Sport
Pembrokeshire Cricket: Neyland dominate as relegation battle heats up
THE LATEST round of matches in Pembrokeshire’s First Division saw dominant performances from Neyland and Carew, solidifying their positions at the top of the table, while Haverfordwest faces a growing threat of relegation.
Neyland Maintain stronghold at the top
Neyland continued their relentless march toward the title with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Haverfordwest. Haverfordwest, batting first, struggled to 117 for 9 in their 45 overs, with Will Phillips top-scoring with an unbeaten 42. Andrew Miller was the pick of the Neyland bowlers, claiming 3 for 14, supported by Alan Webster, who took 2 for 23.
In response, Neyland’s experienced and quality openers, Paul Murray and Nick Koomen, chased down the target with ease, both scoring half-centuries. Murray finished on 61 not out, while Koomen was unbeaten on 55, as Neyland cruised to 118 without loss, cementing their position at the top of the league.
Carew strengthen second place
Carew demonstrated their intent to challenge for the title with a thumping 207-run victory over Whitland. Batting first, Carew posted a mammoth 262 for 7, thanks to Adam Chandler’s explosive 84 not out and solid contributions from Rhys Davies (42) and James Hinchliffe (34). Whitland’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, and in reply, their batting crumbled under pressure.
James Hinchliffe was the star with the ball, taking a brilliant 6 for 19, as Whitland were bundled out for a paltry 55. This win solidifies Carew’s second-place standing, but they still trail Neyland by a significant margin.
Cresselly outclass Narberth
Cresselly kept up their pursuit of the leaders with a comfortable 8-wicket win over Narberth. Narberth, batting first, managed 217 for 8, with Jamie McCormack’s 89 being the standout performance. However, Tom Murphy’s 3 for 49 kept them in check.
Cresselly chased down the target with minimal fuss, thanks to a brilliant century from Morgan Lewis, who scored an unbeaten 115. Neal Williams (40) and Tom Murphy (25 not out) provided ample support as Cresselly reached 218 for 2, securing a crucial victory.
Lawrenny triumph in high-scoring affair against Llangwm
Lawrenny emerged victorious in a high-scoring encounter against Llangwm, winning by 78 runs. Their innings was led by Troy Pursloe’s magnificent 123 and Joe Kidney’s 50. As the Llangwm bowlers failed to gain any really control.
In reply, Llangwm applied themselves well and made 226 for 8, which was a decent innings but well short of their target. Luke Brock stood out with the bat as he made a good 69. Ryan Morton was the pick of the Lawrenny bowlers as he took 3-25.
Saundersfoot edge past St Ishmaels
In a tense, low-scoring game, Saundersfoot edged past St Ishmaels by 4 wickets. St Ishmaels, batting first, were bowled out for 116, with Tom Mansbridge taking 3 for 22 and Mike Bailey 4 for 31. In response, Saundersfoot chased down the target with some difficulty, reaching 117 for 6, thanks mainly to Tom Mansbridge’ 32 which made him a shoe in for man of the match.
These results leave Haverfordwest precariously close to the relegation zone, now looking anxiously over their shoulder at the advancing pack. Meanwhile, St Ishmaels and Narberth, both in the relegation zone, will need to find form quickly if they are to avoid the drop. Neyland’s dominance at the top of the table remains undisputed, with a solid gap over second-placed Carew, as they set their sights on defending their title.
Sport
Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston
Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6
BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.
The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.
St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.
Team line-ups
Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.
St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.
Sport
Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3
Goodwick United 7-0 Carew
Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.
Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports
Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.
Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United
Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.
Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road
In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.
Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers
Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.
Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins
Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.
Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes
Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.
Analysis:
Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.
Sport
Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory
Broad Haven 4-4 Solva
In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.
Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports
Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.
Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II
Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.
Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II
The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.
Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth
Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.
Analysis:
The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.
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