Sport
Swimmers take on open water
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY SWIMMING (PCS) took a dip into the open water on Saturday (Jul 1), when swimmers took part in the Welsh Open Water Championships at in Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar and much closer to home at the Parrog, Goodwick.
PCS has encouraged their swimmers to participate in open water events with many progressing into National events and those linked to Triathlon & Ironman, with former swimmers out in the sea for the Tenby Long Course event last weekend.
Sam Jones, Assistant Development coach to the Performance squad, said: “Open Water swimming now a very competitive environment and popular route for swimmers to develop their skills further.
“Craig [Nelson] and I actively encourage a number of our performance squad swimmers to participate in the Open Water cycle of competitive swimming as it often rejuvenates and refocuses the young swimmer in training as they have a new challenge to aim for.”
Jones was quick also to highlight that ‘in the events at Parc Bryn Bach and off the Parrog in Goodwick, all our swimmers who entered did so with optimism and a realistic chance to obtain a medal’.
Rhys Davies won the Men’s 1500m Open Water Sea Swim in Goodwick, completing the course in 20 minutes and 53 seconds, whilst in the Women’s Elite event, held at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar over 3000m, two sixteen year olds represented the County.
Lucy Harding and Louisa Twigg swam fantastic races in ideal conditions, which allowed Lucy to finish sixth [44:54] whilst Louisa Twigg finished in a time of 42:54 to take third place. In the Elite Women’s 1500m race, thirteen year old Megan Thomson finished in a time of 28:11, in fourth place and with it “a smile to great any summers day” said Jones.
Jones explained further on his return from the event that it was “an excellent weekend for all associated with Pembrokeshire County Swimming. Lousia Twigg not only finished with a medal but also qualified for British Open Water to be held at Rother Park near Sheffield on Monday (Jul 31), which is a fantastic result for Louisa and the whole team.”
With the increase in popularity in open water swimming, Pembrokeshire County Swimming is at the ‘cutting edge’ in offering local swimmers the best coaching and training for them to achieve their potential and compete at a British level.
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.
-
News1 day ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News1 day ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
Crime3 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News1 day ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Business6 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business2 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News10 hours ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
News2 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson