Sport
Ken Morris Cup Final: Neyland 3rds vs. Narberth 3rds
THE picturesque Narberth Cricket Club once again played host to the annual Ken Morris Memorial Cup Final, offering a day brimming with excitement and local cricketing prowess. This year, the finals featured two captivating matches that showcased the enduring talent within Pembrokeshire’s cricketing community.
Narberth 3rds Triumph Over Neyland 3rds
In the first final, Narberth 3rds squared off against Neyland 3rds in what proved to be a one-sided affair. Neyland, having secured a place in the final after a convincing win against Cresselly earlier in the day, struggled to find their footing against a disciplined Narberth bowling attack.
Neyland won the toss and elected to bat, but their innings faltered as they managed just 72 runs before being bowled out. Opener Rod Murphy (14), Eli Owen (14), and Leo Power (10) were the only batsmen to reach double figures, with Loui Davies wreaking havoc with the ball. Davies’ exceptional spell of 6-12 from five overs, supported by Elliot Evans’ 3-9, left Neyland reeling.
Chasing a modest target of 73, Narberth’s Loui Davies continued his fine form, scoring an unbeaten 37. Despite brief resistance from Neyland’s veteran bowler Lloyd, who dismissed Keane for a duck and Jordan Williams for 9, Narberth cruised to victory with Ryan Williams adding a steady 14 not out. Davies’ all-round performance earned him the Man of the Match award, as Narberth claimed a comfortable win.
Haverfordwest 3rds Overcome Neyland 3rds in a Tense Encounter
The second final of the day saw Haverfordwest 3rds clinch their sixth consecutive Ken Morris Memorial Cup title, defeating Neyland 3rds by nine wickets. The match, played under overcast conditions, was a showcase of resilience and tactical brilliance.
Haverfordwest skipper Paul Maggs won the toss and elected to bowl. His decision paid off immediately, with Neyland’s George Evans falling for a diamond duck to the first ball of the match. Despite a slow start, Neyland managed to post 90 for 6 in their first innings, thanks to a determined 31 from Gavin Rowland and a hard-hitting 41 from John Tennick.
Haverfordwest’s chase of 91 was anchored by a crucial partnership between Dai Davies and Filgi Varghese. The duo put on an unbeaten 93-run stand, with Davies scoring a fluent 46 not out and Varghese contributing 48 not out. Their efforts ensured that Haverfordwest reached the target with two overs to spare, securing a nine-wicket victory.
In Neyland’s second innings, they set a challenging target of 105 after being bowled out for 129. However, another solid partnership between Davies and Varghese saw Haverfordwest comfortably chase down the total. Varghese, who also took four wickets in the first innings, was named Man of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.
The day concluded with a post-match presentation, where organiser Richard Howell thanked all involved for their efforts. The trophy was handed to Haverfordwest skipper Paul Maggs by the family of Ken Morris, marking another successful year for the Ken Morris Memorial Cup.
The finals were a fitting tribute to the spirit of local cricket, with Narberth and Haverfordwest emerging as deserving champions, showcasing the depth of talent in the region.
Sport
Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France
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
This version is more structured, concise, and in line with a professional sports news style. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!
News
Fun free sport sessions for kids in Fishguard
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
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 |
For further details or any inquiries, please contact Steve Cox, League Fixtures Secretary.
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