Sport
Angling: European Championships
IT WAS the Dutch and not the Welsh anglers that swept virtually everything before them in European Federation of Sea Anglers 2014 European Shore Championships, organised by the Welsh Section, winning Individual Gold and Bronze as well as Team Silver and Bronze. Only German angler Volker Claus, winning the individual Silver and the Irish who won the International team competition, prevented the Netherlands from cleaning up completely It all started on the evening of Wednesday November 5 when 68 competitors, from 8 countries across Europe returned to Caernarfon to the Celtic Royal Hotel to attend registration for the event.
It was back to Llandudno’s northern foreshore, the only place it was possible to fish the opening Thursday 5 hour session, fished from daylight into dark. Following that gruelling session, not fish wise, but weather, as there were plenty to catch; the weather moderated and behaved itself for the second day of the competition when they could fish the intended beach at Pwllheli.
The final session, to be fished on the Saturday, again over 5 hours and entirely in the daylight, so that everything was done and dusted before the Gala Dinner, Presentation and Closing Ceremony that same evening, was again fished on the same stretch exactly as the previous evening so it was fair for all, none being able to snipe that someone only did well because they fished new ground during this last session.
At registration, on that first evening, the anglers were drawn 14 each into 5 zones, in which the matches would be fished, there being one angler from each international 5 man team in each zone, in this strictly catch, measure and release event, with individuals fitted in around them. Individual pegs were drawn on the beach in the zones 1 hour prior to the start, which worked and went down very well with all the anglers as a fair way to do things.
Where you finished in your zone would determine the points you were awarded with numbers of fish caught being used for count back purposes in the event of any ties. Fish caught were mainly whiting with quite a few Lesser Spotted Dogfish, with some Dabs, Flounder and the odd Codling.
So, how did the Welsh Lads and Ladies do? Well they had the winning Junior which was Daniel Tucker from Milford Haven and in the 5 man International Team event, in which the worst score is discarded each day, the Welsh A team, winners in 2010 at the same venue came a creditable 4th but by only 2 points, having held the lead after the first day.
This time the team consisted of, Philip Lustig (Stackpole), Haydn Cole (Lamphey), Derek Gregory (Milford Haven), Ken Gainfort (St Ishmaels) and John O’Connor (Llanycefn), Ken and Haydn finishing 7th & 9th respectively in the individual standings and Wales B team members Mike Flynn and Steve Lewis (Tenby) were 8th & 11th individually. Haydn was in the winning 3 and 4 man teams, Ken in the winning 2 man team. Mike was in the runners up 3 man and in the fourth placed 2 man team. Steve was in the runners up 2 man and in the third placed 3 man team. Tina Lustig (Stackpole), Derek and John managed a fourth in the Ladies, Senior and 4 man categories respectively. Finally, Daniel also had the longest round fish of the whole competition, a Bass of 43cm caught on the last day.
Sport
New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.
Division Four Cup Final
New Hedges Saundersfoot 7-1 St Ishmaels Reserves
The Division Four Cup Final between New Hedges Saundersfoot and St Ishmaels reserves took place at Monkton Swifts, witnessed by an eager crowd. The game, officiated by Sean O’Connor, with Gareth Elliot and Dean Driscoll as assistant referees, promised an intense battle for the coveted trophy.
From the onset, New Hedges Saundersfoot showcased their dominance. Owen, Miles, Davidson, and Marsh all getting on the score sheet leading to an impressive goal tally.
The Mice never gave up and battled well but they struggled to contain their opponent’s attacking quality. Thomas Williams managed the one and only goal for Tish.
The final score stood at an emphatic 7-1 in favor of New Hedges Saundersfoot, underlining their superiority throughout the match.
New Hedges Saundersfoot emerged as deserved victors, clinching the silverware and adding a significant achievement to their season. Their comprehensive victory in the cup final will undoubtedly be celebrated by players and fans alike. Despite falling short of promotion in their league campaign, this triumph will serve as a testament to their talent and resilience on the field.
In conclusion, the Division Four Cup Final witnessed a commendable display of skill and determination from both teams. Congratulations to New Hedges Saundersfoot for their outstanding performance and well-deserved victory in the final.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Sport
Promotion, relegation and everything in between.
As we come to the end of the 2023-2024 season it’s time to look at the winners and losers so to speak as most promotion and relegation battles are now all sewn up.
We begin at the very top where Goodwick United have blown away the first division to become deserved champions elect. At the opposite end of the table Fishguard Sports struggled all season and we comfortably relegated, going down with them are Neyland who’s relegation was confirmed a few weeks ago. Neither team were cut adrift and battled right until the end which is credit to both outfits, sometimes relegation can act as a spring broad and both clubs will be hoping this is the case.
Monkton Swifts reserves were the outstanding team in the second division and were a cut above the rest on their journey to becoming league champions on 56 points with an impressive plus 61 goal difference. As Monkton can’t be promoted due to their first team being in the first division it allowed both Herbrandston and St Ishmaels to be promoted. Herbrandston finished in third on 40 points, whilst the Mice just beat them to second place ending up on 42 points. Both clubs will now use the summer to prepare for the step up that awaits.
At the opposite end of the division, Cosheston never really got going and after their points deduction ended on a lowly 6 points which is never going to be enough to avoid relegation. The second relegation place was much closer with St Clears, Carew reserves and Broad Haven all being in a dog fight for the majority of the season. Broad Haven showed good fight and character which steered them clear of trouble while Carew found form at a key time, which means St Clears will play their football in the third division next season.
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