Sport
Second Division cricket: Dominant performances and thrilling battle for top spot
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
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1: Match reports
Goodwick United 3–0 Merlins Bridge
League leaders Goodwick United claimed a commanding 3–0 victory over Merlins Bridge at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village. Rhys Jones broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a spectacular 25-yard free kick. An own goal by Nick Squire early in the second half doubled the advantage, and Jones sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. The result keeps Goodwick four points clear at the top as they push to retain their title.
Carew 16–0 Herbrandston
Carew delivered a record-breaking performance, thrashing Herbrandston 16–0 at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. James Hinchliffe led the charge with six goals, supported by Shaun Whitfield’s rapid hat-trick. George Waters contributed four goals, Gareth Lewis added two, and Leon Davies completed the rout. The emphatic win lifted Carew out of the relegation zone, while Herbrandston remains firmly at the bottom of the table.
Clarbeston Road 5–2 St Ishmaels
Clarbeston Road cruised to a 5–2 victory over St Ishmaels at Knock Field. Ben John missed an early penalty for Clarbeston but redeemed himself by assisting Jake Wesley’s equaliser. Laurie Haworth and Dan Rees found the net, with Wesley adding a second to complete the scoring for Clarbeston. St Ishmaels’ captain Brennan Devonald netted twice, but his side dropped into the relegation zone.
Monkton Swifts 1–4 Hakin United
Hakin United strengthened their title challenge with a 4–1 win over Monkton Swifts. Dylan Davies put Monkton ahead early, but Hakin responded through Ryan Wilson and Mark Jones to take a 2–1 lead into halftime. Jay Kilby scored twice in the second half, sealing a vital away win for the Vikings.
Milford United 2–2 Pennar Robins
Milford United and Pennar Robins played out an entertaining 2–2 draw at Marble Hall. Liam Davies gave Milford the lead, but Jamie Wilkes equalised for Pennar. Dan James then put Pennar ahead, only for Leon Davies to bring Milford level again. Milford’s Sam Davies was sent off late, but neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.
Tenby 2–3 Kilgetty
Kilgetty staged a thrilling comeback to defeat derby rivals Tenby 3–2 at the Clicketts. Joe Leahy opened the scoring for Tenby, with Jordan Gorman quickly levelling for Kilgetty. Scott Ferney restored Tenby’s lead before halftime. However, Kilgetty turned the tide in the final ten minutes as Lloyd Hughes equalised, and captain Richard Cope struck the decisive winner to secure a dramatic victory.
Sport
Local rugby action: Thrills, wins, and tough battles across divisions
Crymych 19 – Llanelli Wanderers 33
Llanelli Wanderers showcased their title aspirations with a decisive bonus-point victory over Crymych. Despite a spirited effort from the Preseli Men, who trailed 12-18 at halftime, they couldn’t capitalize on second-half opportunities.
Crymych’s hooker Lee Griffiths scored two tries in the first half, and a late penalty try offered some consolation. The Wanderers, under Sean Gale’s guidance, proved dominant with tries from Rhydian Morgan, Lewis Jones, Rhodri Owens, and Sam Icke. Jones contributed two conversions and three penalties, keeping the Wanderers in contention at the top of the table. Crymych remain in a relegation battle.
Division One (West)
Pontarddulais 17 – Tenby United 26
Tenby United maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard-earned seventh victory of the season, defeating a determined Pontarddulais side. Though missing a bonus point, the disciplined Seasiders secured a valuable win.
Lloyd Thomas played a pivotal role, kicking four penalties and converting tries by Gwion Jones and Rob Luly. Acting skipper Jones shone with an individual effort. Pontarddulais responded with tries from Ethan Miles, Lewis Edwards, and Iwan Evans. Tenby stay second in the league with a game in hand over leaders Aberystwyth.
Division Two (West)
Whitland 13 – Fishguard & Goodwick 10
A late Harry Fuller penalty sealed Whitland’s narrow victory in a fiercely contested clash with Fishguard and Goodwick. The Seagulls led 7-3 at halftime after Ben John’s converted try answered Johnny Thomas’s penalty.
Rhys Nicholas turned the game in Whitland’s favor with a crucial intercept try, converted by Thomas. Although Mark Jones briefly leveled the scores, Fuller’s decisive penalty secured Whitland’s fourth win of the season.
Carmarthen Athletic 23 – Milford Haven 10
Carmarthen Athletic overturned a halftime deficit to claim a solid home win over Milford Haven. The Mariners led 10-6 at the break, thanks to Robbie Jones’s converted try and a James Trueman penalty.
The Athletic surged back with 17 unanswered points, including tries from Gethin Phillips, Morgan Morse, and Deian Morgan. Zak Williams added the conversions and penalties to seal the victory. Milford missed out on a losing bonus point in their fourth defeat of the season.
Division Three (West)
Cefneithin 16 – Cardigan 29
Cardigan continued their strong form with a bonus-point win over Cefneithin. The Teifisiders led 15-6 at halftime, with Marcus Castle and Shaun Leonard crossing the try line. Leonard was instrumental, adding another try and three conversions.
John Lumb and Jack Taylor scored second-half tries as Cardigan capitalized on excellent possession. Cefneithin fought back with a try by Jonathan Morgan and three penalties from Carwyn Evans but fell short.
Division Four (West)
Llanybydder 17 – Neyland 43
Neyland dazzled with a six-try bonus-point victory over Llanybydder. Leading 24-5 at halftime, the All Blacks saw tries from Owain Evans, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer, and skipper Georghe Williams.
Young winger Josh Watts added two second-half tries. Llanybydder responded with tries from Jake Evans, Dan Davies, and Dan Jones, converted by Ethan Sion Mathias, but Neyland’s dominance was unshaken as they returned to the top of the table.
Teirw Crymych 17 – St Davids 17
Teirw Crymych and St Davids battled to a draw in a thrilling encounter. The Bulls dominated early, building a 14-0 lead with tries from George Plummer and Trystan Griffiths, both converted by Adam Phillips.
St Davids stormed back with tries by Will James and Tom Clarke, before George Raymond’s late try leveled the scores. The conversion went wide, leaving both teams to share the points.
Dreigiau Emlyn 14 – Narberth Athletic 3
Narberth Athletic’s unbeaten run ended at Ddol Wiber as Dreigiau Emlyn’s forward strength secured a gritty win. A single forward-driven try and three penalties proved enough for the Dragons.
Athletic struggled to convert pressure into points, their only score coming from a Shane Rossiter penalty. The Dragons celebrated their third victory of the season.
Llangwm 17 – Pembroke 22
In a heated Division Four West derby, Pembroke edged out Llangwm in the first leg of the Palmer Cup at Pill Parks. The Scarlets held firm against a late surge to secure the win.
Llangwm opened strongly, with James Morgan and Dan Richards scoring tries, both converted by Harry Makepeace. Pembroke’s forwards turned the tide, with Jamie Brayford (2), Robin Badham, and Josh Greenwood crossing the line. Despite Llangwm’s late efforts, Pembroke extended their winning streak to three matches.
Sport
Pembrokeshire Vikings triumph over Port Talbot panthers
PEMBROKESHIRE VIKINGS faced a tough challenge against the formidable Port Talbot Panthers at Milford Haven RFC on Sunday afternoon. In a fiercely contested battle, the Vikings emerged as worthy winners with a final score of 33-17.
The Vikings’ try scorers included Dave Roberts, Karl Bate, Shaun Treadwell, Richard Williams, and Jack Elliott. Callum Power added to the scoreboard with four successful conversions. Karl Bate’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
A special mention goes to Sean Phillips, who made a welcome return to the team. Phillips delivered a brilliant 30-metre line break, unselfishly passing the ball to Dave Roberts, who crossed under the posts. His contribution exemplified the team spirit that defines the Vikings.
Matches between the Vikings and the Panthers are always marked by fierce rivalry, but also by strong friendships forged on and off the field. The team eagerly anticipates the return fixture in 2025.
The Vikings also extended their gratitude to Barry from Pembrokeshire College, a loyal supporter of the team. Additionally, thanks were given to sponsors Austwel LTD, Hedley Asset Management, and The Pembrokeshire Herald for their ongoing support.
Next match: A historic showdown
This Saturday, the Pembrokeshire Vikings will travel to Llandaff RFC to make history in a match against Rygbi Senedd Cymru. The team looks forward to another thrilling encounter as they continue their successful season.
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