Sport
Pembrokeshire’s pride: Ashleigh Barnikel takes on African Open 2024 in Tunisia
IN an inspiring showcase of dedication and skill, Pembrokeshire’s own Ashleigh Barnikel is currently competing in the prestigious African Open 2024 in Tunisia, representing Great Britain with unwavering determination. At just 23 years old, Ashleigh has already made a significant mark on the international judo scene, demonstrating her prowess and resilience across various competitions.
Hailing from Pembroke and training with the Neyland Judo Club, Barnikel has become a symbol of local pride and an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the nation. The club took to Facebook to express their support and anticipation for her performance in Tunisia, describing her as a “powerhouse” whose tenacity and strength have already led her to remarkable achievements in her young career.
Ashleigh’s journey to the African Open follows a series of commendable performances in 2023, with notable placements at major European competitions. She secured 5th place at the Malaga Senior European Cup in October and achieved the same ranking at the Gaia Senior European Cup in August, showcasing her ability to compete among Europe’s judo elite.
The African Open 2024 presents a significant opportunity for Barnikel to further establish herself on the global stage, competing against some of the best judokas from around the world. Her participation not only highlights her personal ambitions and career progression but also shines a spotlight on the quality of judo talent being nurtured within the UK, particularly in regions outside of the major cities.
As the Pembroke community and judo enthusiasts across Great Britain rally behind Ashleigh, her journey in Tunisia is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and the support of her club and hometown. Regardless of the outcome, Ashleigh Barnikel’s participation in the African Open 2024 is a significant achievement and a stepping stone to greater successes in her promising career.
With the spirit of Pembroke and the strength of Neyland Judo Club behind her, Ashleigh Barnikel is not just competing; she’s carrying the hopes and dreams of her community onto the international stage. The best of luck to Ashleigh as she continues to make her mark and inspire the next generation of judo talent.
News
Clubs event inspires girls to try new sports
MORE than 50 young people took part in a multi-sport taster event designed to encourage girls to get involved in new activities.
The Sport Pembrokeshire Community Clubs event was held at Fishguard Leisure Centre on Sunday (Dec 1) for pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and its feeder schools, with sponsorship from Valero.
Local sports clubs and activity providers offered a wide range of sessions, including cricket, self-defence, rowing, dance, hockey, tennis, table tennis, rugby and basketball. Water for participants was kindly provided by Princes Gate.
Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun also played a key role in helping the event run smoothly.
Dan Bellis, of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “It was a fantastic evening and it was brilliant to see so many young people and coaches in attendance.
“There was a wide range of activities on offer and everyone clearly enjoyed themselves.
“We hope the girls who took part have discovered a new sport or activity and will continue their involvement with the local clubs and providers who supported the event.”
Sport
Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties
Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup
Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)
AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.
Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.
Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.
The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.
But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.
Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.
News
South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results
A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.
Match results (Week 12):
- Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
- Badgers 2–8 St Johns
- Reynalton 0–10 Carew
- Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
- Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
- St Twynnells – bye week
A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.
League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.
At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.
Full standings:
| Team | P | W | D | L | S/D | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Williamston | 10 | 8 | 0 | 2 | +125 | 72 |
| Reynaltón | 11 | 5 | 2 | 4 | +35 | 58 |
| St Johns | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | +32 | 54 |
| Hundleton | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | -2 | 54 |
| Carew | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | -25 | 49 |
| St Twynnells | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | -34 | 48 |
| Kilgetty | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | -44 | 46 |
| Badgers | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | -59 | 45 |
| Lamphey | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | -10 | 44 |
| Llanteg | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | -5 | 41 |
| Cosheston | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | -13 | 40 |
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