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Pembrokeshire Division One cricket round-up

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LAST week’s action in the First Division delivered yet another thrilling chapter in what has been one of the most exciting seasons in recent history. Carew secured a commanding victory over local rivals Cresselly, closing the gap to within eight points of league leaders Neyland and setting up a tantalising title showdown next week. Meanwhile, St Ishmaels continued their impressive ascent up the table with another vital win, while Haverfordwest’s triumph over Whitland kept their survival hopes alive. Reigning champions Neyland faced a stern test but managed to maintain their lead with a narrow win over Lawrenny.

Carew Dominate Cresselly to Close in on Title

Carew sent a strong message to their title rivals with a resounding 197-run victory over Cresselly. Batting first, Carew amassed an imposing 286 for 6, led by James Hinchliffe’s unbeaten 63. Key contributions from Tim Hicks (56), Nick Davies (41*), and a brisk 43 from Shaun Whitfield ensured a daunting total for the hosts. Cresselly’s bowlers struggled, with only Charlie Arthur managing respectable figures of 2 for 39.

In reply, Cresselly were dismantled by young Iori Hicks, who claimed a stunning 5 for 15 as the visitors were skittled for just 89. Hinchliffe capped off a superb all-round performance by taking 3 for 22, sealing a dominant win for Carew.

Neyland Survive Lawrenny Scare to Retain Top Spot

Neyland clung to the top of the table with a nerve-wracking 2-wicket win over Harrison Allen finalists Lawrenny. Chasing 191 for victory, Neyland’s innings was anchored by Dai Davies (37) and Ross Hardy (33), but it was the 39 extras conceded by Lawrenny that proved decisive in the end.

Earlier, Lawrenny had posted 190 for 7, with steady contributions from Harry Thomas (30) and Ryan Morton (25). Alan Webster was the pick of Neyland’s bowlers, taking 3 for 63. Despite a valiant effort from Lawrenny’s attack, which reduced Neyland to 162 for 8, Sean Hannon (19*) and Lewis Page (15*) held their nerve to see their side home with three balls to spare.

St Ishmaels Continue Resurgence with Crucial Win Over Llangwm

St Ishmaels continued their resurgence with a vital victory over relegation rivals Llangwm. Batting first, Llangwm were bowled out for 132, with Matthew Kiff’s 45 standing out. Jonathan Pawlett was Tish’s star with the ball, claiming 4 for 35.

Tish chased down the target with six wickets in hand, thanks to a composed 51 not out from Phil Llewellyn. Pawlett also contributed with the bat, scoring 40, as Tish secured their second consecutive win. The defeat leaves Llangwm in dire straits, languishing in second-bottom place, ten points adrift of Tish, who have now moved clear of the relegation zone.

Haverfordwest Secure Crucial Win Over Whitland

Haverfordwest bolstered their survival hopes with a crucial 29-run victory over Whitland. Batting first, Town posted 198 all out, with Mikey Jones top-scoring with a vital 60.

In response, Whitland struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 169. Adam James bowled with pace and precision, taking three key wickets as Whitland’s batsmen failed to fire. The win all but secures Town’s place in the division, while Whitland remain mired in the lower half of the table.

Saundersfoot Edge Narberth in High-Scoring Thriller

Saundersfoot claimed a 37-run victory over Narberth in a high-scoring encounter that saw both teams amass significant totals. Batting first, Saundersfoot reached 208 for 7, with Simon Stanford (48) and Sam Franklin (40) leading the charge. Loui Davies was the pick of Narberth’s bowlers, taking 3 for 24.

Narberth responded with a spirited effort, as Jamie McCormack (48) and Ben Quartermaine (32) kept them in the hunt. However, they ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 171. Nick Cope’s 3 for 16 and Sam Franklin’s 2 for 12 were instrumental in Saundersfoot’s victory, leaving Narberth on the brink of relegation.

 

Crime

Couple killed in A477 collision as driver admits causing deaths

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Wet conditions and loss of control cited as defendant pleads guilty at Swansea Crown Court

A DRIVER has admitted causing the deaths of two young Pembrokeshire people after his car crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with their vehicle.

At Swansea Crown Court, Alexander MacCallum, 28, of Beach Road, Llanreath, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving following the fatal crash on the A477 road.

Katie Worrell, aged 25, from Pembroke, and Adam Muskett, aged 27, from Tenby, were travelling together in a Ford Fiesta when it was struck by MacCallum’s Jaguar during heavy, wet conditions at around 4:00pm on June 13, 2024.

Sentencing has been adjourned: Swansea Crown Court (Image: File)

Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court the defendant’s vehicle lost control and drifted across the centre line. The loss of control was described as “momentary”, with standing water on the carriageway believed to have contributed.

The impact proved fatal for both occupants of the Fiesta.

MacCallum accepted responsibility for what happened and expressed remorse for the consequences of his driving.

Judge Huw Rees adjourned sentencing to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He warned the defendant that every option remains available to the court, including an immediate custodial sentence.

MacCallum was granted bail but disqualified from driving in the interim. He is due to return to court for sentencing on April 2.

Addressing relatives present in the courtroom, Judge Rees said the court recognised the scale of their loss.

The families later paid tribute to the couple.

Katie’s loved ones described her as a devoted daughter, sister and friend who embraced life, loved travelling and had recently completed a Masters degree. They said she worked hard, cared deeply for others and “loved Adam beyond words”.

Adam’s family said he was a much-loved son and brother who adored Tenby, football and his partner. They said they were left heartbroken by the loss of his “big kind heart and cheeky smile”.

Both families said their lives would never be the same without them.

 

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Business

Computer Solutions Wales under fire from customers

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Claims of unreturned devices, unpaid refunds and small claims court cases as company blames landlord dispute

CUSTOMERS across west Wales have raised concerns about the trading activities of Computer Solutions Wales, alleging unpaid refunds, missing computers and prolonged periods of poor communication.

The Herald has spoken to several individuals who say they handed over laptops or desktop computers for repair or replacement, paid hundreds or in some cases thousands of pounds, and were then left without their property or a refund despite repeated attempts to resolve the matter.

In some cases, those affected say they have pursued the issue through the civil courts.

Court action taken

Zac Townley said he handed over two custom-built desktop PCs for repair on Sunday (Mar 30, 2025) and later paid £710 after being told the work was complete. He says the computers were never returned.

After months of chasing, Mr Townley took the matter to court. A hearing took place in October 2025, which he says the defendant did not attend. The court ruled in his favour and issued an order in November for the return of the two computers and repayment of £377 in court fees.

He says that deadline has since passed and the computers remain outstanding.

Other customers described similar experiences, including payments for repairs or replacement equipment followed by delays, cancelled appointments and repeated assurances that items would be returned or refunds processed.

Several said they were eventually advised to pursue claims through the small claims court.

One former worker also alleged unpaid wages during a period of employment.

The Herald has seen copies of text messages, payment confirmations and court paperwork relating to some of the complaints.

Company status questions

Companies House records show that Computer Solutions Pembs Ltd, the limited company associated with the business, was dissolved on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) following compulsory strike-off proceedings.

Filings show changes to directors and persons with significant control in the months before dissolution, along with a change of registered office address outside Wales.

Under company law, a dissolved limited company cannot trade or enter into new contracts.

Despite this, services continued to be advertised online under the Computer Solutions Wales name, including through a website and social media pages. Some customers told The Herald they believed they were dealing with an active limited company at the time they made payments.

Trading history

Archived photographs, marketing material and social media posts seen by The Herald show the Computer Solutions Wales name has been used publicly for several years, including from a high street premises in Pembrokeshire and in promotional material dating back to 2022.

Customers said they understood Computer Solutions Wales to be an established local business operating under the same branding throughout that period.

Police response

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they had reviewed information provided to them about the complaints.

In correspondence seen by The Pembrokeshire Herald, police said the matters raised did not constitute a criminal investigation and appeared to relate to civil liability and potential consumer protection issues. Complainants were advised to contact Trading Standards and pursue enforcement through the civil courts where appropriate.

Former premises: Computer Solutions Wales shop in Haverfordwest (Pic: Facebook)

Company response

Steven Grant, trading as Computer Solutions Wales, was contacted and offered the opportunity to comment. Publication of this article was delayed by one week to allow time for a response.

In a written holding statement, a spokesperson for the business said the issues stemmed from a dispute with a former landlord.

The statement said: “This issue began when Computer Solutions Wales was in dispute with its then landlord over building repair obligations and subsequent rent requirements.

“Since then, the landlord has denied CSW access to the property which contains a number of computers. These computers do not belong to CSW nor the landlord, but to CSW customers.

“CSW does not understand the legal position regarding ‘ownership’ of these computers, and is urgently seeking legal advice as to how the computers can be returned to their rightful owners at the earliest opportunity.

“CSW fully understands the frustration of its customers, and can reassure them that it is making strenuous efforts to resolve this matter as soon as is possible.”

The Herald asked Mr Grant to clarify several points arising from this explanation, including why customers were not kept informed during the alleged access dispute, how long access to the premises had been restricted, how many customer devices remained at the property, whether customers had been formally notified in writing, and the name of the landlord or managing agent so the circumstances could be independently verified.

He replied that he was travelling and had no further comment beyond the statement already provided.

 

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News

Starmer under fire as aides quit and Scottish Labour leader calls on him to resign

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Two senior Downing Street exits in 24 hours as Anas Sarwar breaks ranks, but ministers insist the Prime Minister is staying put

PRESSURE continued to mount on Keir Starmer today (Monday) after two of his closest advisers resigned within 24 hours and the leader of Scottish Labour publicly called on him to step down.

The rapid series of events has fuelled growing speculation about the Prime Minister’s authority inside his own party, with critics describing the situation in Downing Street as chaotic and poorly handled.

Labour’s Scottish leader: Anas Sarwar breaks ranks and calls for PM to go

Starmer first lost his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who stepped aside after taking responsibility for recommending the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington.

Within hours, his director of communications, Tim Allan, also quit, saying a new team should take charge of the government’s messaging.

Two departures at that level in a single day are highly unusual and immediately prompted questions in Westminster about stability at the centre of government.

The crisis deepened further when Anas Sarwar broke ranks and urged Starmer to resign, arguing that the ongoing Mandelson controversy was becoming a damaging distraction and risked harming Labour’s prospects, particularly in Scotland.

Sarwar is the most senior Labour figure so far to publicly question the Prime Minister’s position.

A row that would not go away

The Mandelson appointment was initially seen as a difficult but containable judgement call. Supporters pointed to his experience and international contacts, while critics raised concerns about his past links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

However, instead of fading, the story has dragged on for days, prompting criticism of how Downing Street has handled the fallout.

Several Labour MPs privately admit the issue is no longer the appointment itself but the perception that the government has been slow and defensive in responding.

One senior backbencher said: “It’s not the decision that hurts you. It’s looking like you’re not in control.”

Who is backing Starmer

Despite the noise, Starmer still retains public support from much of the Cabinet.

Allies say he remains focused on governing and has no intention of stepping down. Downing Street sources insist he is “getting on with the job” and dismiss talk of an imminent leadership challenge.

Senior ministers have urged colleagues to rally around the Prime Minister rather than fuel instability.

There is currently no formal mechanism under way to remove him, and no obvious successor waiting in the wings.

Political risk growing

Nevertheless, the optics are uncomfortable.

Two senior resignations in quick succession, combined with a public call to quit from within Labour’s own ranks, risk creating the impression of a government losing control of its message.

That perception matters.

Prime ministers are rarely forced out over a single decision. They fall when their own MPs begin to doubt that they can win the next election.

With Reform UK continuing to dominate headlines with simple, punchy messaging and Labour struggling to explain its record, some backbenchers fear that continued communication missteps could erode confidence further.

For now, Starmer remains in office.

But after the past 24 hours, questions about his leadership are no longer confined to the opposition benches.

They are coming from inside his own party.

 

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