Sport
This week in Cricket: Neyland and Lamphey maintain dominance
The Thomas Carroll Pembrokeshire League witnessed another exciting weekend of cricket action as the league leaders, Neyland and Lamphey, continued to assert their dominance. In Division One, Neyland’s Nic Koomen showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten 114, leading his team to a resounding victory over Herbrandston. Neyland set an imposing target of 220-6, and Herbrandston’s hopes were dashed by the accurate bowling of Ross Hardy and Andrew Miller, who claimed three wickets each. Herbrandston were all out for a mere 68, sealing Neyland’s triumph by a staggering 152 runs.
Meanwhile, Carew emerged victorious in their match against Narberth. Rhys Davies contributed 85 runs to Carew’s total of 225-7, and Shaun Whitfield’s all-around performance of 32 runs and 5-19 with the ball played a pivotal role in their win. Narberth struggled to chase the target and were eventually bowled out for 117, succumbing to a defeat by 108 runs.
In another closely contested fixture, Lawrenny clinched a thrilling four-wicket victory over Llangwm. Ryan Morton’s superb bowling display of 5-28 restricted Llangwm to 120-6. Despite a valiant effort from Gary James, who scored 41 runs, Lawrenny’s batting lineup, led by Finley Lewis and Morton, guided them to the target with six wickets in hand.
Moving on to Division Two, Cresselly and St Ishmaels emerged victorious in their respective matches. Phil Williams starred for Cresselly with a top score of 71, leading his team to a 44-run win over Saundersfoot. St Ishmaels, on the other hand, comfortably defeated Burton by 82 runs, with Philip Cockburn finishing unbeaten on 58 runs.
In Division Three, Lamphey continued their dominance with a comprehensive nine- wicket victory over Llechryd Seconds. David Blackwell’s bowling figures of 3-27 and Peter McGilloway’s 2-16 restricted Llechryd to 136- 8. Lamphey’s batsmen, Rob Mathias (53*) and Blackwell (64*), ensured a smooth chase as they reached 137-1.
Stackpole faced a heavy defeat at the hands of Pembroke, who won by nine wickets. Will Davies’ impressive knock of 80, accompanied by Ceri Brace’s unbeaten 40, guided Pembroke to an easy victory after Stackpole had set a target of 140.
In Division Four, Hundleton secured a convincing 73-run win over Carew III. Ben Adams played a pivotal role for Hundleton with a crucial 61 runs and three wickets, leading his team to a total of 203-5. Carew III’s Logan Hall and Ashley Lewis made noteworthy contributions but fell short of the target, eventually bowled out for 130.
Across the divisions, there were standout performances from individual players. Andrew Edwards excelled for Laugharne with a remarkable score of 114 runs and later contributed with five wickets, helping his team secure a resounding 205-run win over Haverfordwest II. St Ishmaels II’s Kevin Bowen demonstrated his all-round abilities, scoring 33 runs and claiming an impressive 7-4 to guide his team to a 91-run victory over Narberth II.
As the Thomas Carroll Pembrokeshire League approaches the halfway mark, Neyland and Lamphey remain at the top of their respective divisions. With several exciting matches and exceptional performances, cricket enthusiasts across Pembrokeshire eagerly anticipate the next round.
Sport
Dragons’ defeat to Pau dents their European ambitions
The Dragons’ European ambitions suffered a setback with a home defeat to Pau in Newport. This loss has intensified the pressure on the team as they prepare for a crucial match in South Africa. Having dented their hopes, the team now faces an uphill battle to recover. from it.
Match overview
In the recent game, the Dragons were unable to secure a victory against Pau. Despite a strong start, they couldn’t maintain their performance throughout the match. Pau capitalised on their opportunities, making it difficult for the Dragons to regain control. The team was unable to close out crucial moments of the game, which led to their downfall.
Before the match, the Dragons were given odds of 10/11 while Pau were given even odds. With Rugby Union matches now attracting a lot more online sports betting, according to senior editor Ian Bruce, many new and exciting sites are available to UK punters looking for some rugby betting action. Punters can visit and compare a range of the best sites here, being assured that they are safe and cover a wide array of sports and odds, with some offering added perks like instant payouts.
For punters betting on the Dragons, with this loss, their chances of progressing in the European competition are now uncertain. The Dragons will need to reassess their strategy and tighten up their play in the upcoming fixtures. Their performance was a reminder of how competitive European rugby can be and how small mistakes can lead to significant consequences. The result leaves them with a tough challenge ahead if they are to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Key moments
Aaron Wainwright, keeping up his form from last year, and Rio Dyer, did their best for the Dragons. Their efforts were commendable, but the team’s overall performance fell short. Wainwright showed his typical work rate, making key tackles and contributing in the forward pack.
Dyer, on the other hand, was dynamic in attack, creating several opportunities. However, their individual brilliance wasn’t enough to lift the team as a whole. Key mistakes at crucial moments, such as turnovers and missed tackles, allowed Pau to exploit gaps in the Dragons’ defence.
In particular, the Dragons struggled in the breakdown area, where Pau won vital turnovers. Despite individual highlights, the team’s overall execution lacked consistency, which cost them the game. This match showcased how even with standout players, team performance is crucial for success at this level of competition.
Looking ahead
The Dragons now face a critical game in South Africa. This match is vital for their European hopes. A win is essential to keep their ambitions alive. They cannot afford another slip-up, especially in a tournament as competitive as the European Champions Cup. The team needs to make adjustments in key areas, particularly their decision-making under pressure and their discipline.
The match will be a true test of their character and ability to bounce back from adversity. The Dragons have shown resilience in the past, but this game will be a significant marker of whether they can push through and stay in the competition. They will need to focus on their strengths, play with intensity, and avoid the mistakes that have hurt them recently.
News
South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association results
THE RESULTS of the catch-up games played over the Christmas/New Year period are as follows:
- Llanteg 10 – 0 Hundleton
- Reynalton 8 – 2 Badgers
- Cosheston 10 – 0 St Twynnells
Updated League Table
Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | S/D | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
East Williamston | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 127 | 74 |
Carew | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 86 | 65 |
Reynalton | 11 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 31 | 62 |
Hundleton | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 65 | 60 |
St Johns | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 69 | 58 |
Cosheston | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 33 | 54 |
Llanteg | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | -22 | 44 |
St Twynnells | 11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | -108 | 41 |
Badgers | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 36 | 40 |
Kilgetty | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | -85 | 40 |
Lamphey | 10 | 1 | 0 | 9 | -155 | 22 |
Singles tournament success
A big thank you to everyone who participated in the singles tournament this weekend. After a competitive Round Robin in the morning, players were divided into red and blue streams for the afternoon knockout stages.
- Red Stream Winner: Simon Hall (Reynalton)
- Runner-up: Andrew Maclean (East Williamston)
- Blue Stream Winner: Margaret Richards (Reynalton)
- Runner-up: Chris Clarkson (Lamphey)
Upcoming event
The next tournament will be the Doubles, held at Heatherton on Saturday, 15th February. Entry forms will be distributed shortly once details are finalized.
Sport
Pembrokeshire Second Division Match Report – January 11, 2025
A THILLING weekend of football in Pembrokeshire’s Second Division delivered key results that tightened the race for promotion and intensified the relegation battle.
Narberth 2-0 Hakin United II
Narberth bolstered their title aspirations with a commanding 2-0 victory over league leaders Hakin United II. Brychan David broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, and Jordan Williams secured the win with a second goal. The result leaves Narberth just two points behind Hakin in a hotly contested title race.
Merlins Bridge II 0-2 Fishguard Sports
Fishguard Sports continued their march towards a top-three finish, claiming a vital 2-0 win away at Merlins Bridge II. Ieuan Llewellyn coolly converted a penalty to give Fishguard the lead, while Luke Thomas added a second to seal the victory. With games in hand, Fishguard remain firmly in contention at the top end of the table.
Lawrenny 1-2 Neyland
Neyland edged a close contest against Lawrenny with a 2-1 win that keeps their top-half ambitions alive. Thomas Cole scored for the home side, but goals from Aidan Rees and Jack John secured all three points for Neyland in a hard-fought encounter.
Monkton Swifts II 1-7 Johnston
Johnston produced a dominant performance, thrashing Monkton Swifts II 7-1. Ryan Doyle netted twice, with further goals from Steve Allen, James Larsen, Marcus Allen, Callum Rees, and Joey George. The emphatic victory consolidates Johnston’s strong campaign, while Monkton Swifts II remain perilously close to the relegation zone.
Carew II 3-3 Solva
Carew II and Solva played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in a match filled with excitement. George Davies scored twice for Carew, with Charlie Perkins also on target. Solva responded with two goals from Josh Bland and an own goal that levelled the match. Both sides remain stuck in mid-table, with the result doing little to ease their relegation concerns.
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