 52 points from 18 games, with a +68 goal difference, keeping their title charge firmly on track despite recent cup disappointment.
Hakin United remain their closest challengers, trailing by seven points with a game in hand. However, with Hakin’s focus shifting towards cup competitions, it appears unlikely they will catch Goodwick in the league.
Clarbeston Road edge Tenby in five-goal thriller
Clarbeston Road moved up to third in the table after a hard-fought 3-2 win over Tenby. Goals from Jake Booth, Rhys Lloyd-Roberts, and Laurie Haworth were enough to secure victory, despite Scott Ferney’s brace for the visitors.
Monkton Swifts hit Milford for six
Monkton Swifts delivered a dominant performance, thrashing relegation-threatened Milford United 6-1. Dylan Davies led the charge with a hat-trick, while Connor Davies, Paul Miller, and Jonathan Lee also found the net. The emphatic win lifts Monkton to fourth in the standings.
Other fixtures
The match between Kilgetty and Merlins Bridge was postponed, leaving both sides in mid-table.
Latest league table
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goodwick United | 18 | 17 | 1 | 0 | +68 | 52 |
| 2 | Hakin United | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | +64 | 45 |
| 3 | Clarbeston Road | 21 | 10 | 4 | 7 | +3 | 34 |
| 4 | Monkton Swifts | 18 | 9 | 2 | 7 | +12 | 29 |
| 5 | Pennar Robins | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | +13 | 28 |
| 6 | Tenby | 16 | 8 | 3 | 5 | +21 | 27 |
| 7 | Kilgetty | 15 | 7 | 1 | 7 | +8 | 22 |
| 8 | Merlins Bridge | 16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 20 |
| 9 | Carew | 17 | 5 | 3 | 9 | +11 | 18 |
| 10 | St Ishmaels | 20 | 5 | 3 | 12 | -8 | 18 |
| 11 | Milford United | 20 | 4 | 4 | 12 | -36 | 16 |
| 12 | Herbrandston | 21 | 0 | 0 | 21 | -156 | 0 |
With the title race seemingly decided, the battle for third place is intensifying, while the fight for survival remains wide open. Milford, St Ishmaels, and Carew are all battling to avoid the drop, with even Merlins Bridge nervously looking over their shoulder.
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