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.
FISHGUARD & GOODWICK RFC hosted the Pembrokeshire Vikings on Saturday (Mar 8) in a spirited mixed-ability rugby match. The game, played at a fast pace, saw some seasoned heads in the Fishguard side controlling play, leading to a 34-14 victory for the home team.
Among the notable moments, Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz took to the field for the Seagulls, adding to the competitive but friendly atmosphere. Vikings mascot and vice-captain Luca Morillo played his first match alongside his father, Andrew Morillo, who captained the team for the day. Joe Lewis also made a welcome return, featuring in his first game of the season.
The Vikings’ standout performers included James Tylor, Daffyd Cowl, Ross Price, and Ashley Couceiro. Special recognition went to Gareth Rees, who played his final match before undergoing surgery. Coach Gethin Bateman was actively involved throughout, rallying his side.
The Vikings’ points came from tries by Daf Cowl and Luca Morillo, with Morillo’s try converted by his father. Cowl was named sponsors’ man of the match for his efforts.
While the match left a few sore bodies in its wake, it was a celebration of rugby’s inclusive spirit and camaraderie.
LEAGUE leaders Narberth remain in control of the Division 2 title race, holding a two-point advantage over Fishguard Sports, who secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Johnston.
Fishguard win nine-goal battle
Fishguard Sports kept their title hopes alive with a thrilling 5-4 win over Johnston. Goals from Anthony Couzens, Greg Hughes, Ieuan Llewellyn, Luke Thomas, and Matthew Lewis ensured the visitors claimed all three points. Johnston fought back with a hat-trick from Callum Rees and a strike from Josh Knapp, but it wasn’t enough to deny Fishguard.
Lawrenny run riot against Solva
Two of last season’s promoted sides met in a crucial battle for survival, with Lawrenny overpowering Solva 8-3. Joe Kidney led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by Owen James (2), Matthew Lewis (2), and Sam Davies. Solva responded through Kieran Price (2) and Josh Bland but struggled to cope with Lawrenny’s attacking firepower.
Carew Reserves claim vital win
Carew Reserves picked up a crucial 3-1 away victory at Broad Haven. Connor Hay opened the scoring before James Hinchliffe struck twice. Marco Valentine netted for the hosts, but the visitors proved too strong.
Weekend round-up
With Hakin United Reserves and Camrose both out of action, Fishguard closed the gap on Narberth, while Broad Haven remain winless at the foot of the table.
Division 2 standings
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Narberth | 18 | 15 | 2 | 1 | +59 | 47 |
| 2 | Fishguard Sports | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | +62 | 45 |
| 3 | Hakin Utd Reserves | 19 | 13 | 2 | 4 | +39 | 41 |
| 4 | Camrose | 19 | 11 | 1 | 7 | +18 | 34 |
| 5 | Neyland | 18 | 9 | 3 | 6 | +14 | 30 |
| 6 | Merlins Bridge Res | 19 | 9 | 3 | 7 | +14 | 27 |
| 7 | Johnston | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | +7 | 26 |
| 8 | Carew Reserves | 21 | 6 | 3 | 12 | -31 | 21 |
| 9 | Solva | 22 | 4 | 6 | 12 | -19 | 18 |
| 10 | Lawrenny | 20 | 4 | 2 | 14 | -51 | 14 |
| 11 | Monkton Swifts Res | 18 | 3 | 4 | 11 | -45 | 13 |
| 12 | Broad Haven | 18 | 0 | 4 | 14 | -67 | 4 |
Goodwick edge out St Ishmaels
League leaders Goodwick United maintained their unbeaten league record with a narrow 1-0 victory over St Ishmaels. Nathan Greene’s goal proved the difference, securing another three points for the Phoenix Park outfit. The win takes them to 52 points from 18 games, with a +68 goal difference, keeping their title charge firmly on track despite recent cup disappointment.
Hakin United remain their closest challengers, trailing by seven points with a game in hand. However, with Hakin’s focus shifting towards cup competitions, it appears unlikely they will catch Goodwick in the league.
Clarbeston Road edge Tenby in five-goal thriller
Clarbeston Road moved up to third in the table after a hard-fought 3-2 win over Tenby. Goals from Jake Booth, Rhys Lloyd-Roberts, and Laurie Haworth were enough to secure victory, despite Scott Ferney’s brace for the visitors.
Monkton Swifts hit Milford for six
Monkton Swifts delivered a dominant performance, thrashing relegation-threatened Milford United 6-1. Dylan Davies led the charge with a hat-trick, while Connor Davies, Paul Miller, and Jonathan Lee also found the net. The emphatic win lifts Monkton to fourth in the standings.
Other fixtures
The match between Kilgetty and Merlins Bridge was postponed, leaving both sides in mid-table.
Latest league table
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goodwick United | 18 | 17 | 1 | 0 | +68 | 52 |
| 2 | Hakin United | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | +64 | 45 |
| 3 | Clarbeston Road | 21 | 10 | 4 | 7 | +3 | 34 |
| 4 | Monkton Swifts | 18 | 9 | 2 | 7 | +12 | 29 |
| 5 | Pennar Robins | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | +13 | 28 |
| 6 | Tenby | 16 | 8 | 3 | 5 | +21 | 27 |
| 7 | Kilgetty | 15 | 7 | 1 | 7 | +8 | 22 |
| 8 | Merlins Bridge | 16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 20 |
| 9 | Carew | 17 | 5 | 3 | 9 | +11 | 18 |
| 10 | St Ishmaels | 20 | 5 | 3 | 12 | -8 | 18 |
| 11 | Milford United | 20 | 4 | 4 | 12 | -36 | 16 |
| 12 | Herbrandston | 21 | 0 | 0 | 21 | -156 | 0 |
With the title race seemingly decided, the battle for third place is intensifying, while the fight for survival remains wide open. Milford, St Ishmaels, and Carew are all battling to avoid the drop, with even Merlins Bridge nervously looking over their shoulder.
Calls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales
VIOLENCE AMONG TEENS LEADING TO CALLS FOR WELSH GOVERNMENT TO ACT WALES is experiencing an alarming surge in violent crime...
Caldey Island mourns loss of beloved long-time resident
CALDEY ISLAND is in mourning following the passing of its oldest resident, Rita Cunningham, at the age of 95. A...
Dog attack in Pembroke Dock sparks police probe and online debate
A VIOLENT dog attack in Pembroke Dock town centre on Tuesday (March 11) has led to a police investigation and...
Câr-Y-Môr leads Wales’ £105m regenerative sea farming push
PEMBROKESHIRE INITIATIVE LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDER TO EXPAND INDUSTRY Wales is poised to develop a £105 million regenerative sea farming industry, projected...
Milford man jailed for hurling racial insults during verbal attack
A Milford man has admitted hurling a barrage of racial insults at a male, after calling him ‘a black b******’...
Man faces charges over tragic death of baby in Tenby car park
A MAN accused of involvement in the death of a six-month-old baby in a multi-storey car park in Tenby has...
Oil tanker and cargo ship ablaze after collision in North Sea
MILFORD HAVEN LINKS TO LARGE SCALE MARITIME RESCUE OPERATION A MAJOR maritime disaster unfolded in the North Sea on Monday...
Milford Haven man jailed for six years after hiding cocaine in police car
A MILFORD HAVEN man has been jailed for six years after attempting to hide nearly 50 grams of cocaine under...
Pembrokeshire becomes latest council to consider devolution of Crown Estate
SENIOR councillors will consider a bid for Pembrokeshire to become the latest council to support the devolution of Crown Estate...
Festival of the Sea makes a splash at Milford Waterfront this weekend
MILFORD HAVEN is buzzing with excitement as the Festival of the Sea kicks off this weekend, bringing a wave of...
-
Top News2 days agoPembrokeshire man sentenced for driving four times over drink-drive limit
-
News2 days ago
Oil tanker and cargo ship ablaze after collision in North Sea
-
News6 days agoPembrokeshire Council Tax rise for residents at 9.35% agreed
-
Entertainment7 days agoTop home renovation ideas for 2025
-
Farming7 days agoPlaid Cymru demands pause to ‘destructive’ farm tax
-
News3 days ago
Pembrokeshire becomes latest council to consider devolution of Crown Estate
-
Crime2 days agoJohn Cooper appeal file still under review, but CCRC says process ‘will take time’
-
Business3 days agoNew owners reopen The Vibe in Milford Haven