Sport
Burton survive as Kilgetty beaten
BURTON guaranteed their place in Division 1 for the 2019 Season as their win over St Ishmaels, coupled with Kilgetty’s defeat against Whitland, saw them jump out of the bottom two.
Kilgetty had a seventeen-point advantage over second from Burton going into the final games and a positive result would have seen them stay up.
Burton knew all they could do was try and win their game and hope that Whitland did them a favour.
Tish won the toss and elected to bat but it was Burton who made the early breakthrough as Harry Nicholas was caught by James Davies off the bowling of John Scale on a score of 11. Scale then had Daniel Howells caught by Morgan Scale for a duck as Tish were reduced to 27-2.
Peter Bradshaw and Phil Cockburn then shared an excellent stand worth 73 runs as they put the pressure on the Burton bowlers.
Burton could have picked up another two wickets had it not been for a dropped catch and a missed run out and Tish looked to make them pay for those misses.
Bradshaw made 45 with five boundaries but he was then well caught by Toby Hayman off the bowling Jack Davies.
Cockburn then shared another 32 runs with Andrew Palmer before he was caught by Jonathan Venables off the bowling of Morgan Scale on a score of 44 which included four boundaries and one maximum.
Jack Nicholas did not last long at the crease as he was caught by Jack Davies off the bowling of Morgan Scale for a duck.
Daniel Richards made 14 but he was then caught by Hayman off the bowling of Scale.
Andrew Palmer batted well and his score of 51 from 53 balls (six fours, one six) took Tish to their total of 181-6.
Kilgetty got off to a good start in their game after losing the toss and being invited to bat first.
Openers Kurtis Marsh and Ross Hardy put on an opening partnership of 53 before Hardy was dismissed for 16 (2 fours and a 6). Marsh continued and hit 10 fours in his 58.
There followed a partnership of 46 between Kyle Marsh (32) and Dafydd Bevan (16) and further contributions from Toby Poole (17), Jack Parkinson (12) and Ian Poole (10 not out) as the overs ran out with the score on 181 for 9. Star bowlers for Whitland were spinner Jack Bowen (3 for 23), Mathew Davies (3 for 36), skipper iestyn Scourfield (2 for 32) and Nathan Evans (1 for 34).
Burton lost opener Richard Jones early in their reply as he was caught by Daniel Richards off the bowling of Brennan Devonald.
Luke Hayman scored 13 for Burton but he was then caught by Jack Nicholas off the bowling of Andrew Palmer.
Robert Neil also scored 12 for the home side before being caught by Harry Nicholas off the bowling of Andrew Pawlett.
Morgan Scale added just 11 before Pawlett picked up his second wicket as Scale was caught by Peter Bradshaw.
That left Burton on 84-4 but opener Toby Hayman and Jonathan Venables shared 74 runs for the fifth wicket to take Burton to within touching distance of victory.
Hayman eventually fell for a score of 90, unlucky to miss out on a century, as he was stumped by Jack Nicholas off the bowling of Andrew Palmer. His knock included 12 fours and one six.
James Davies was run out late on by Lenny Rees but Venables was the hero as he finished not out on 45 to guide his side to victory, and, more importantly, to safety.
After tea, the Whitland batsmen set about their chase. Steffan James was involved in two good partnerships – one of 54 with Gethin Scourfield (30) and one of 42 with Nathan Evans (25).
James was eventually out for 41 (5 fours), but then Mathew Davies showed his all-round ability as he took the initiative with a crucial innings of 59 with 5 fours and a six.
He was helped by Geraint Phillips (11) as the total was reached with two overs to spare. Top bowlers for Kilgetty were Christian Phillips (3 for 34), Jack Parkinson (3 for 34) and Kurtis Marsh (1 for 48).
The result left Whitland celebrating one of their best ever seasons with a fourth place finish, while Kilgetty have to contemplate life in Division 2 next season.
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.
Sport
Fox’s Fantastic Clarby shock the county to win Senior Cup
Strong favourites Goodwick United were expected by many to be lifting the senior cup again come Saturday afternoon. However Clarbeston Road had other ideas, we warned they were a dangerous opponent with pressure off, this proved to be the case.
A healthy crowd at the Bridge Meadow were treated to an excellent final, often cagey perhaps boring affairs this final was far from boring. It took just seven minutes for the deadlock to be broken when Clarby captain Rheinallt George put the underdogs ahead. However just before the twenty minute mark his opposite number in Scott Delaney squared things up with a trademark header.
Goodwick then took the lead when another set piece caused problems for Clarby who failed to deal with a free kick before Rhys Dalling latched onto the loose ball to volley his team into the lead. However the lead was short lived as the impressive Jake Booth found the net at the second time of asking to make it all square at the break.
Halfway through the second half another set piece led to the equaliser when Matthew Davies headed home a Laurie Haworth corner. Goodwick manager O’Sullivan rung the changes in search of a way to find an equaliser. Newly introduced striker Nathan Greene was fouled in the box and Rhys Jones had the chance to level the cup final, however Rhys Mansell had other ideas and he saved the penalty. The save gave his team a huge boast and belief that this could be their day, and indeed it was.
Most of the season we have hyped up the quality and character of this Clarby team and praised Matthew Fox and his players. Fox has done a excellent job and this is just rewards, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Clarby began this cup run by beating Hakin who have dominated this cup for so many years. An excellent achievement for all involved and an interesting plot going into next season, will Clarby be able to challange Goodwick in the league also.
For Goodwick it’ll be a bitterly disappointing defeat in a season of such dominance just the one trophy will be the least most expected from this quality side. Many thought Goodwick would win the treble and they were certainly capable, which will be the frustrating factor for the Goodwick management.
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