Sport

Second Division cricket: Dominant performances and thrilling battle for top spot

Published

6 months ago

August 13, 2024

THE LATEST round of Pembrokeshire’s Second Division cricket matches saw dominant performances and a thrilling battle for the top spot, as Herbrandston held onto their lead despite pressure from Burton. With the promotion race all tied up the focus is now on who will win the title and who will avoid the drop.

Herbrandston vs. Llechryd

Herbrandston 239/5 (20) beat Llechryd 123 all out (5) by 116 runs**

League leaders Herbrandston cemented their place at the top of the table with a comprehensive 116-run victory over Llechryd. Batting first, Herbrandston posted an imposing total of 239 for 5, thanks to brilliant contributions from Jack Nicholas (90) and Charlie Malloy (82). Despite a good bowling effort from Tom Lewis, who picked up 3 wickets for 44 runs, Llechryd’s chase faltered. Dean John led Herbrandston’s bowling attack with figures of 3-25, helping to bowl out Llechryd for just 123. This dominant performance earned Herbrandston 20 crucial points, while relegation threatened Llechryd managed only 5 points from the encounter, this means they currently occupy a relegation place and are 8 points behind Johnston who sit just above the drop zone.

Hook vs. Johnston

Hook 295/4 (20) beat Johnston 72 all out (3) by 223 runs

Hook sir firmly in mid table and perhaps underachieved so far this season however Saturday they showcased their batting prowess in a massive 223-run victory over Johnston. Aled Phelps was the star of the show, scoring a brilliant 134, well-supported by brother Rhys Phelps’ unbeaten 64. Hook piled on the runs, ending at 295 for 4. Johnston’s reply was lackluster, with only Nick Davies (25) providing some resistance as they were skittled out for 72. Aled Phelps capped off a phenomenal all-round performance with figures of 6-8, ensuring Hook picked up a maximum 20 points, while Johnston had to settle for 3 points. A result that means Johnston’s fight for survival looks set to go the the bitter end. Johnston sit one place above the drop zone and eight points ahead of Llechryd.

Lamphey vs. Carew II

Lamphey 143 all out (7) lost to Carew II 194/9 (19) by 51 runs

Carew II secured a solid 51-run victory over bottom of the table Lamphey in a competitive match. Ian Sefton anchored the Carew innings with 63, guiding his side to 194 for 9. Lamphey’s David Blackwell was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for 56 runs. In response, Lamphey struggled to build momentum, with only Rob Mathias (36) and Andy Tait (31) offering significant contributions. Carew II’s veteran Barry Evans was instrumental with the ball, taking 4-33 to ensure his team claimed 19 points, while Lamphey managed 7 points.

Llanrhian vs. Pembroke

Llanrhian 152 all out (7) lost to Pembroke 153/8 (18) by 2 wickets

In a nail-biting finish, Pembroke edged out Llanrhian by 2 wickets in a thrilling low-scoring affair. Russell Watkins’ 66 helped Llanrhian reach a total of 152, but Pembroke’s bowlers, led by Billy Wood (3-23), kept them in check. Pembroke’s chase saw contributions from Archie Hillier-Wood (49) and Phil Jones (37 not out), guiding them to a narrow victory. The match earned Pembroke 18 points, with Llanrhian picking up 7 points.

Pembroke Dock vs. Burton

Pembroke Dock 161/9 (9) lost to Burton 171 all out (18) by 10 runs

Burton kept the pressure on Herbrandston with a hard-fought 10-run victory over Pembroke Dock. Batting first, Burton posted 171, with Morgan Scale top-scoring with 40. George Smith was outstanding with the ball for Pembroke Dock, taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs. However, Burton’s bowlers, led by Dan Ridge (4-23), restricted Pembroke Dock to 161 for 9 in a tense finish. This victory allowed Burton to gain 18 points, while Pembroke Dock took 9 points from the match. The Dock aren’t safe from the drop yet and the next three games will decide everything.

Sport

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

2 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHEN TOWN AFC’s long-serving manager, Mark Aizlewood, has announced that he will not be renewing his contract, marking the end of an era for the club. In a heartfelt statement released on January 14, 2025, Aizlewood revealed this season would be his last at the helm of the Old Gold.

Aizlewood expressed gratitude to the players, staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors, and supporters who have supported him throughout his tenure. “The people of CTFC have made me one of their own,” he said, despite living 60 miles away. He also extended heartfelt thanks to his wife and family for their understanding and unwavering support.

Two decades of success

Aizlewood has been a defining figure in the club’s history, holding a UEFA Pro Licence for over 30 years and leading Carmarthen Town AFC to consistent top-six finishes in the Welsh league, as well as cup victories and European qualifications. “In my 20+ years at the club, these achievements became the norm, and we were at the very top of the football ecosystem in Wales,” Aizlewood remarked.

However, he acknowledged that the current situation at the club has shifted, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not the case any longer. The ship is pointing in the right direction, and the destination is agreed by all, but perhaps now is the right time for a new captain to steer the club along its agreed journey.”

Looking ahead

Aizlewood assured fans he remains passionate about football, declaring he will retain his UEFA Pro Licence and remain involved in the sport. As Carmarthen Town AFC prepares for a new chapter, Aizlewood wished his successor and the club every success in the future.

A legacy of dedication

Mark Aizlewood’s departure signals the end of one of the longest managerial tenures in Welsh football, a career marked by dedication, achievement, and an unyielding love for the game. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Carmarthen Town AFC.

The search for a new manager begins as the club aims to build on Aizlewood’s formidable achievements and continue its proud tradition in Welsh football.

Cover image credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

Sport

Letterston marksman wins junior athlete award

Published

5 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TALENTED young athlete from Letterston has been honoured at the British Shooting Awards 2024.

Seren Thorne was shortlisted for the prestigious awards and attended the gala event held at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. To the delight of her family and supporters, Seren was named the winner of the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award.

This accolade highlights Seren’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking her as one of the rising stars in British shooting.

Her mother, Sian Thorne, expressed immense pride in Seren’s achievement, sharing photos of the memorable evening.

The British Shooting Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the sport, with a full list of winners available on their official website.

PHOTO CAPTION: Champion marksman: Seren Thorne receiving the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award (Pic: Supplied).

Sport

Previewing the 2025 Super Bowl

Published

6 days ago

January 20, 2025

Staff Writer

Each year millions of people across the world gather to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. Last year, 3.4 million people in the UK watched the Super Bowl, up 1.1 million from the previous year. Considering the growth in popularity of American football in the UK, we anticipate the viewership will be even higher for 2025.

The 2025 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on 9 February 2025 at Caesars Superdrome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NFL teams

12 teams began competing for a spot in the 2025 Super Bowl when the playoffs began on January 11. At this point, four teams were eliminated. This now leaves eight teams to compete in the Divisional playoffs. Four of these will make it to the Conference Championships before contesting for a spot at this year’s Super Bowl.

The eight teams left with a shot at competing in the 2025 Super Bowl are:

Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Washington Commanders

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs took the title for the second year in a row. However, the latest Super Bowl odds puts the Detroit Lions as the favourites to win this year’s Super Bowl, following a series of impressive performances in the regular season.

The national anthem and halftime show

Before the game commences, a special guest performs the national anthem. Last year, Reba McEntire offered a moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and this year the task falls to jazz singer Jon Batiste.

It’s not just the football match that people look forward to. Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle in themselves and many look forward to the performance as much as the game itself. This year, 17-time grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show. Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl in 2022.

How can I watch the Super Bowl in the UK?

The Super Bowl is being broadcast to fans free on ITV, including live online via ITVX on your laptop, mobile, or tablet.

Sky Sports is also broadcasting the event which you can watch online via Sky Go, NOW TV, or using the Sky Sports mobile app. You could also head to your local pub as plenty of pubs in Pembrokeshire will be showing the big game.

Will you be tuning in?

With a surge in popularity for American Football, it’s anticipated that more people from the UK than ever before will be turning their TVs on for the big event this year. Will you be watching this year’s Super Bowl?