Sport

Goals galore and dramatic encounters in Pembrokeshire Division One

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

Football fans across Pembrokeshire were treated to an exhilarating midweek round of Division One action, with a flurry of goals and nail-biting contests that showcased the high level of competition in this year’s league. The matches saw a mix of emphatic victories, hard-fought draws, and a clear statement of intent from teams looking to make their mark on the season.

Clarbeston Road 1-1 Kilgetty: Stalemate reflects balanced battle

The encounter between Clarbeston Road and Kilgetty ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that reflects the evenly matched nature of the game. Clarbeston Road, the current Senior Cup holders, came into the match with high expectations, but Kilgetty proved to be resilient opponents. Laurie Haworth put Clarbeston Road ahead with a well-taken goal, but their lead was short-lived as Jordan Gorman equalised for Kilgetty, ensuring that both teams left with a share of the spoils. Despite chances on both ends, neither side could find a decisive breakthrough, leaving the contest finely poised.

Goodwick United 5-1 St Ishmaels: Champions show their class

Reigning champions Goodwick United delivered a commanding performance, sweeping aside newly promoted St Ishmaels with a 5-1 victory. Goodwick’s attacking prowess was on full display, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each finding the net twice, while Sean Pemberton added a fifth to underline their dominance. St Ishmaels, affectionately known as Tish, managed to pull one back through Adam Kingsbeer, but it was little more than a consolation in a match that highlighted the stark difference in quality between the top flight and the second division. Tish, still finding their feet at this level, will need to regroup quickly if they are to avoid being overwhelmed in the matches to come.

Herbrandston 0-10 Hakin United: Vikings run riot

Hakin United sent shockwaves through the league with a resounding 10-0 demolition of local rivals Herbrandston. It was a day to forget for the Herbie as they were simply no match for a rampant Hakin side. Shane Walsh and Justin Harding both helped themselves to hat-tricks, with Walsh’s clinical finishing and Harding’s blistering pace proving too much for the Herbie defence. The onslaught didn’t stop there, as Kieran King, Ben Aldred, Jordan Kilby, and Ryan Wilson all got their names on the scoresheet, underlining Hakin United’s status as genuine title contenders this season. For newly promoted Herbrandston, the step up to Division One has been harsh, and they will need to find solutions quickly to avoid further humiliation.

Monkton Swifts 3-3 Merlins Bridge: Six-goal thriller ends in a draw

Monkton Swifts and Merlins Bridge played out one of the most entertaining matches of the night, with a thrilling 3-3 draw that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Will Davis opened the scoring for Monkton Swifts, while Paul Miller added a brace, giving the hosts a solid platform. However, Merlins Bridge, showing great tenacity, fought back with David Cromwell scoring twice and Liam Manwaring securing a crucial third goal. Both teams will feel they had chances to win the game, but ultimately, the match ended in a draw, a fair result given the ebb and flow of the contest. This match was a perfect example of the competitive nature of Pembrokeshire’s Division One, where no team can afford to rest on their laurels.

Pennar Robins 1-1 Tenby: Defences dominate in tight contest

Pennar Robins and Tenby could not be separated in a tightly contested 1-1 draw. Jamie Wilkes, returning to Pennar Robins, marked his comeback with a goal, but his effort was cancelled out by a penalty from Tenby’s Noe Leahy. Both teams showed solid defensive organisation, making it difficult for either side to find clear scoring opportunities. As the match progressed, it became apparent that one moment of brilliance or a mistake could tip the balance, but in the end, a draw was a fair reflection of a game where defences were on top.

Milford United 0-2 Carew: Carew secure valuable away victory

Carew continued their promising start to the season with a professional 2-0 victory away at Milford United. Sonny Phillips and Leon Davies were the heroes for Carew, each finding the back of the net in a match where the visitors’ defensive solidity was matched by their efficiency in front of goal. Milford United struggled to break down a well-drilled Carew side and were ultimately punished by two well-crafted goals. The result sees Carew maintain their momentum as they look to establish themselves as one of the teams to watch in this year’s title race.

Conclusion: A competitive season in prospect

With each round of matches, it becomes increasingly clear that this season’s Division One will be fiercely contested, with no team guaranteed an easy ride. Hakin United’s crushing victory over Herbrandston has set the early pace, but with strong performances from the likes of Goodwick United and Carew, as well as the competitive draws elsewhere, the race for the title and the battle to avoid relegation promise to provide plenty of drama in the weeks and months ahead. Pembrokeshire football fans are in for a treat as the season unfolds, with every match offering the potential for excitement and unexpected twists.

News

Haverfordwest sailor leads global team to historic victory in Korea

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2026

Herald Sport

Lou Boorman celebrates home port win in round-the-world yacht race

A HAVERFORDWEST-born sailor has led her team to a landmark victory on the global stage, winning a major leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as it arrived in South Korea.

Lou Boorman, aged 23, skippered Team Tongyeong to first place as the fleet sailed into the Korean port city this week (Mar 16), marking a historic moment for the race.

The win is particularly significant as it is the first time the round-the-world event has ever stopped in Korea – and the home team claimed the top spot.

Speaking from the yacht after crossing the finish line, Lou said: “We did it, we performed under the pressure! To get a win into our home port, I can die happy!”

From Pembrokeshire to the world stage

Lou, who grew up in Haverfordwest, has quickly risen through the ranks of competitive sailing. Before taking on the challenge of leading a Clipper Race team, she had already secured titles as British, Irish and Welsh Female Champion.

Now skippering one of the race’s international teams, she is responsible not only for navigation and strategy, but also for leading a diverse crew – many of whom had never sailed before joining the race.

The Clipper Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges in sport, covering 40,000 nautical miles over eleven months, with crews facing extreme weather conditions ranging from freezing Pacific crossings to equatorial heat.

High-stakes gamble pays off

Team Tongyeong took a major risk during this stage, playing its ‘Joker’ card – a race tactic that doubles points if successful.

The gamble paid off, earning the team maximum points and securing their place at the top of the leaderboard.

Lou said: “We’ve worked really hard and put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Going into our home port there is a lot of pressure to perform, and we added to that pressure by playing our Joker – and we got twenty points, so I’m very proud of the team.”

This marks the team’s second win in recent stages, building momentum as they pass the halfway point of the global race.

Life at sea and leadership challenges

Reflecting on her journey so far, Lou highlighted the challenges of leadership as much as the physical demands of sailing.

She said: “Sometimes the sailing comes second to the people because they are the important ones. To lead them through that is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.”

She added: “My favourite thing about sailing is the magic of the sea, the stars, the storms and the remoteness. I feel free and at my happiest at sea.”

Global race continues

The Clipper Race fleet will remain in Tongyeong for a week of cultural events before setting off across the North Pacific towards Seattle.

The race will later visit Panama, Washington DC, and Oban before returning to Portsmouth this summer, completing a full circumnavigation of the globe.

For Pembrokeshire, Lou’s achievement puts a local name firmly on the world sailing map – and highlights the global reach of talent from West Wales.

Sport

New2Golf scheme returns to South Pembrokeshire Golf Club

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Six-week beginner programme offers affordable route into the sport

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE GOLF CLUB is preparing to launch its popular New2Golf scheme for 2026, with the latest intake starting on Monday (Apr 13).

Now in its eighth year at the Pembroke Dock course, the initiative offers a low-cost and welcoming introduction to golf. All equipment and professional tuition are included for a small fee, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities – including complete beginners who have never picked up a club before.

The scheme is also ideal for those who have previously played golf and are looking to return to the game after a break.

Participants will receive coaching from qualified golf professionals at the club’s practice ground during early evening sessions over a six-week period. There will also be an option to continue with further sessions after the initial programme.

Golf provides a great opportunity to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. As a low-impact sport, it allows players to gradually build fitness while learning new skills. Whether approached competitively or socially, it offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Last year’s New2Golf intake ranged in age from eight to 70, highlighting the sport’s broad appeal and accessibility.

Located in Pennar, Pembroke Dock, South Pembrokeshire Golf Club enjoys scenic views over the Haven waterway. The club has a thriving membership across junior, ladies’, men’s and seniors’ sections, and prides itself on being friendly and supportive to new players.

Members regularly help newcomers develop their skills on the course, offering guidance on rules, techniques and course play.

The clubhouse also serves as a social hub, offering home-cooked food, a bar and meeting facilities, with a busy calendar of events throughout the year.

Anyone who has ever considered taking up golf – or returning to the sport – is encouraged to get involved.

For more information or to enrol in the 2026 New2Golf scheme, contact [email protected] or visit the Wales Golf website.

New2Golf is organised and supported by Wales Golf.

Sport

Bluebirds leave it late to beat Cardiff Met at the Meadow

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Jones strike secures vital win as County stay top of play-off conference

HAVERFORDWEST County returned to winning ways on Friday (Mar 13) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cardiff Metropolitan at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

Substitute OWAIN JONES proved the difference, scoring with ten minutes remaining to seal all three points for the Bluebirds in front of a crowd of more than 500.

The result means County maintain their four-point lead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier Play-Off Conference with just four games left to play.

Slow first half

Chances were limited during a quiet opening period, with neither side able to gain control.

The game was disrupted by a lengthy 12-minute stoppage after Cardiff Met striker Lewis Rees required treatment following a collision with Panashe Makwiramiti.

When play resumed, both sides struggled to build momentum. Dylan Rees came closest for the hosts before the break, first delivering a dangerous cross that narrowly missed teammates before seeing a long-range effort drift just wide.

Cardiff Met’s best opportunity came late in the half when Dixon Kabongo fired over from inside the area.

***Kyle Kenniford advances away from Lifumpa Mwandwe. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)***

Pressure builds after break

County looked sharper after the restart and began to apply sustained pressure.

Greg Walters saw a header deflected wide early in the second half, before the hosts had the ball in the net moments later, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Dan Hawkins then forced a low save from goalkeeper Ewan Griffiths, while Walters again went close with an effort from inside the box.

With chances continuing to come and go, manager Tony Pennock turned to his bench, introducing Owain Jones and Iori Humphreys midway through the half.

Jones strikes late

The breakthrough finally came on 80 minutes.

A corner caused confusion in the Cardiff Met defence, and the ball fell kindly for JONES, who bundled it over the line from close range to send the home supporters into celebration.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser late on, but Ifan Knott was rarely troubled as County held firm through the closing stages.

The victory sees Haverfordwest County strengthen their position at the top of the Play-Off Conference as they head into the final weeks of the season.

They are back in action on Saturday (Mar 21) when they travel to Bala Town.

Cover image:

Greg Walters shifts the ball away from Cardiff Metropolitan captain CJ Craven. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)