News

Lawrenny triumphs over Saundersfoot in tense Harrison-Allen Bowl final

Published

1 year ago

September 2, 2024

LAWRENNY Cricket Club claimed their second Harrison-Allen Bowl title in a gripping final against first-time finalists Saundersfoot. The match saw fortunes swing back and forth, culminating in Lawrenny’s five-wicket victory with just 13 balls remaining.

Despite Saundersfoot’s valiant effort, Lawrenny’s experience and the heroics of Thomas Cole secured the win, marking a day of both jubilation and heartbreak at the storied Pembrokeshire venue.

The match began with Lawrenny captain Ryan Morton opting to field first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Saundersfoot, who had shown promising form leading up to the final, found themselves in early trouble at 11 for 3. Veteran bowler Rob Williams, at 48 years young, proved that age is no barrier, claiming two crucial wickets with his first spell. He was ably supported by young Oscar Lewis, who sent the dangerous Danny Caine back to the pavilion for just 3 runs.

A steadying partnership between Nick Cope and John Mansbridge brought Saundersfoot back into contention, with Cope smashing a splendid 47, including five towering sixes. However, as the innings progressed, Lawrenny’s bowlers tightened the noose. Saundersfoot ended their innings on 118 for 7, a score that reflected the challenges posed by a damp wicket.

Lawrenny’s reply mirrored Saundersfoot’s struggles, with early wickets falling regularly. The anchor role was played by Harry Thomas, who contributed a patient 40. But it was Thomas Cole’s explosive batting that swung the match in Lawrenny’s favor. Cole blasted 23 runs off a single over, taking Lawrenny to 133 for 6, giving them a slender lead of 15 runs at the interval.

Saundersfoot’s second innings began more positively, with Tom Mansbridge and Simon Stanford putting together a solid 32-run opening stand. However, a middle-order collapse, triggered by Morton and Williams, left them teetering at 79 for 6. It was only a late flurry from captain Yannic Parker, who struck 29 off 15 balls, that propelled Saundersfoot to a respectable 132 for 7.

With a target of 118 to win, Lawrenny appeared to be in control. However, Saundersfoot’s bowlers, led by Nick Cope and Sam Franklin, made early inroads, reducing Lawrenny to 50 for 4. The tension was palpable as the match hung in the balance.

Once again, it was Thomas Cole who stepped up for Lawrenny. His rapid-fire 32 from just 18 balls, including three towering sixes, shifted the momentum. Partnered by the experienced Troy Purslowe, who remained unbeaten on 38, Lawrenny reached their target with relative ease, finishing on 121 for 5.

The post-match celebrations saw Lawrenny’s players and supporters revel in their hard-fought victory. The Harrison-Allen Bowl was presented to Ryan Morton by Hugh Harrison-Allen, with Thomas Cole deservedly named Man of the Match for his match-winning performances with both bat and ball.

For Saundersfoot, there was disappointment at falling short in their first final appearance. However, their journey to the final was a historic achievement, and their spirited performance suggests they will be contenders again in the future.

In the end, it was Lawrenny’s day, but both teams left the field with heads held high, knowing they had been part of a truly memorable contest.

SCORECARD

Saundersfoot 1st Innings: 118/7
Nick Cope 47, John Mansbridge 36; Rob Williams 2/15, Oscar Lewis 2/28

Lawrenny 1st Innings: 133/6
Harry Thomas 40, Thomas Cole 37*; Nick Cope 1/25, Sam Franklin 1/34

Saundersfoot 2nd Innings: 132/7
Yannic Parker 29, Simon Stanford 24; Ryan Morton 4/34, Rob Williams 1/20

Lawrenny 2nd Innings: 121/5
Troy Purslowe 38*, Thomas Cole 32; Nick Cope 2/21, Sam Franklin 2/26

Lawrenny won by 5 wickets

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

8 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.