CARMARTHEN Kings Basketball Club have capped a remarkable first league campaign by reaching the SWBA Division 3 Cup Final while remaining unbeaten in all domestic competitions this season.

The West Wales side booked their place in the final with a commanding 76-58 away win over Pontypridd Panthers, who are currently third in the East division.

That victory followed an earlier cup success against Caerphilly Cobras, another of the East division’s strongest sides, meaning the Kings have now beaten the top two challengers from the opposite side of the league on their way to the showpiece final.

The SWBA Division 3 Cup Final will be played at Cardiff University on Saturday, April 25, giving supporters from Carmarthenshire and across West Wales the chance to watch a local side compete for regional honours on a major stage.

The club’s run to the final has come alongside an outstanding league campaign. Carmarthen Kings remain unbeaten in SWBA Division 3 West, having recorded home and away wins over teams including Swansea Troopers, Llanelli Steelers and Amman Valley Wild Boars, as well as being awarded a recent victory over Port Talbot Spartans.

Head coach George Spencer said: “Everything seems to be falling into place for the end of the season. Over the last few games we’ve played some of the best basketball I’ve seen us play, ever.

“The boys have bought into what we’re trying to do, and we’re proud to be taking Carmarthen to a cup final in Cardiff.”

The club’s success on the court has been matched by progress off it, with growing home crowds, a developing junior section and increasing backing from local sponsors.

Kings say their appearance in the final is not only a reward for the players and coaching staff, but also a boost for basketball in West Wales and an inspiration for the next generation of players in Carmarthenshire.

Supporters are being encouraged to follow the club’s social media channels for confirmation of the tip-off time ahead of the final later this month, where Carmarthen Kings will hope to crown an unbeaten season with their first SWBA silverware.

Photo caption: Carmarthen Kings squad ahead of their run to the SWBA Division 3 Cup Final. Top row, left to right: Richard Rees, Jonty Toland, Giacomo Moretti, Zack Daniel, Junior Manhede. Bottom row, left to right: Andrei Remec, Tal Remec (captain), Mckenzie Callard, George Spencer (team coach).

THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have criticised comments by Reform UK figures suggesting coal mining could be revived in Wales, describing the idea as unrealistic and warning it could damage both the environment and future investment.

The row follows comments by Reform candidate Ben Hodge-McKenna, who said reopening coal extraction using newer and “safer” technology could help meet Wales’ future energy needs. Reform leader Nigel Farage has also previously faced criticism over remarks about sending young Welsh people back down the mines.

Responding to the comments, the Welsh Liberal Democrats said Wales should focus instead on developing newer industries, including floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, tidal energy and green manufacturing.

The party also linked the issue to Reform’s previous support for fracking, arguing that both positions point to what it sees as an over-reliance on older fossil fuel industries rather than long-term economic planning.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said: “Reform’s plan to reopen coal mines is pure fantasy politics. It won’t cut bills, it won’t deliver lasting jobs, and it won’t stand up to even the most basic economic scrutiny.

“The fact they also want to open Wales up to fracking tells you everything you need to know. Fracking would destroy our countryside, can cause earthquakes and risks contaminating local water supplies, yet Reform seems willing to ignore those dangers.

“This is a party doubling down on the failed energy policies of the past, with no serious plan for the future.

“Wales cannot build its future by trying to relive its past. Communities that once powered the industrial revolution deserve better than being sold false promises about industries in irreversible decline.

“Instead of chasing yesterday’s solutions, we should be investing in the industries of the future and giving Welsh workers the secure, well-paid jobs they deserve.”

The Welsh Lib Dems said former coalfield communities deserve serious economic plans for regeneration rather than what they described as headline-grabbing promises.

Reform has argued that Wales should be more willing to use domestic energy resources, including fossil fuels, as part of a wider push for energy security and lower costs.

I’d add a line at the end saying Reform was approached for comment, if you have asked them.

THE WELSH CONSERVATIVE team has officially launched its campaign for the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency, pledging to protect vital local health services including Withybush Hospital and Bronglais Hospital.

Leading the campaign are current Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, who were joined by members of the Welsh Conservative team and fellow Ceredigion Penfro candidates Claire George, Brian Murphy, Jill Evans and Claire Jones.

At the launch, held outside Withybush Hospital, the team set out its vision for improving healthcare provision across west Wales. The campaign will focus on protecting and strengthening services at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, both seen as essential lifelines for rural communities in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Paul Davies said: “Residents across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion deserve access to high-quality healthcare close to home. We have consistently stood up for Withybush Hospital and will always fight to defend it. Any attempt to downgrade services is simply unacceptable.”

Samuel Kurtz added: “Labour has overseen the downgrading of local health services, while Plaid has enabled it by propping up Labour budgets in the Senedd. Reform has been silent on cuts to Withybush and Bronglais hospitals. Only Paul, myself and the Welsh Conservatives are standing up for our local health services, from Withybush and Bronglais to GP and dental access.”

The Welsh Conservatives said their campaign would focus on protecting and improving services at both hospitals, cutting waiting times, improving access to GPs and dentists, securing fairer healthcare funding for rural areas, and ensuring local voices are heard in decisions about health provision.

They said rural healthcare needs tailored solutions and long-term investment, rather than further centralisation of services away from local communities.

Paul Davies added: “This campaign is rooted in the priorities of local people who have trusted us to deliver. We have a strong track record of action, and we will continue to stand up for our hospitals, support local businesses and farmers, and fight for a healthcare system that works for everyone, no matter where they live.

“This election is about making sure west Wales has a strong, experienced voice focused on what really matters – our NHS, our economy and our future.

“After more than two decades of Labour running Wales, too many public services are still falling short, especially in rural areas like ours.”

Mr Kurtz said: “Paul and I have experience, and we have put that experience into practice by working hard for our communities. That experience will matter in a larger Senedd. We are ready to hit the ground running and fight for west Wales, no matter who ends up running the Government.”

The campaign will now continue across the constituency, with candidates meeting residents and listening to their priorities.

Aled Thomas, Chair of the Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Conservative Federation, said: “With six Senedd Members representing the new constituency under the new voting system, every vote matters, and every vote for the Welsh Conservatives can help return Paul and Sam.

“Both Paul and Sam are well known locally, with years of experience standing up for west Wales. They understand the issues that matter, they are proud to serve, and they have consistently worked hard to get results.”

Photo caption: Welsh Conservative candidates Paul Davies, Samuel Kurtz, Claire George, Brian Murphy, Jill Evans and Claire Jones launched their Ceredigion Penfro Senedd campaign on Wednesday (Apr 2) with a pledge to protect local health services.