Sport
Mariners ease past Saints
MILFORD Haven moved to the top of League 3 West A on Friday night (Nov 17), as they thumped St Davids 77-5 to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
The game was played under the floodlights of Milford’s 4G pitch and a good crowd gathered to watch the game despite the cold conditions.
It didn’t take long for the Mariners to get into their stride as with just two minutes on the clock, David Round emerged from a scrum to touch the ball down. The conversion attempt from Dan McClelland came back off the post.
Moments later the home side had their second try as the ball was kicked forward and Lee Riley picked the ball up before offloading to Dai Sweeney who ran through for the try. The conversion was again missed.
Riley then broke through once more and stepped inside to beat the defenders to score under the posts leaving McClelland with an easy conversion.
Milford secured their bonus point try when Nathan Davies touched the ball down on his debut after a good line out win and driving maul. The conversion was wide.
The home side did not let up and Riley again caused problems for the Saints as he supplied the pass to Craig Thomas who went over for his first try of the night. The conversion was missed but the Mariners were sailing ahead with a 27-0 lead.
The Saints then had a bit of pressure of their own and it resulted in Milford’s Brandon Cooper being sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.
However, the Saints could not make their man advantage count and Milford scored again when McClelland took a quick tap penalty and passed to Matt Reynolds who ran over to score.
David Round then made a good run but he was held up and when the ball was recycled it eventually came to Jimmy Thomas who touched the ball down for the try.
Milford then stole the ball from a Saints lineout and the resulting play saw Chris Hall go over for their eighth try of the half and McClelland added the extra two points for a 44-0 lead at the break.
The Saints enjoyed a good spell of pressure at the start of the second half but they were unable to turn that pressure into points.
Milford then had a lineout in the Saints 22 but after being held up near the posts, the ball was sent back out to the right and Riley again made the try scoring pass for Thomas to touch down for his second of the night.
Thomas then secured his hat trick of tries as he went over once more.
The Saints, to their credit, never gave up and they were rewarded when Noel Lyons forced his way over the line. The conversion attempt was missed.
They battled well in a bid to add to their tally but it was the Mariners who pulled further away with more tries as Dan Jenkins raced over for a try before also adding the extras.
The Saints had a player yellow carded for a tackle in the air and the Mariners showed their class as Round went over for his second try which James Trueman converted.
Jenkins also claimed his second try in the closing stages and Trueman again added the extras to complete a comfortable night for the Mariners.
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.
-
News2 days ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News2 days ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News2 days ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime3 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
Business7 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business3 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News21 hours ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
News3 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson