Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

Harrison Allen semi finals confirmed

Published

on

All-rounder: Nathan Banner scored 40 and took two wickets for Neyland

THIS season’s Harrison Allen Bowl competition has reached the semi-final stage and the draw made on Monday (Jun 26) at Haverfordwest Cricket Club makes for two interesting encounters.

Whitland v Neyland at Carew on Tuesday, July 11 and Haverfordwest v Cresselly at Pembroke Dock on Thursday, July 13.

The first semi-final is a repeat of the classic 2015 final, which Neyland won off the last ball.

The second semi-final is a repeat of the 2014 and 2016 Final, when Haverfordwest were triumphant on both occasions. Last year’s final went down to the final over when the Town paceman Adam James bowled a classic death over to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for the Town, after Simon Holliday had scored a century in the 2nd Innings.

It was Holliday who was the star for Haverfordwest in their quarter final match up with Carew as he claimed two wickets and also scored a half century to help his side to an eighteen run victory over Carew last Thursday night (Jun 22).

Town batted first and made a good total of 163-6 from their 22 overs but Carew struggled early on in their reply.

They were reduced to 26-5 at one point but some late hitting from Brian Hall and Ceri Brace took the home side close to their target.

Adam James and Keiran O’Connor each took three wickets to bowl Carew out for 145 and send Town through to the Semi-finals.

On Tuesday, June 20 Cresselly cruised past second division strugglers Llanrhian at the picturesque Llandigigie Fawr ground by nine wickets, as Alex Bayley plundered an unbeaten 72. In contrast to their second round game where the Doves overcame Narberth by five runs in a tie which was in the balance throughout, the quarter final game was completed with no alarms.

The home side were restricted to 122-8 as the youthful seam attack of Sam Harts [3-30] and Tom Arthur [1-35] alongside veteran spinner Ryan Lewis [4-21] bowled well. Reliable Llanrhian batsmen Paul Lewis [60] and Ben Jones [19] were the only players to show any form before opening batsman Bailey came to the fore.

Bailey lost fellow opener Adam Chandler for 26 before County player Iwan Izzard ensured there were no concerns for Neilson Coles side as he finished on 13* and a semi-final spot secured on 124-1.

Neyland travelled to Oatfield Park on Monday (June 19) and overcame second division Burton by 47 runs with all-rounder Nathan Banner the star performer. He added 40 runs to the visitors scorecard after number three Nick Koomen had scored 63 runs, crashing two 6s and six 4s as the cornerstone of the ‘All Whites’ scorecard.

Banner’s innings, of two 6s and five 4s took Neyland from 108-4 after 16 overs after Koomen fell with the score on 132 and then veteran Andrew Miller contributed four singles to an eighth wicket parternship of 30 with Banner to their final total which ultimately proved too much for the Burton batsmen. Veteran seamer John Scale [2-23] and his nephew, spinner Morgan [2-30] bowled well before Banners onslaught caused skipper Richard Jones to try six bowlers to stem the tide.

Opening batsman Jonathan Venables scored 24 [3 fours] in adding 46 for the first wicket with compatriot Jack Davies [23; 1 six; 2 fours] as the home side made an early challenge for victory but this couldn’t be sustained as free scoring batsmen Jones [6] and Martin James[5] were dismissed with the score on 62.

Luke Hayman [10; 1 four] added 35 with Morgan Scale before Hayman was the third run out of the innings, with the score on 99. Scale hit two 6s and two 4s in his top score of 32 before being seventh out on 112. James Davies finished with two fours in an unbeaten 12 as the innings fell away on 128. Patrick Bellerby [1-26], and veteran spinner Andrew Miller [1-32] joined Banner [2-29] in bowling well for Neyland who progress to the semi-final stage for the first time since 2015.

Whitland skipper Iestyn Scourfield is leading his side with conviction this season as they beat St Ishamels on Wednesday (June 21) at Springfield by 32 runs. Scourfield chose to bat first and openers Dylan Balin and Geraint Jones added 43 runs in four overs before Jones [23; 1 six; 3 fours;] fell to the first ball of spinner Andrew Pawlett’s [1- 16] spell in the fifth over, caught by brother Jonathan.

Five runs later Blain departed for 25 [3 fours; 1 six] caught by Jay Power off the bowling of Andrew Palmer [2-42], which allowed Jonathan Thomas and Paul Davies to add 38 runs for the third wicket before Davies fell for 18[1 four] to Palmer via a catch to Daniel Flynn.

Scourfield was run out for 18 with the score on 131 before Matthew Davies, batting at number seven hit three 4s in scoring 22 as he became Brennan Devonald’s [2-29] second wicket with two balls of the innings remaining which closed on 153-7. Jonathan Thomas top scored with 31 as he hit three boundaries and a six before being bowled by Devonald with the score on 110.

Tish’s response was on the back foot after just three balls of the first over when Daniel Flynn was bowled by Thomas first ball, with the score on five.

Fellow opener, skipper Peter Bradshaw was joined by Jonathan Pawlett and added 62 runs before Pawlett departed for 44, having hit three 6s and three 4s, bowled by veteran Wayne Howells [2-31]. Bradshaw was dismissed with the score on 86 having hit three 4s, LBW to Scourfield, his first wicket in a 4-19 spell.

Scourfield was on a hat trick as Andrew Williams departed first ball via the safe hands of Howells, with only Devenold [14] and Andrew Pawlett [10*] then reaching double figures as he innings closed on 121ao in the 20th over with Scourfield bowling Power. Ben Harvey [1-3] had dismissed James Hall in his only over and Matthew Davies took 1-26 as the Whitland team supported the efforts of their Captain to take their place in the semi-final.

 

Sport

More than 160 runners take on inaugural Llys-y-Frân 10km

Published

on

MORE than 160 runners crossed the finish line at Llys-y-Frân Country Park on Sunday as the inaugural Llys-y-Frân 10km brought together competitors of all abilities for a day of trail running and community fundraising.

Organised in partnership with AspireX Events and Run the Trails, the race followed a scenic route through the park’s woodland, trails and reservoir-side landscape.

Supporters gathered along sections of the course to cheer on the runners, creating an encouraging atmosphere throughout the event.

The race was held in support of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, which works to protect the county’s landscape and help more people experience the outdoors.

Katie Macro, Charity Director at the Trust, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better first Llys-y-Frân 10km.

“Seeing more than 160 runners take part was incredible, and the atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic.

“Every runner, volunteer, supporter and sponsor played a part in making the event such a success, and we’re extremely grateful for the support we received.”

The Trust thanked AspireX Events and Run the Trails, particularly Jay Skipper and his team, for helping ensure the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

Sponsors Pure West Radio, Scott Williams Motorsports, Bridaltique and HealthAspire were also thanked for helping make the event possible.

Casey from All Things Fit led warm-up and cool-down sessions for participants, while visitors were able to browse coastal clothing from Sakura.

Podium winners also received goodie bags provided by Tamlyn from Hyla.

Photographers James from JWJT Media, Lilly-Louise Clynes and Dave Marriott captured images from throughout the day, documenting both the race and the community support surrounding it.

Katie added: “It has been wonderful to work alongside so many local businesses and individuals who gave their time, expertise and support.

“Partnerships like these create opportunities for people to get outdoors, experience Pembrokeshire’s incredible landscapes and bring our community together.

“We hope this is the first of many successful Llys-y-Frân 10km events.”

The Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust said it now hopes to build on the success of the inaugural race and continue working with AspireX Events and Run the Trails to encourage more people to explore Pembrokeshire through outdoor events.

Caption: Community spirit was on show at Llys-y-Frân Country Park as more than 160 runners took part in the inaugural Llys-y-Frân 10km in support of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

 

Continue Reading

Sport

Bluebirds continue pre-season preparations with victory over Caerau Ely

Published

on

Second-half goals from Lewis Rees and Will Hughes earned Haverfordwest County a 2-1 win at the Bridge Meadow

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY continued their preparations for the new JD Cymru Premier campaign with a 2-1 victory over Caerau Ely at the Bridge Meadow Stadium on Tuesday evening.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the Bluebirds took control of the contest with two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes.

Lewis Rees made the breakthrough in the 55th minute, putting the home side ahead following a closely contested first half.

Will Hughes then doubled Haverfordwest’s advantage in the 62nd minute, giving the Bluebirds what appeared to be a comfortable lead as the game entered its final half-hour.

Caerau Ely responded almost immediately, reducing the deficit just three minutes later to ensure Haverfordwest were made to work for the victory.

The Bluebirds successfully protected their narrow advantage during the closing stages to record a useful 2-1 win in their penultimate pre-season outing.

The fixture provided another opportunity for the Haverfordwest coaching staff to assess the squad, build match fitness and continue preparations ahead of the beginning of the competitive campaign.

Haverfordwest will now turn their attention to their final friendly of the summer when they welcome Llanelli Town to the Bridge Meadow Stadium on Saturday, July 25.

Kick-off is at 2:30pm, with the match representing the Bluebirds’ final opportunity to fine-tune their preparations before the 2026-27 JD Cymru Premier season gets under way.

Haverfordwest County 2-1 Caerau Ely

Scorers: Lewis Rees 55’, Will Hughes 62’; Caerau Ely 65’.

 

Continue Reading

Sport

Saka hat-trick fires England to bronze in ten-goal World Cup thriller

Published

on

Three Lions survive remarkable French fightback to claim third place with a 6-4 victory in Miami

ENGLAND ended their World Cup campaign with a bronze medal after defeating France 6-4 in an extraordinary third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday night.

Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick as Thomas Tuchel’s side raced into a stunning four-goal lead before surviving a fierce second-half comeback led by Kylian Mbappé.

Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham were also on target for England, who secured their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966 and claimed third place in the competition for the first time.

Any fears that the disappointment of Wednesday’s semi-final defeat by Argentina would produce a subdued performance disappeared within three minutes.

Rice, wearing the captain’s armband as one of seven changes to England’s starting line-up, intercepted a poor pass from Désiré Doué before driving an emphatic finish beyond France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Saka briefly thought he had doubled the advantage after being released by Morgan Rogers, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

England did not have to wait much longer.

Rice delivered a corner into the French penalty area in the 19th minute and Konsa climbed above Adrien Rabiot to power a header past Maignan.

France struggled to cope with England’s pace on the break, although Dean Henderson was called upon to deny Mbappé after the forward cut inside from the left.

That save helped launch the move which produced England’s third goal in the 37th minute. Marcus Rashford and Saka both had efforts blocked before the Arsenal winger eventually forced the ball home.

Saka struck again in first-half stoppage time, collecting a pass from Eberechi Eze and finishing clinically to send England into the break with a remarkable 4-0 lead.

France manager Didier Deschamps responded with four substitutions at half-time and the changes immediately transformed the contest.

Mbappé pulled one back in the 48th minute after Michael Olise’s pass opened the England defence, before substitute Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further six minutes later.

England, so composed during the opening period, suddenly looked vulnerable.

Mbappé exchanged passes with Olise before scoring his second in the 67th minute, making it 4-3 and leaving Tuchel’s side facing the possibility of surrendering a four-goal advantage.

France pressed for an equaliser, with Olise passing up a major opportunity as England desperately attempted to regain control.

The decisive moment arrived four minutes from time when England were awarded a penalty. Saka took responsibility and converted to complete his hat-trick, restoring a two-goal cushion.

Even then, the drama was not finished.

Ousmane Dembélé scored France’s fourth goal in the sixth minute of added time, but Bellingham responded almost immediately, surging through the French defence and finishing past Maignan to seal an unforgettable 6-4 victory.

The result brought an emotional conclusion to England’s campaign following their painful 2-1 semi-final defeat against Argentina.

Although the Three Lions again fell short of reaching a World Cup final, their bronze medal represents the country’s strongest showing in the competition for 60 years.

For Saka, who had remained on the bench throughout the semi-final, it was a particularly memorable response. His treble placed him alongside an elite group of England players to have scored a hat-trick at a World Cup.

France’s defeat marked the end of Deschamps’ 14-year reign as national team manager, while England will return home knowing that a chaotic and thrilling final performance at least provided a positive ending to their tournament.

France: Mbappé 48, 67; Barcola 54; Dembélé 90+6
England: Rice 3; Konsa 19; Saka 37, 45+1, 86 pen; Bellingham 90+8
Half-time: France 0-4 England
Venue: Miami Stadium
Attendance: To be confirmed

 

Continue Reading

News5 hours ago

Princess Royal celebrates Pembrokeshire craftsmanship at family-run weaving mill

A Pembrokeshire business that began after a mother grew tired of waiting three weeks for her children’s name tapes has...

Local Government5 hours ago

Burger King could be coming to Haverfordwest as plans submitted

Plans have been lodged for a Burger King outlet at the Morrisons petrol station on Bridge Meadow Lane BURGER KING...

Crime1 day ago

Murder investigation launched into death of Pembrokeshire man in 1991

A 67-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after new potential evidence emerged in connection with a death...

Community1 day ago

‘Paying £29 to reach a cashpoint is absurd’: Narberth’s urgent ATM appeal

Residents, businesses and visitors are being urged to provide evidence after two High Street cash machines were removed, leaving the...

Crime2 days ago

Haverfordwest man jailed for seven years for historic rape and sexual assault of girl

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been jailed for seven years after being convicted of raping and indecently assaulting a girl during...

News2 days ago

Burnham more willing to listen on Welsh devolution, says First Minister

Rhun ap Iorwerth says he will press the new Prime Minister for powers over policing, railways and Wales’ natural resources...

Crime2 days ago

Women jailed after man chased through Milford home and attacked with knives

Kelly Rees receives further 27-month sentence while already serving prison term for notorious taxi robbery TWO women have been jailed...

Crime2 days ago

Mother headbutted and clawed police officers after threatening social worker

Court shown body-worn footage of violent confrontation at Goodwick property A COURT has been shown police body-worn footage capturing the...

Crime3 days ago

Man, 37, found dead following major police response in Pembroke Dock

Death not being treated as suspicious as police make statutory referral to IOPC following active investigation A 37-YEAR-OLD man has...

Community3 days ago

Household Cavalry drum horse returns home to Pembrokeshire for final farewell

Dyfed Willa Rose, who became Major Juno and the first mare to serve as a Household Cavalry Drum Horse, was...

Popular in the last two days