Sport
Can Youth football follow cricket’s innovation?
ON JUNE 23, the Ormond Youth cup tie featured four teams in the game at the Recreation Ground in Carew.
The Pembrokeshire County Cricket Club have allowed teams to combine in order for young players to compete in the main youth competition in the County, which started in 1961, when Mr & Mrs George Ormond of Carew Mill presented a cup to stimulate interest in youth cricket. and was won in the first year by Neyland, who defeated Pembroke.
Carew and Saundersfoot combined to form a team and they then hosted a combined team from Cresselly and Lawrenny, as the format of the competition is the entrants are divided into twoequal groups, where the winners and runners up progress to a semi final stage.
Group 1
Carew/Saundersfoot
Cresselly/Lawrenny
Stackpole/Pembroke Dock
Neyland/Herbrandston
Narberth
Group 2
Crymych
Haverfordwest
Hook/Llangwm
Kilgetty
Whitland
This means 15 Clubs have allowed their youth players to compete in the competition
In football, the equivalent competition in Pembrokeshire, is the Wiltshire Cup, which was first played back in the 1946/7 season when Neyland United beat Pembroke Boro.
However, the last time the cup was played for was the 2003/4 season, when Milford United beat Tenby.
With the Pembrokeshire League AGM to be held on Thursday July 6th, a question of how do you reinvigorate youh football in Pembrokeshire should be asked. Youth players at the top of their game can progress to play academy football for Haverfordwest County and possibly play in the Welsh Premier Development (U23) League and in previous years there have been a Welsh U19 League (McWhirter) competition.
There is currently a West Wales Youth League, which has 25 member teams. The only Pembrokeshire side in the League at present are Tenby.
With a tradition steeped in history, the Pembrokeshire League has a prestigious youth cup which hasn’t been competed for in fourteen seasons, despite their best efforts.
Is it time for them to consider an innovative change in the way the competition is organised and entries encouraged from combined teams?
This may prove a stumbling block within the hierarchy of football in Wales, through the West Wales area and full Football Association of Wales Councils, but where there is a will there could be a way. If the Pembrokeshire clubs don’t ask the question of their appointed League Officers then nothing will change and another generation of youth footballers in Pembrokeshire will miss playing in the Wiltshire Cup Final.
What are your thoughts? Contact the Herald with your views either via the Herald Sports Facebook Page or by writing to the Herald Group.
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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