Sport
Cresselly and Whitland impress as Division One season opens
THE 2025 Pembrokeshire Division One cricket season got underway on Sunday, with several teams making powerful early statements. Cresselly laid down a marker with an impressive win over a previously dominant Neyland side, while Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest also made emphatic starts.
Cresselly signalled their title ambitions with a 64-run victory over Neyland. Batting first, Cresselly posted 195 for 9 from their 45 overs, with useful contributions from Morgan Lewis (26), Charlie Arthur (20), and Simon Cole (20), before Dan James anchored the innings with a crucial unbeaten 74. Neyland, who have dominated much of the past decade but showed signs of decline last season, struggled in reply. Despite efforts from Andrew Miller (24) and Paul Murray (21), they were bowled out for 131. Tom Arthur (3 for 23) and Charlie Arthur (3 for 27) shared six wickets to seal a valuable opening win.
At Oatfield Park, Whitland made a commanding start with a 128-run victory over newly promoted Burton. Geraint Jones (79), Gopal Ramasamy (63), and Jonathan Thomas (61) guided Whitland to 240 all out. Burton’s reply faltered early, and despite some resistance from Joe Kiff (30) and Luke Hayman (20), they were dismissed for 112. Wayne Howells was outstanding with the ball, taking a remarkable 5 for 10.
Carew also opened their campaign strongly, defeating Lawrenny by 57 runs. Brian Hall (56) and Rhys Davies (40) helped Carew to 169 all out. Lawrenny’s innings never gathered momentum, and despite a fighting 25 from Oscar Lewis, they were bowled out for 112. Rob Williams starred with 4 for 12, supported by Ryan Morton (2 for 25) and Harry Thomas (3 for 35).
At The Racecourse, Haverfordwest were ruthless as they hammered Llangwm by 142 runs. Mikey Jones (86), Ben Field (47) and Jake Merry (31) powered Town to 240 for 8. Llangwm collapsed to 98 all out, with Steve Mills (31) and David Lewis (31) offering brief resistance. Rhys Sewell tore through the lower order with figures of 5 for 23.
Meanwhile at Herbrandston, newly promoted Herbie were given a tough introduction to Division One by Saundersfoot, falling to a 108-run defeat. John Mansbridge starred for Saundersfoot with a superb 77, backed by Simon Stanford (47), as the visitors reached 207 for 8. In reply, Herbrandston could only muster 99 all out, with Nathan Banner (14) and Robbie Hood (19) top-scoring. John Mansbridge capped a fine all-round performance by taking 5 for 32, while Tom Mansbridge added 4 for 27.
With Burton and Herbrandston both stepping up this season, the opening weekend underlined the gulf in quality, as established sides like Cresselly, Whitland, Carew and Haverfordwest asserted early authority.
Sport
Pembrokeshire cricket results and tables – Week 5
Week 5 of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League delivered some emphatic wins, standout individual performances and movement at the top of several divisions as clubs battled for early-season momentum.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Neyland v Burton | Neyland (152-7) beat Burton (151 all out) by 3 wickets |
| Narberth v Carew | Carew (163 all out) beat Narberth (119 all out) by 44 runs |
| Herbrandston v Cresselly | Cresselly (205 all out) beat Herbrandston (60 all out) by 145 runs |
| Whitland v Saundersfoot | Saundersfoot (265-8) beat Whitland (179 all out) by 86 runs |
| Lawrenny v St Ishmaels | St Ishmaels (148-9) beat Lawrenny (144 all out) by 1 wicket |
Top performers:
- Jon Mansbridge (Saundersfoot) – 120
- Ethan Hall (Carew) – 60
- Charlie Arthur (Cresselly) – 6-19
- Alan Webster (Neyland) – 30 & 4-20
Division 1 table
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carew | 5 | 79 |
| 2 | Saundersfoot | 5 | 70 |
| 3 | Neyland | 5 | 65 |
| 4 | Cresselly | 5 | 51 |
| 5 | St Ishmaels | 5 | 40 |
| 6 | Herbrandston | 5 | 39 |
| 7 | Burton | 5 | 39 |
| 8 | Narberth | 5 | 34 |
| 9 | Whitland | 5 | 32 |
| 10 | Lawrenny | 5 | 23 |
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Llechryd v Hook | Hook (140-9) beat Llechryd (136-7) by 1 wicket |
| Haverfordwest v Johnston | Johnston (114-6) beat Haverfordwest (113-8) by 4 wickets |
| Fishguard v Llangwm | Fishguard (158-8) beat Llangwm (157-8) by 2 wickets |
| Cresselly II v Pembroke | Pembroke (235-7) beat Cresselly II (130 all out) by 105 runs |
| Llanrhian v Pembroke Dock | Pembroke Dock (104 all out) beat Llanrhian (92 all out) by 12 runs |
Top performers:
- Jack Harries (Pembroke) – 102
- Steve Mills (Johnston) – 59* & 4-8
- Jack Jones (Llanrhian) – 66*
Division 2 table
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnston | 5 | 78 |
| 2 | Pembroke | 5 | 71 |
| 3 | Haverfordwest | 5 | 67 |
| 4 | Cresselly II | 5 | 64 |
| 5 | Hook | 5 | 62 |
| 6 | Pembroke Dock | 5 | 52 |
| 7 | Fishguard | 5 | 42 |
| 8 | Llanrhian | 5 | 37 |
| 9 | Llangwm | 5 | 30 |
| 10 | Llechryd | 5 | 30 |
</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 3 results</strong></summary>
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Pembroke II v Haverfordwest II | Pembroke II (179-4) beat Haverfordwest II (178-5) by 6 wickets |
| Burton II v Hundleton | Burton II (121 all out) beat Hundleton (113 all out) by 8 runs |
| Carew II v Kilgetty | Kilgetty (178-2) beat Carew II (174-5) by 8 wickets |
| Lamphey v Laugharne | Laugharne (259-5) beat Lamphey (190 all out) by 69 runs |
| Saundersfoot II v Stackpole | Saundersfoot II (143-4) beat Stackpole (142-6) by 6 wickets |
Division 3 table
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kilgetty | 5 | 78 |
| 2 | Laugharne | 5 | 66 |
| 3 | Carew II | 5 | 62 |
| 4 | Lamphey | 5 | 54 |
| 5 | Saundersfoot II | 5 | 53 |
| 6 | Hundleton | 5 | 52 |
| 7 | Burton II | 4 | 52 |
| 8 | Pembroke II | 5 | 37 |
| 9 | Haverfordwest II | 5 | 30 |
| 10 | Stackpole | 4 | 20 |
</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 4 results</strong></summary>
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Haverfordwest III v Herbrandston II | Herbrandston II (99 all out) beat Haverfordwest III (65 all out) by 34 runs |
| Hook II v Lawrenny II | Lawrenny II (148-7) beat Hook II (136-7) by 12 runs |
| Crymych v Llechryd II | Crymych (253-5) beat Llechryd II (131-7) by 122 runs |
| Carew III v Narberth II | Narberth II (77-1) beat Carew III (76 all out) by 9 wickets |
| St Ishmaels II v Neyland II | St Ishmaels II (166-8) beat Neyland II (139 all out) by 27 runs |
Division 4 table
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Narberth II | 5 | 87 |
| 2 | Lawrenny II | 5 | 74 |
| 3 | Hook II | 5 | 65 |
| 4 | Crymych | 5 | 60 |
| 5 | St Ishmaels II | 5 | 55 |
</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 5 & 6 results</strong></summary>
Division 5
- Cresselly III beat Hundleton II by 81 runs
- Llangwm II beat Llanrhian II by 9 wickets
- Whitland II beat Pembroke Dock II by 85 runs
Division 5 leaders:
- Cresselly III – 86 pts
- Whitland II – 72 pts
- Llanrhian II – 67 pts
Division 6
- Neyland III beat H’West/Cresselly by 9 wickets
- Haverfordwest IV beat Kilgetty II by 8 wickets
- Laugharne II beat Whitland III by 143 runs
Division 6 leaders:
- Whitland III – 71 pts
- Lamphey II – 56 pts
- Neyland III – 55 pts
Sport
Three days of world-class motorsport set to return to Mid Wales this September
Expanded Rali Ceredigion event to bring elite rally drivers, historic cars and millions for the local economy
THE ROAR of rally engines will return to Mid Wales this autumn as the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion makes its much-anticipated comeback from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6.
Now firmly established as one of the biggest events on the UK motorsport calendar, the rally will once again bring world-class competition to the roads of Ceredigion and Powys, with drivers competing across three major championships.
The event will host rounds of the FIA European Rally Championship, the British Rally Championship and the European Historic Rally Championship, the latter making its first appearance at the Welsh event.
Organisers say the addition of historic rally cars will add a new attraction for spectators, with iconic vehicles from previous generations expected to take part alongside today’s top competitors.
Expanded programme planned
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 event will begin with a ceremonial start and rally showcase on Aberystwyth promenade on Thursday evening (Sept 3), before competitive stages get underway across Mid Wales throughout the weekend.
The rally has grown into a major tourism and economic boost for the region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and putting local communities, businesses and landscapes in front of an international audience.
Figures from last year’s event showed a total economic impact of £11.6 million, including an estimated £5.59 million in direct spending, with businesses across the region reporting increased visitor numbers, overnight stays and higher spending.
Council backs return of event
The Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Cllr Bryan Davies said: “We’re proud to welcome Rali Ceredigion back to the county for 2026. The event continues to grow year on year, bringing significant benefits to our communities, local businesses and the wider economy.
“With an expanded programme and the addition of the European Historic Rally Championship, this year’s event promises to attract even more visitors to the region.
“As a council, our focus is on working closely with organisers and partners to ensure residents are well informed and that the event is delivered safely and successfully for everyone.”
Organisers are working alongside Ceredigion County Council, Powys County Council and emergency services to ensure the event is delivered safely, with details of road closures, timings and routes expected to be released in the coming months.
Historic rally cars to join line-up
Rali Ceredigion Director Charlie Jukes said organisers were excited to expand the event once again.
He said: “The addition of the European Historic Rally Championship is a fantastic development, adding even more variety and appeal for fans, with a wider range of iconic rally cars expected to take part.
“Rali Ceredigion continues to grow in scale and reputation and we’re proud to work alongside local authorities, partners and communities to deliver an event that showcases the very best of the region and generates a significant positive impact.”
Residents and businesses are being encouraged to plan ahead, with community engagement activity expected to begin before the summer.
Photo caption:
Rally return: Last year’s JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion attracted thousands of spectators and delivered a major boost to the local economy (Pic: Supplied).
Sport
Vikings make history with cup final win
HAKIN UNITED have made Pembrokeshire football history after retaining the West Wales Intermediate Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Penlan at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Ashley Bevan’s first-half goal proved decisive on Thursday evening as Scott Davies’ side became the first Pembrokeshire team to win the competition in back-to-back seasons.
It was another memorable night for the Vikings, who have now reached three finals in four years and added the cup to their league success to complete an outstanding double.
Penlan began strongly, with Kyle Hughes seeing a deflected effort drift narrowly wide before Kieran Jenkins curled a shot into the arms of Hakin goalkeeper Rory Williams.
Williams was called into action again after a defensive mistake allowed Jenkins a sight of goal, while at the other end Jack Britton was unable to generate enough power on a header inside the area.
Hakin grew into the contest, with Camron Thomas and Bevan both seeing efforts blocked following a half-cleared corner.
Williams then produced one of the key moments of the match, racing from his area to make a perfectly-timed sliding challenge as Penlan threatened to break through.
Ben Aldred went close with a rising 25-yard strike which flew over the bar, before the game became increasingly scrappy, with Britton and Jordan Kilby both booked for late challenges.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute. Shane Walsh made ground down the left and squared the ball across the area for Bevan, who slid in to finish and give Hakin a 1-0 half-time lead.
There was a brief delay after the interval while the stadium lights were switched on, before Penlan pushed for an equaliser.
Dylyn Perkins had a shot blocked by Britton, while Bevan remained a constant threat for Hakin and later fired over after Kieran King’s cross was only partly cleared.
Hakin suffered a blow when Aldred landed awkwardly after clearing a dangerous Perkins free-kick and was forced off. Craig Nicholson came on and slotted into a solid defensive line alongside Jay Power, King and the impressive Camron Thomas.
Penlan defender Jack Jenkins was booked for bringing down Bevan from behind, while Hakin substitute Liam Parks almost added a second when he latched onto a through ball over goalkeeper Luke Davies, only to lose his footing at the vital moment.
Parks later cut the ball back for Mason Dolling, whose low effort flashed just wide.
Penlan’s hopes suffered a late setback when substitute Anthony Finselbach was shown a straight red card by referee Ben Williams for a challenge on Matthew Broome.
At the final whistle, Hakin’s players and supporters celebrated a famous victory.
The Vikings have now won the West Wales Intermediate Cup five times and sit third on the all-time winners’ list, behind West End and Ragged School, who have lifted the trophy seven times each.
Penlan: Luke Davies, Jenson Lorey, Corey Young (Jaye Tebay 89), Liam Logan (captain), Jack Jenkins, Jamie James, Kyle Hughes, Navan Green (Anthony Finselbach 76), Thomas Davies, Kieran Jenkins, Dylan Perkins (Jayden Blackmore 76).
Substitutes not used: Robert Shannon, Kian Finselbach.
Hakin United: Rory Williams, Kieran King, Camron Thomas, Ben Aldred (Craig Nicholson 70), Jay Power, Jack Britton, Cameron Brunton (Mason Dolling 59), Jordan Kilby (Mark Jones 90), Ashley Bevan (Liam Parks 74), Ryan Wilson (captain), Shane Walsh (Matthew Broome 83).
Referee: Ben Williams.
Assistants: Cilan Thomas and Nick Pryor.
Fourth official: Kevin Price.
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