Sport
Town see off Herbie in Harrison Allen
HAVERFORDWEST made it through to the semi-finals of the Harrison Allen Bowl on Wednesday night as they beat Herbrandston by six wickets.
The Division 3 side, aiming to cause an upset, were put into bat by their Division 1 opponents and they got off to a steady start.
Jonathan Bennett and Leigh Marchant shared 18 runs for the first wicket but it was Adam James who made the breakthrough for Town as he bowled Bennett.
James also bowled Ryan Davies before Marchant was bowled by Archie Thomas on a score of 17 that included four fours.
That left Herbie on 30-3 and with the very next ball it became 30-4 as Thomas bowled Dean John.
There was to be no hat trick but wickets continued to fall as Lee Walters and Jack Wilson were also bowled by James, both for ducks.
Aaron Bowles was then caught by Jack Scriven off the bowling of Thomas and Jay Power was stumped by Scriven off the bowling of Clive Tucker.
Town’s devastating spell of bowling saw Herbie reduced to 39-8 and looking at a quick finish to the game.
However, Robert Hood and Robert Kingdom offered some resistance, sharing 28 runs for the ninth wicket partnership.
Hood scored 11 but he was then bowled by Ashley James. Paul Nicholas was then stumped by Scriven to give Tucker his second wicket as Herbie were bowled out for 72.
It left Kingdom not out on 20 (three fours) but Town were confident they could knock off the runs needed.
Mike Jones and Ben Field made a good start for the visitors as they shared 36 runs for the first wicket.
Robert Hood then struck for Herbie as he bowled Jones and two overs later he trapped Lee Summons leg before.
Field hit three fours in his knock of 27 but he was then also trapped leg before by Hood.
Jack Wilson then bowled Danny Potter to leave Town on 63-4 as they did their best to try and halt Town’s chase.
Dai Davies finished not out on 19 with a four and a six as Town booked their place in the last four.
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.
-
News1 day ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News1 day ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
Crime2 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News1 day ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Business6 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business2 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News2 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
News5 hours ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor