Sport
Bluebirds beaten in first game of second phase

Report by Haverfordwest County
HAVERFORDWEST County returned south empty-handed after a 2-0 defeat to Caernarfon Town in the opening game of Phase Two on Saturay (Feb 11).
Goals from Laurie Bell and Darren Thomas in the second half were enough to hand the Canaries all three points.
The Bluebirds had their opportunities, particularly in the first half, but were unable to make the most of their good play and were ultimately punished by the hosts after the break.
The result means the Town drop to eighth place for the time being, with Caernarfon reclaiming seventh after hard-fought victory.
Manager Tony Pennock made three changes to the side which beat Connah’s Quay Nomads 2-1 last week, with Jazz Richards and Ben Fawcett returning to the starting lineup, where they were joined by Jack Leahy who made his Haverfordwest County debut. In the absence of Dylan Rees, Jazz took the captain’s armband for the match.
The first opportunity of the game fell the way of the hosts, with Zac Jones needing to be alert to tip Iwan Cartwright’s header from a corner over the crossbar.
The Bluebirds tested Josh Tibbetts for the first time a couple of minutes later when Henry Jones’ cross was flicked goalwards by Elliott Dugan, with the Canaries stopper reacting to push the ball to safety.
Pennock’s side were showing plenty of attacking intent in the early stages, and just a minute later Leahy had a chance to open his account when he was played in by a through ball from Fawcett, however the defence recovered in time to block his shot from inside the area.
Huw Griffiths’ side were also looking threatening going forward, and they came close to opening the scoring when Lloyd Marsh-Hughes’ overhead kick from the edge of the area was tipped over the bar by Jones.
County’s promising attacking play continued throughout the first half, and after 20 minutes their best opportunity arrived when Henry Jones’ clipped ball into the area was nodded into the path of Fawcett by Lee Jenkins, but the striker had his effort from close range blocked by Tibbetts. Fawcett then saw his header at the back post loop over the bar from Jack Wilson’s cross in the last real chance of the first half.
The visitors knew that a similar performance in the second half give them a great chance to leave The Oval with all three points, however an improved display from the hosts along with a slight drop off from the Town saw the match swing in Caernarfon’s favour.
Following a quiet quarter of an hour after the restart, Jordan Davies and Ioan Evans were introduced from the bench to add more energy as the Bluebirds searched for the opening goal. However, just after the hour mark, the hosts went ahead when the ball landed at the feet of Bell from a corner and the defender powerfully hooked it home from close range to make it 1-0.
Chances were much harder to come by in the second half, and a rare sight on goal nearly saw Haverfordwest County equalise when Evans’ corner was headed on goal by Kyle Patten, but Tibbetts was there to push it away.
Then, with 18 minutes remaining, Griffiths’ side doubled their advantage when a mix up at the back allowed Rhys Alun Williams to advance inside the area, before laying it off to Thomas who poked the ball in at the near post to make it 2-0 and leave the Bluebirds with a mountain to climb.
This proved to be the final big moment of a disappointing afternoon for County, who were left to rue not taking their opportunities in the first half.
County will look to put things right when they return to action with a home game against Flint Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow next Saturday, February 18 (Kick-off: 2.30pm).
Sport
Duggie Morris Cup quarter finals: Carew, Llangwm and Narberth through

CAREW, Llangwm and Narberth have all won their respective Duggie Morris Cup quarter finals this week.
Tonight, (May 25) Saundersfoot host Neyland for the last spot in the semi-finals.
On Tuesday, Carew beat St Ishmaels by 32 runs. Carew won the toss and chose to bat first and they scored 147-8 in their 20 overs.
They lost Rhys Davies and Shaun Whitfield early on but scores of 31 (five fours) and 18 from Morgan Grieve got Carew going.
Gareth Lewis also made a score of 18 before a late unbeaten score of 20 from Iori Hicks saw Carew to their total, setting Tish 148 to win the game.
Lewis Rhead was again the pick of the bowlers as he finished with figures of 3-24 from his four overs.
Jonathan Pawlett and Robbie Thomas each picked up a wicket while Phil Llewellyn, Huw Scriven and Brennan Devonald each claimed a run out.
Tish lost Phil Llewellyn and Jonathan Pawlett early in their reply, both falling to Iori Hicks, but Brennan Devonald looked in fine form.
He smashed seven fours and three sixes in his score of 60 from 33 balls but when he fell to Rhys Davies, Tish’s innings began to falter.
Only two other batsmen made it into double figures as Mark White and Shaun Whitfield both claimed two wickets in as many balls.
Peter Bradshaw finished unbeaten on 17 but Tish finished their innings on 115 all out.
Llangwm were victorious in their quarter final on Wednesday (May 24) as they beat Division 2 side Llanrhian by seven wickets.
Llanrhian struggled to get going in their innings and finished their 20 overs on 90-8.
It took Llangwm just eight overs to knock off the required runs with Steven Mills top scoring on 31. Matthew Kiff added 22 before Luke Brock finished unbeaten on 19 to see his side over the line.
Tuesday’s other quarter final saw Narberth host Burton. Burton batted first and made a good score of 161-4 in their 20 overs.
Narberth also batted exceptionally to get the runs needed, winning the game in the 17th over.
News
Peter Bowen’s Landofsmiles triumphs at Uttoxeter Racecourse

PEMBROKESHIRE trainer Peter Bowen is basking in the glory of a resounding victory as Landofsmiles clinched the three-mile chase at Uttoxeter Racecourse, leaving competitors trailing by a commanding ten lengths.
Notably, this triumphant return to the winner’s circle comes after a staggering 486-day hiatus.
“What a brilliant winner!” exclaimed Peter, elated by yesterday’s achievement. “And it was under a great ride from Sean. Well done to all connections.”
This afternoon, Sean will embark on his maiden experience of Grand Steeple-Chase day, having formed a partnership with Noble Yeats this season following Sam Waley-Cohen’s retirement from the saddle.
“I’m very excited as the horse has the class to be fourth in the Gold Cup and then fourth in the National off very nearly top weight,” shared Bowen confidently.
“He’s very classy, and he should take to it. He won the National on his first try at the fences, and I think he’s quite an adaptable horse, so hopefully, he can run well.”
While Bowen is preparing for his inaugural ride in France, the jockey from Little Newcastle is undeterred by the unfamiliar terrain.

“I’ll get over there early, walk the course, and I’ve watched the race being run from the last few years to see how horses jump each fence. So I’ll definitely be doing my homework.”
The Bowen yard at Yet Y Rhug has undergone a remarkable transformation from its modest origins as a bungalow and a couple of fields to a first-class racing establishment.
Today, it boasts 70 boxes, including 20 housed in the recently-constructed American barn. The yard’s training facilities encompass a six-furlong straight uphill all-weather carpet gallop, a four-furlong round all-weather carpet gallop allowing horses to engage in continuous work over two miles, and a one-furlong-deep sand gallop.
Furthermore, the yard features two schooling arenas, both equipped with all-weather carpet surfaces, one accommodating hurdles and fences for training purposes.

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Little Newcastle, where Peter was raised and initially tasted success training point-to-pointers, the yard serves as a testament to his unwavering work ethic, dedication, and hands-on approach to his beloved profession.
Peter knows each horse entrusted to his care by name, recognizing their preferences, aversions, and even their peculiar idiosyncrasies.
Since ascending to the top echelons of horse racing training in 1995, Peter’s horses have become familiar faces in winner’s enclosures across the country’s renowned racecourses, most of which require a lengthy journey from Pembrokeshire.
Those fortunate enough to be close to Peter can attest to his indomitable spirit, tireless commitment, and personal involvement in the sport he holds dear. He cherishes an intimate knowledge of every horse under his tutelage, ensuring a bond that extends beyond the racetrack.
News
Thousands of cyclists embark on Carten100 Charity Ride from Cardiff Pembrokeshire

TODAY, May 20, Pembrokeshire braces itself as over 2,000 cyclists gear up to embark on the much-anticipated Carten100 charity ride, spanning from Cardiff to Tenby.
Originating in 2004 as a venture between four friends, the Carten100 event has evolved into a beloved annual tradition, drawing participants of all skill levels. Emphasizing camaraderie over competition, the event’s motto declares it “not a race, but a challenge.”
As the start of the ride looms, a significant number of cyclists from Pembrokeshire have already made their way to Cardiff on Friday, May 19, in anticipation of the event’s early morning commencement.

This year, the primary charity supported by Carten100 is the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, an organization dedicated to providing essential medical care for children. Generous donations will also be extended to Multiple Sclerosis Society Cymru, Kids Cancer Charity, and Pembrokeshire Care, Share, and Give, underscoring the event’s broader impact on various causes.
The cyclists will traverse a carefully mapped-out route, beginning on the A48, with a designated rest stop at Baglan. Continuing their journey on the A484, riders will find further respite at a feed station in Burry Port. Finally, they will make their way into Pembrokeshire on the B4314, where an additional opportunity awaits at the Alpha Inn feed station in Tavernspite for a well-deserved refreshment break.
Anticipation mounts as the cyclists are expected to arrive in the charming coastal town of Tenby from mid-afternoon. Spectators eagerly await their arrival in Tudor Square, ready to extend a warm welcome before the riders make their way to the picturesque harbor for a chance to recharge and reflect on their accomplishment.
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of both participants and onlookers, High Street and Tudor Square will be closed to vehicles from 1 pm to 8 pm, allowing the festivities to unfold without hindrance.
The Carten100 charity ride not only tests the endurance and determination of cyclists but also serves as a testament to the power of community support and goodwill.
By rallying together and championing worthy causes, participants and organizers alike demonstrate their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

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