Sport
Milford Haven: Tennis, a generational game
During the 1970s Milford Haven had a thriving tennis club with up to a hundred children having tennis lessons on a Monday evening with Mike. Lee coached players around various venues in the area throughout Pembrokeshire from 1970 up until 1981. The courts hosted weekly tennis sessions for both boys and girls that were well attended and the courts were often fully booked.
He previously coached Angela Scourfield during the 70s who became a successful player in county competitions. He coaches Angela alongside her daughter Vicky Lloyd and her children.
Mike went on to coach abroad and when he returned to Milford in 2015 the tennis courts that he had previously coached on had become overgrown and unplayable.
“It broke my heart to see the state of the courts” said Lee. He described how there use to be 4 courts in regular use up to mid 1980s.
In June last year, 2 of St Katherine’s Green/Pill Park tennis courts were recommissioned in conjunction with The Pembrokeshire Lido Park Society for public play.
Volunteers from Milford Haven Tennis Club worked over nine weeks to repair and revive the courts back to playable condition.
“Milford Haven Tennis Club has risen to the community challenge in a superb way after spending nine weeks repairing and reviving the courts back to playable condition,” said Michael Allen who is chair of the Pembrokeshire Lido.
Allen continued “We were able to work closely with the tennis club and their chairperson, Queenie Scale, led by a dynamic team of hard-working members.”
Mike Lee added: “These tennis courts have been enjoyed by Milford Haven and the wider community since before the 1960s. There is still great interest in these courts and both adults and children wish to continue playing tennis there.”
Milford Haven Tennis Club hold regular sessions at St Katherine’s Green. These sessions are open to the community regardless of ability and age.
Sessions are run every Tuesday 6.30pm-8.30pm and Sundays from 2pm-4pm. Anyone interested in tennis lessons with Mike Lee visit the club’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilfordHavenTennis
Sport
Sporting future enhanced with Cymru Football Foundation funding
CYMRU Football Foundation’s Fit-For-Future Facilities Programme is supporting the development of a new 3G pitch at Greenhill School, Tenby.
Pembrokeshire Leisure has successfully secured a £407,000 grant to replace the old astro turf pitch with a new 3G facility that will enhance the provision for both the school and community clubs.
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “This project will play a significant role in ensuring that Pembrokeshire can continue to provide first class facilities across the county.
“The collaboration led by Pembrokeshire County Council’s leisure section and incorporating the Cymru Football Foundation, Sport Wales, Greenhill School and the community clubs will provide us with a fantastic facility for everyone.”
The Cymru Football Foundation, supported by UK Government, is delivering the Football Association of Wales’ commitment to deliver inspirational, Fit-For-Future Facilities to enrich communities across the country.
Find out more by visiting the Foundation’s website (opens in new window).
Pictured: Gary Nicholas (Leisure Services Manager, Pembrokeshire Leisure), Angie Nicholls (Pembrokeshire Schools Football), Cllr Sam Skyrme Blackhall, Steph Amos (Tenby Leisure Centre), David Haynes (Head Teacher – Greenhill Secondary School) and Mark Hughes (Cymru Football Foundation).
Sport
Nomads navigate the Viking’s challenge
NEYLAND avenged their recent 3-0 midweek home defeat to Hakin United Reserves by winning 2-0 at the Observatory ground in a game which was an excellent advert for Pembrokeshire League Division 2 football, on Saturday (Sep 14).
With little wind and a warming sun both teams endeavoured to play football, with chances created throughout in the attacking areas, visiting captain Mike Chandler orchestrating his musicians from central midfield alongside an impressive performance from teenager Dylan James, who took every opportunity to drive forward with ambition combining seamlessly with wideman Mason Morgans-Hurley. It was a hard fought but fair encounter in the centre of the park, Hakins Leon Letherby the fulcrum for the poise and penetration from his side, where the Nomads back four of Jack John, Lewis Page, Sean Hannon and Theo Davies defended as a unit.
Teenagers Corey Riley, Bobby Jenkins, Ethan Dawes, Henry Mayhew and Evan Rutherford probed relentlessly from Letherby’s vision, visiting goalkeeper Oliver Vaughan-Harries a commanding presence between the sticks despite his ‘boy band’ youthful looks.
After a goalless first half Neyland central midfielder Aidan Rees drew a foul twenty five yards from the Hakin goal ten minutes into the second period, the man of the match then delivering a perfect free kick for veteran Hannon to bravely meet the ball with his head to put it firmly beyond the advancing home goalkeeper, Josh Lewis, to break the deadlock.
The Vikings manager Mathew Howell responded immediately as Geroge Wheeler replaced an impressive Jenkins and Tom Edmonds, who arrived from Merlins Bridge this season replaced the skilful Riley on the left wing, epitomising the home sides mantra of trying to win the game, which saw them play a higher line up field. The final ball in transition and the Nomads back five kept the score at 1-0, the young visiting goalkeeper superbly turning a goal bound drive from Letherby around his post on 75 minutes.
The third home substitute with fifteen minutes to play, saw another youngster enter the field of play, Tommy Powells adding ingenuity as his side as he tried to find the elusive equaliser, Howells changing his formation as he withdrew Sam Houston, to having three defenders holding the line.
It evoked a response from Nomads manager Gavin Rowland who used all his experience to move players around positions as they tired, substitute Jo Campondonic had replaced frontman Ben Gale after the youngster led the line with aplomb against a well marshalled defence led by skipper Tom Evans, his fellow full back Lewis Llewellin and commanding centre halves, Garin Gardiner and Houston, before his withdrawal. Campondonic’s introduction to the fray gave the visitors the midfield energy they required, as the game thundered into the final quarter,
As the game anything but ebbed into added time, Referee Jonathan Twigg played an advantage for Neyland down the left wing and the ball was played through by Campondonic for the man of the match Rees to find Lazarus type energy to stay ahead of Gardiner. Rees composed himself to bury the ball with his right foot beyond and advancing Lewis, at the Gelliswick Bay end in the eight minute of added time, before the final whistle was greeted with euphoric cheers from the Nomads black and white army of supporters, a minute later..
Both sides have ten points from their opening five games, three points adrift of leaders Camrose who visit the Observatory Ground next Saturday (Sep 21). Rowlands will hope to have a full complement to players after twenty were unavailable across the Club for the weekend fixtures, as he looks ahead to a home game at the Athletic Ground. to Carew Reserves.
News
Thrilling finale as UK Waterski Championships conclude with a splash
NEYLAND’S normally tranquil waterfront was transformed into a high-octane spectacle yesterday as the UK Waterski Racing Championships roared into town for its final round. The event, held on Saturday, 14th September, saw competitors from across the country converge on the Cleddau for a day filled with adrenaline, excitement, and fiercely contested races.
From the crack of dawn, Neyland buzzed with anticipation as racing enthusiasts and families alike gathered at the waterfront. With the event kicking off at 7:00 am, the early birds were treated to the sight of the UK’s best waterski racing teams preparing for the ultimate showdown. The championships, which spanned the entire season, reached a thrilling climax here, as racers vied for those coveted podium positions.
Despite the high level of competition, the organisers ensured a family-friendly atmosphere. With free entry, it was an ideal day out for all ages. Attendees could take in the spectacle from the shoreline while also enjoying the array of facilities available at Neyland Yacht Club. For early risers, volunteers served breakfast rolls, tea, and coffee, setting the tone for a day of community spirit and sporting prowess.
Safety was paramount throughout the event. Strict guidelines were in place to ensure the wellbeing of all participants and spectators. The pontoon was a hive of activity, with clear instructions on launching and mooring to ensure smooth operations. Children, who are always captivated by the speed and skill of waterski racing, were required to be supervised and wear approved life jackets while on the pontoon.
Pre-race administration and safety briefings were efficiently conducted by the UK Waterski Racing Team, ensuring that the event proceeded without a hitch. The signing-in process took place at the timing office at the top of the slipway, setting the stage for a day of intense competition on the water.
Access to Neyland was well-managed, with clear directions for those travelling with large RVs and towing vehicles. The Camper Park at Brunel Quay Car Park provided ample space for visitors, while a dedicated launch crew facilitated the movement of boats to the yacht club. Refuelling protocols were strictly enforced by the Port Authority to prevent any pollution, reflecting the event’s commitment to environmental safety.
As the sun set and the final race concluded, the atmosphere shifted from competitive tension to celebratory cheer. The prize presentation took place outside the yacht club, where winners were crowned amidst applause and cheers from the gathered crowd. For many, the highlight was the Saturday Social, a much-anticipated end-of-season gathering at Neyland Yacht Club. The Alumchine catered a delightful buffet, offering a chance for competitors and spectators to mingle and reflect on the day’s exhilarating events.
The UK Waterski Racing Championships’ final round at Neyland not only showcased the sport at its finest but also reinforced the community spirit that underpins it. From the meticulous organisation to the high-energy races, the event was a resounding success, leaving spectators and participants eagerly awaiting next season.
Images: Martin Cavaney/Herald
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