Sport

Pembrokeshire Bowls Triumph as historic victory secures Welsh Title

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY BOWLING ASSOCIATION has achieved a remarkable milestone, securing one of Wales’ most prestigious team titles after a 70-year wait. The county team clinched the Alec Crate Shield, triumphing in the Welsh Lawn Bowls’ county championship for the first time since 1954 during the national finals at Llandrindod Wells Bowls Club.

This victory marks only the second time in the association’s history that Pembrokeshire has lifted the shield, making it a historic moment for the team and their supporters. The achievement is made even more poignant as the team dedicated their win to their manager, Andrew Muskett, who tragically lost his son Adam and his girlfriend in a road accident earlier this summer.

For team member Paul Diment, the triumph was particularly special. His grandfather, the late Bobby Diment, was a member of the first Pembrokeshire side to win the championship back in 1954. The legacy of that victory has now been honoured by the current team’s success.

The road to victory was far from easy. After securing wins against Carmarthenshire and Mid Wales in the group stages, Pembrokeshire faced the formidable Monmouthshire team in the semi-finals. Monmouthshire, who had claimed the title 24 times previously, were edged out by Pembrokeshire in a close contest that ended with a four-shot difference.

The final against Vale of Glamorgan was a nail-biter, going down to the last bowl. Pembrokeshire emerged victorious by a single shot, winning 118-117 and securing their place in Welsh bowls history.

The rink scores for the final (Pembrokeshire names first, Vale of Glamorgan skips only) were as follows:

Rhys Day, Ben Simmons, Peter Day, Paul Diment 28 – M Harding 14
David Davies, Myrddin Dennis, Joe Dennis, Berwyn Dennis 23 – M Clarke-Squires 16
Keith Thorpe, Paul Griffiths, Keran Peregrine, Chris Court 17 – M Prosser 27
Huw Williams, Steve Reese, Dion Peregrine, John Roberts 14 – A Western 21
Ashley Hooper, Jon Webb, Andrew Muskett, Ryan Thomas 19 – G Thomas 20
Cameron White, Peter Morgan, Mike Jackson, David Kingdon 17 – C Bayliss 19.

The shield was presented by the president of Welsh Lawn Bowls, Arwel Edwards, who, in a twist of fate, is a former Pembrokeshire County Bowling Association president and the current treasurer.

Pembrokeshire’s success didn’t end with the team victory. Tenby Bowling Club members Mike Jackson and John Roberts also brought home silverware, winning the men’s pairs championship for the first time. Their victory ensures that they will represent Wales at the British Bowls Championships, set to be hosted in Llandrindod Wells next June.

After securing the county title, Jackson and Roberts saw off competition from Penygraig, Ely Valley, Havelock Park, and RTB Ebbw Vale in the final. This victory brings the winner’s shield back to Tenby Bowling Club for the third time, following previous successes by Pat Currie and Paul Diment in 2002 and Ryan Thomas and Paul Diment in 2018.

The Pembrokeshire County Bowling Association’s achievements at this year’s national finals will be remembered as a proud chapter in the county’s sporting history.

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

5 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls have praised their under-13s after another strong showing at the third and final FAW Festival of the season.

The young Bluebirds travelled to Colliers Park in Wrexham on Saturday (Apr 4), where they once again impressed with their performances.

Club officials said the girls had performed fantastically well throughout the season, adding that everyone at Haverfordwest County was incredibly proud of their efforts.

The squad for the day was Libby O, Ela I, Ines M, Mila E, Scarlett C, Rachel B, Lydia H, Lilly M, Zara E, Leila P and Lillie EJ.

Well done girls.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Friendly League week 22 results

Published

6 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

RESULTS from week 22 of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League have been confirmed, with Badgers recording a comprehensive 10-0 win over Lamphey and St Twynnells edging past Cosheston 6-4.

An earlier fixture also saw Cosheston claim a 10-0 victory over Reynalton.

Several matches were postponed during the week, including Kilgetty v Carew, Llanteg v St Twynnells and Hundleton v East Williamston.

St Johns had the bye.

Latest results:
Cosheston 4 St Twynnells 6
Badgers 10 Lamphey 0
Cosheston 10 Reynalton 0

League table after week 22:
East Williamston — Played 19, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 6, Shot difference 169, Points 126
St Johns — Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot difference 132, Points 118
Reynalton — Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference 24, Points 99
St Twynnells — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Shot difference 9, Points 99
Carew — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot difference -12, Points 98
Hundleton — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Shot difference -7, Points 97
Llanteg — Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot difference -16, Points 95
Badgers — Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -104, Points 89
Cosheston — Played 19, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference -39, Points 88
Lamphey — Played 20, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 11, Shot difference -71, Points 80
Kilgetty — Played 19, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -85, Points 73

League officials have reminded clubs that all outstanding matches must be completed by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Sport

Amman United Youth suffer agonising semi-final defeat

Published

6 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Cup final dream slips away as Newcastle Emlyn battle back to seal 20-19 win in windy Carmarthenshire Cup clash

AMMAN UNITED YOUTH saw their Carmarthenshire Cup final hopes ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday (Apr 4) as Newcastle Emlyn snatched a 20-19 victory in a dramatic semi-final.

Played in difficult, windy conditions, the contest was fiercely competitive throughout, with Amman left to rue a series of handling errors that allowed the visitors back into the game.

Newcastle Emlyn made the stronger start, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty and then missing a chance to add to their tally.

Amman responded well and took control of the first half. Captain Ceian Lewis crossed following a well-worked catch-and-drive to put his side 5-3 in front. Toby Slater then produced an excellent touchline conversion in tough conditions to extend the lead to 7-3.

Amman continued to build momentum when Harvey Duncan made a sharp break down the wing to score their second try. Slater was again on target with an impressive conversion in the wind, giving his side a 14-3 lead at the break.

But the game turned soon after the restart. A costly Amman mistake allowed Newcastle Emlyn back into the contest, with the visitors scoring in the corner before adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

Amman appeared to have steadied themselves when Kelston Fairhurst powered over from another catch-and-drive, stretching the lead to 19-10.

However, Newcastle Emlyn refused to give in. Strong forward play brought them another try, and the conversion cut the deficit to just two points at 19-17 as the pressure mounted in the closing stages.

The decisive moment came in the final five minutes when another Amman handling error handed Emlyn a crucial opportunity. The visitors worked their way into range and slotted a late penalty to edge ahead 20-19.

Amman had one final chance to rescue the game and opted for a catch-and-drive from a late penalty, having already found success with that tactic earlier in the match. This time, though, Newcastle Emlyn held firm to deny them and secure their place in the final.

It was a bitter end for Amman United Youth, who had looked in control at half-time, but Newcastle Emlyn showed resilience and composure when it mattered most.