Sport

Bateman and Newman win Tennis titles

Published

7 years ago

July 28, 2017

Winner: Will Bateman hitting a forehand winner in the men’s final

ONCE again Haverfordwest played host to the historical Pembrokeshire County Tennis Championships. The tournament which also coincides with Wimbledon is steeped in over 80 years of history and this year’s event was as closely fought as ever.

As always the setting at The Parade, Haverfordwest creates an idyllic setting overlooking the town and the Cleddau river. The finals day presented some of the closest and longest matches in recent championship history as the sun shone and the weather was thankfully kinder than it had been at the start of tournament.

Following the official photocall, finals day began with the Men’s and Ladies singles final. Former Champion Will Bateman, who hadn’t picked up a racket competitively for 2 years prior to the start of the tournament, took on last year’s runner up and number one seed Dylan Preece.

From start to finish, this was a really entertaining match with titanic long rallies from the baseline interspersed with exciting attacking play in the forecourt with an array of volleys and drop shots around the net. Will took a tight first set 6-4, the second set was also a tight affair with Will claiming the title once again with a straight sets victory 6-4, 6-4.

The Ladies Final proved to be just as entertaining with lots of incredible rallies. This Year’s final was between last year runner up Sarah Newman and former champion Sharon Irish. Sarah coming through a hard fought first set 6-3. The second set was an even closer tussle with Sarah Newman leading 6-5 and one game away from the title that had evaded her the previous year. In what proved to be the final game of the match Sarah secured a 6-3, 7-5 victory to win her first Ladies singles title.

Next up were the Men’s and Ladies doubles finals and as always provided for some exciting tennis living up to the high standards of some of the finals of the past. In the Men’s final top seeds Dylan Preece and Marc Thompson took on third seeds Adam and Joe Colwill. Adam and Joe, aged sixteen and fifteen respectively battled hard with their more experienced opponents and at 6 all in first set looked to take advantage in the tie break. However, the top seeds held their nerve and took the first set on the tie break. The second set proved just as competitive with Adam and Joe putting behind them their first set disappointment to take the second set 6-4 and level the match at one set all. The deciding champions tie break to 10 points was even more exciting than the previous two sets. Despite the younger partnership leading in the deciding champions tie break Dylan and Marc eventually came through 10-8 to claim the Men’s Doubles title.

The Ladies Doubles final featured defending champions and top seeds Sandra Rowlands and Amy Walters against second seeds Sarah Keogh and Jane Allen. All four players are very familiar with each other’s games and this led to an intriguing battle in a very closely fought contest. The first set was on a knife edge from start to finish with the champions and top seeds coming through 7-5. The second set proved almost as tight as the first, with the second seeds using all their experience to try and force a third set but alas to no avail. The defending champions retained their title with a 7-5, 6-4 victory.

After a short break Dylan Preece and Sandra Rowlands were back on court pairing up for the Mixed Doubles final. Their opponents Sarah Newman and Gordon Hardy, champions from 2 years ago were sure to provide formidable opponents. The first set provided scintillating action for the many spectators with Sarah and Gordon taking a one set advantage 7-5. Dylan, despite playing his third final of the day was still in top form along with his partner Sandra as they levelled up the match with a 6-4 win in the second set. The champions tie break to ten points was won by Dylan and Sandra 10-3 as they claimed their first Mixed Doubles title.

The final match of the championships was the Men’s plate which was contested by two of the tournaments younger stars Andre Thompson and Lewis Phillips. Andre triumphing with a 6-0, 6-3 victory to claim the title for a second time.

After the completion of the matches spectators and competitors were treated to a delicious tea organised by the ladies of the Pembrokeshire County Tournament committee. As well as presentations to all the winners and runners up, as is tradition the Beryl Thomas- Cleaver Trophy for best junior performance during tournament was awarded to Adam Colwill who displayed some deft touches and incredible shots around the net.

Chairman Peter Lilley thanked the tournament sponsors Westhaven Construction and Roger Walker Tennis Holidays for their continued sponsorship of this prestigious event and the organising committee who as always work so hard to put on this great event. There was a presentation to Tournament Director Mrs Sue Jones and Peter thanked Sue for her fantastic organisation of the event without which the event would not be the success that it is.

Entries for next year’s event will be open in the Spring of 2018 and confirmed dates for the event will be released in the coming months. Details can be found on the Haverfordwest Tennis Club website at www.haverfordwesttennis.com

Sport

Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6

BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.

The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.

St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.

Team line-ups

Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.

St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.

Sport

Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 7-0 Carew

Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.

Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports

Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.

Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United

Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.

Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road

In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.

Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers

Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.

Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins

Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.

Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes

Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.

Analysis:

Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Sport

Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Broad Haven 4-4 Solva

In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.

Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports

Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.

Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II

Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.

Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II

The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.

Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth

Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.

Analysis:

The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.