Sport

Pembrokeshire Cricket: Neyland dominate as relegation battle heats up

Published

6 months ago

August 6, 2024

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

Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Adams, Williams, and Jenkins return

WALES head coach Warren Gatland has named his team for the opening match of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations against France at the Stade de France, Paris, on Friday (Jan 31). The game kicks off at 8:15pm GMT and will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.

Josh Adams, Liam Williams, and Dafydd Jenkins return to the starting XV, with Adams on the wing, Williams at fullback, and Jenkins in the second row.

Jac Morgan leads the side

Captain Jac Morgan starts at openside flanker, joining James Botham at blindside and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8 in the back row. Will Rowlands partners Jenkins in the second row.

In the front row, Evan Lloyd earns his first Test start at hooker, while Henry Thomas is named at tighthead prop for his first start and his first Wales appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead.

Ben Thomas makes Six Nations debut

Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, with Ben Thomas making his Six Nations debut at fly-half. Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins form the midfield pairing, while Tom Rogers is named on the wing alongside Adams.

Among the replacements, Nicky Smith is set to win his 50th cap, while fly-half Dan Edwards could make his senior Wales debut. Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray are in line for their first Six Nations appearances, having made their senior international debuts in the Autumn Nations Series.

The front-row replacements include Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, and Smith. Tommy Reffell covers the back row, and Rhodri Williams provides scrum-half cover.

Gatland said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that, and start our championship well.”

Wales team to face France

Starting XV:
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) – 92 caps
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets) – 5 caps
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens) – 38 caps
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) – 42 caps
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby) – 59 caps
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby) – 7 caps
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby) – 59 caps
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys) – 35 caps
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby) – 5 caps
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets) – 4 caps
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92) – 36 caps
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs) – 19 caps
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby) – 16 caps
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys) – 18 caps (captain)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) – 52 caps

Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) – 51 caps
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers) – 49 caps
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby) – 10 caps
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby) – 1 cap
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers) – 23 caps
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons) – 5 caps
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys) – uncapped
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets) – 3 caps

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News

Fun free sport sessions for kids in Fishguard

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

YOUNGSTERS can discover new sports to love at a free multi-sports session starting next week.

The sessions for children aged 5-8 will be held every Monday in term time between 4.15pm-5pm at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

The first session is this Monday, February 3rd.

Delivered by Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People officers and assisted by

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, the event is an opportunity to try fun activities, new sports and develop fundamental movement skills.

All are welcome to come along.

Contact [email protected] for more information or to register your child.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association: Week 14 Results

Published

3 days ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association, also known as “The Friendly League,” has released the results for Week 14 of the competition.

Match Results

Hundleton 8 v Badgers 2
Llanteg 2 v St Johns 8
Reynalton 8 v St Twynnells 2
East Williamston 8 v Carew 2

The match between Cosheston and Kilgetty was postponed, while Lamphey had the bye.

League Table (Week 14)

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	12	11	0	1	167	92
Carew	12	8	1	3	111	79
Reynalton	12	8	0	4	48	70
Hundleton	13	7	0	6	61	68
St Johns	11	8	0	3	76	66
Cosheston	11	6	0	5	33	54
Llanteg	11	3	1	7	-29	51
St Twynnells	13	3	1	9	-125	48
Badgers	11	3	1	7	6	45
Kilgetty	11	3	0	8	-129	40
Lamphey	11	2	0	9	-142	29