Sport
Llechryd bowler selected for Aussie tour
LLECHRYD left arm opening bowler Peter Betterley, one of Pembrokeshire’s most senior players, has been selected by the England & Wales Cricket board to tour Australia during the winter.
He will be part of a 17 player touring party that will play a Test match series over five games down under at some of the World’s most prestigious Test grounds, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane.
As part of the over 70’s side, captained by Martin Pearse [Norfolk] Peter will become the third Welshman after Ron Waldon [Merthyr Tydffil] and former Glamorgan wicketkeeper Mark Wallace’s father Ryland [Abergavenny] to be chosen to represent the England & Wales Cricket Board on an overseas tour.
A left arm opening bowler Peter has plied his trade previously with Cardigan and Bronwydd, in the South Wales League coming to play at the RDM Oval in 2011 and his selection has naturally made the club very proud. Club spokesman Scott Thomas highlighted ‘how well Peter had bowled this season for the Club’s first eleven in the second division of the Pembrokeshire League, where he has taken 33 wickets at an average of 11.33 from the 175 overs he bowled [66 maidens].’.
Peter’s season best bowling figures of 4-18 was achieved during the second round of fixtures last season on Sunday (April 23) when his side beat Carew 2nds by 93 runs and it is performances like this which have caught the selectors eye, coupled with playing for Wales in the ECB Senior Championship games.
Not renowned for his batting prowess, he admits he has no ambition to bat higher than number 11 and last season he strode to the crease on six occasions, to be dismissed only twice, albeit accumulating 3 runs all season!
Hailing from South Nottingham, he played his early cricket in the East Midlands before migrating to Wales in 1980, where he had established a fleet of factories.
Firmly ensconced in the Ceredigion landscape with his wife Sue, they have two children living locally, Lara and James with the bonus of also enjoying the company of their four grandchildren.
Currently a member of the Pembrokeshire County Cricket Club Executive, Peter has been a long standing administrator for Cricket Wales, primarily supporting the use of the ECB ‘Play Cricket’ technology but can often be found alongside ‘comrade in arms’ Wil Newell tending to the ground at the RDM Oval, Castell Malgwyn.
Beyond the five test ‘Ashes’ series down under, where the opponents wear the traditional baggy green and blazer with equal pride as current Cricket Australia skipper Steve Smith’s side, the touring party will also play five ‘state’ games and numerous friendlies.
Dewi Davies, another stalwart of the Llechryd Club who also plays alongside Peter for the XL Wales side said he was ‘delighted’ on his selection as it puts the name of Llechryd on the international stage.
He added: “The Aussies don’t know what they are letting themselves in for as he is a composite ‘cricket anorak’ but this Ashes tour is just as much a reward for his wife Sue as it is for Peter,” he finished saying with a chuckle.
The best wishes of all associated with cricket in Pembrokeshire goes with Peter on his Aussie adventure.
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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