Sport
Harrison Allen Bowl Final preview: Lawrenny v Haverfordwest
THE curtain will come down on the Pembrokeshire Cricket season this weekend as Haverfordwest take on Lawrenny in the final of the Harrison Allen Bowl.
For Lawrenny it will be another chance to get their hands on the prestigious trophy after they were beaten by Cresselly in last year’s final.
Haverfordwest will be looking to regain the trophy they last won in 2016.
The game will take place in Cresselly on Saturday, August 31, and starts at 12pm.
ROUTE TO THE FINAL
Haverfordwest began their route to the final in May when they took on Hundleton in the first round.
Hundleton reached a score of 63-6 in their innings before Town passed that for the loss of only one wicket.
In the second round, Town saw off 2017 winners Neyland as they beat them by 18 runs.
They scored 161-4 in their innings as Adam James scored 38 while Simon Holliday finished unbeaten on 83.
Some excellent bowling then saw them restrict Neyland to 143-7 in their reply to seal their passage to the quarter finals.
In the last eight, Haverfordwest beat Herbrandston by six wickets.
Four wickets from Adam James, three from Archie Thomas and two from Clive Tucker saw them bowl Herbie out for 72.
Ben Field then scored 27 in reply and Dai Davies finished unbeaten on 24 to see their side into the semis.
Haverfordwest proved too strong for opponents Whitland as they secured a 105-run victory.
Simon Holliday scored an excellent century as Town posted 210-5 from their 22 overs. They then restricted Whitland to 105-9 to book their place in Saturday’s final.
Lawrenny had a bye in the first round and did not have a game in the second round as opponents Johnston could not field a side.
That saw them to the last eight without having played a game and they were pitted against rivals Carew.
Lawrenny scored 141-9 in their innings with Brad McDermott-Jenkins scoring 32, Ryan Morton scoring 27 and Joe Kidney scoring 26.
McDermott-Jenkins and Rob Williams then each took four wickets as they restricted Carew to only 94-9 in reply.
Lawrenny played Saundersfoot in the semi final who had knocked out holders Cresselly in the quarters.
Saundersfoot batted well for their score of 154-7 but Lawrenny went through as Joe Kidney hit a six off the final ball in a thrilling conclusion.
LEAGUE FORM
Lawrenny have had an excellent season, finishing in second place with thirteen wins to their name from 18 games.

Photo from the game between Lawrenny and Haverfordwest in June
They finished well clear of neighbours Cresselly and Carew and only suffered three defeats.
Haverfordwest finished the league campaign in fifth place with six wins and three draws to their name.
The two league games between the finalists went the way of Lawrenny as they bowled Town out for scores of 81 and 101.
Lawrenny finished the season with a good win over Cresselly while Haverfordwest’s last game with Carew ended in a draw.
WHAT THE CAPTAINS SAY
Haverfordwest captain Danny Potter said: “We are feeling good going into the final. We played well last weekend so hoping to bring that form into this week
“Lawrenny have become a very good side. They have boys who have played really well this year so we have to be at our best.”
Lawrenny captain Joe Kidney said: “The boys cannot wait to get going. It’s a special day and this time, I sense we’re not letting the occasion get the better of us.
“Haverfordwest are a fantastic team and they have a lot of big players.
“However, I am only focussed on our performance and if we put the same effort that we have done all season we will have something to show for it.
“I hope everyone gets to watch a great final that will live long in the memory.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
Saturday’s final promises to be an excellent game and perhaps more even than their league games would suggest.
Both sides have players who can hurt the opposition and have players who have experience of playing in a Harrison Allen Final.
Simon Holliday’s century in the semi-final showed what he is capable of while Danny Potter also scored a century in Town’s last game of the season.
Lee Summons and Clive Tucker both claimed wickets on Saturday and they will again be a threat for the Town.
Brad McDermott-Jenkins has also shown his worth for Lawrenny with vital runs and wickets in the competition and in their final game of the season he scored 79 and also took six wickets.
Steve Lewis also scored a half century while captain Joe Kidney has also shown he can hold his nerve hitting that six off the final ball to send his side into the final.
Lawrenny will be keen to make up for last year’s defeat while Town will be aiming to reclaim the trophy.
This final is one you wont want to miss, make sure you get down to Cresselly to support your team.
News
Awards celebrate all that is good about Pembrokeshire sport
PEMBROKESHIRE’S sporting community came together on Friday evening as Folly Farm hosted the annual Sport Pembrokeshire Awards – a night dedicated to honouring achievements across every level, age group and discipline.
The awards recognise exceptional performances, inspiring journeys and the volunteers who keep local sport thriving behind the scenes. The ceremony was once again presented by Ceri Coleman-Phillips of BBC Wales Sport, supported by Cris Tomos.

Lifetime honour for Premier League star
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Pembrokeshire’s own Simon Davies.
The former Wales winger enjoyed a distinguished Premier League career with Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.
Davies scored in the 2010 Europa League final for Fulham, won fifty-eight caps for Wales – scoring six – and captained his country during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. He was named Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2002 and Fulham’s player of the season in 2007–08. After leaving the club in 2013, he returned to his boyhood side Solva AFC, famously paying £3 subs to play against St Ishmaels.
Special recognition for Wales Women’s Street Football Team
Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas introduced the evening’s Special Award, honouring the players of the Wales Women’s Street Football Team for their remarkable run to the quarter-finals of the Homeless World Cup in Oslo.
The squad trains in Haverfordwest and included five outstanding Pembrokeshire players – co-captains Tor Planner and Marie Tilley, alongside Claire Mantripp, Sam Lewtas and Bryony Davies. All have overcome personal challenges, including homelessness, mental health difficulties and social exclusion, yet wore the Welsh jersey with pride on the world stage.
The team was led by manager Jo Price, former Wales and Arsenal goalkeeper.
Support staff included Anji Tinley, Manager of the Garth Youth & Community Project and a Pembrokeshire County Councillor.

Cruising Free honoured after rowing the Atlantic
The Chairman’s Award for 2025 was presented by Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen to ‘Cruising Free’ of Neyland Rowing Club, who achieved one of the world’s toughest endurance feats – rowing 3,200 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.
Sophie Pierce, Janine Williams, Miyah Periam and Polly Zipperlan completed the gruelling crossing from Lanzarote to Antigua, raising money for cystic fibrosis and the Paul Sartori Foundation.
At 32, Sophie became the first person with cystic fibrosis to row an ocean, while 70-year-old Janine became the oldest woman ever to complete the challenge. The team’s achievement was hailed as a powerful example of determination, unity and courage.

Parkrun pioneers win School Award
The School Award went to the Federation of Tavernspite and Templeton Schools – the first Parkrun School in the UK.
The federation has built a Parkrun curriculum with Parkrun UK, using the weekly event to boost physical activity, support wellbeing, and develop leadership through the Parkrun Ambassador scheme. The schools were praised for exceptional inclusion, providing adapted PE equipment, wheelchair races and strong support for disadvantaged pupils. Estyn has highlighted their work as best practice.

A strong year for Pembrokeshire sport
Summing up the event, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said:
“My congratulations go to everyone who won awards and all those nominated. We are so lucky to have such a strong sporting scene here in Pembrokeshire, and my thanks go to all those who work so hard to ensure people of all ages and abilities can take part in the sports they love. Thanks also to our sponsors Valero, Folly Farm and Pure West Radio for supporting this celebration each year.”
Full list of winners
Girls U16: Ava Tyrie (Brazilian Ju Jitsu – Pembroke MMA)
Boys U16: Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)
Club of the Year: Milford Haven Hockey Club (MAIN PHOTO)
Junior Disability: Jake Evans (Llangwm RFC)
Young Volunteer: Alannah Heasman (Haverfordwest High School)
Junior Team: Merlin’s Bridge FC Under-14s 2024/25
Unsung Hero: Jenny Lewis (Clarbeston Road AFC)
Senior Team: Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club
Male Achievement: Liam Bradley (Triathlon)
Female Achievement: Sanna Duthie (Running)
Disability Sport: Rachel Bailey (Boccia)
Club Organiser: Silfan Rhys-Jones (Fishguard Table Tennis Club)
Coach of the Year: James North (Kilgetty AFC)
School Award: Tavernspite & Templeton Federation of Schools
Chairman’s Award: Cruising Free (Neyland Rowing Club)
Special Award: Street Football Wales
Lifetime Achievement: Simon Davies (Wales, Spurs, Fulham, Everton & Solva AFC)
Sport
South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Week ten results
The Friendly League continues as Reynalton close the gap on leaders East Williamston
THE LATEST round of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League produced another mix of tight contests and emphatic victories.
Kilgetty were beaten 8–2 at home by Hundleton, while Reynalton delivered the standout performance of the week with a 10–0 win over East Williamston. Llanteg also impressed, defeating Carew 8–2.
Elsewhere, St Twynnells claimed a 7–3 win away at the Badgers, and Lamphey ran out 7–3 winners against St Johns. Cosheston had the bye.
League table – Week ten
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | S/D | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Williamston | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | +130 | 62 |
| Reynalton | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | +64 | 50 |
| Hundleton | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | +3 | 42 |
| Llanteg | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | –5 | 41 |
| Badgers | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | –21 | 41 |
| St Johns | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | –6 | 38 |
| St Twynnells | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | –34 | 37 |
| Lamphey | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | –15 | 36 |
| Kilgetty | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | –49 | 36 |
| Cosheston | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | –13 | 35 |
| Carew | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | –54 | 32 |
Reynalton’s dominant win means they move within touching distance of leaders East Williamston, setting up an intriguing second half to the season.
Sport
South Africa run riot as Wales suffer record defeat in Cardiff
Wales 0–73 South Africa
WALES endured one of the heaviest defeats in their history on Saturday as world champions South Africa ran in 11 tries at the Principality Stadium, producing a brutal 73-0 demolition that exposed the gulf between the sides and underlined the scale of the rebuilding task facing Welsh rugby.
The fixture, arranged outside the international window, left Wales without several first-choice players and short on experience. South Africa, by contrast, arrived in Cardiff at full strength and in ruthless form. What followed was a one-sided contest from the opening minutes to the final whistle.
First-half dominance
The Springboks established their authority early, their scrum immediately overpowering the Welsh pack and setting the tone for the afternoon. Tries from Gerhard Steenekamp, Ethan Hooker and Jasper Wiese put the visitors 21-0 ahead, with Wales struggling to exit their own half and repeatedly conceding penalties under pressure.
Wales’ lineout functioned reasonably well and there were brief flashes of ambition from Joe Hawkins, Joe Roberts and Rio Dyer, but every half-chance dissolved through handling errors or South Africa’s suffocating defensive line. A late surge from the Boks saw Morne van den Berg cross just before the break for a 28-0 half-time lead.
Second-half collapse
Any hopes of containment disappeared after the interval. South Africa emptied their bench—bringing on yet more power—and immediately cut through Wales again. Wilco Louw, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (twice), Canan Moodie, Ruan Nortje and Eben Etzebeth all scored in a relentless second half.
Wales’ discipline faltered under the pressure. Taine Plumtree and Aaron Wainwright were both shown yellow cards, with Wainwright’s high tackle sent to the bunker for review. South Africa’s own discipline cracked late on when Etzebeth received a straight red card for making contact with the eye area of Alex Mann—an incident captain Siya Kolisi later claimed was accidental.
Reaction
Player of the match Andre Esterhuizen, who produced a series of thunderous carries and turnovers, said the Springboks “worked really hard” to complete their Autumn clean sweep, praising Wales for “never giving up”.
Kolisi was gracious in victory but said he did not want the Etzebeth incident to overshadow the performance, adding: “The only way a team gets better is by playing the best. Wales will be stronger for facing this.”
Former Wales captain Dan Biggar, working as a pundit, was blunt in his assessment. “There are players there that aren’t at this level now, and may not play this level again,” he said. “I don’t think anyone learned anything from that.”
A difficult day for Welsh rugby
For Wales, the defeat will strengthen scrutiny of the WRU’s scheduling and long-term planning. A young and inexperienced squad battled gamely in patches—Mann, Hawkins and Dyer among those showing fight—but the mismatch was stark.
A crowd of around 50,000, well below capacity, reflected the mood of supporters as another bruising year for Welsh rugby nears its end.
Head coach Warren Gatland will now attempt to piece together the positives from a chastening afternoon, but the bigger questions facing the structure of the game in Wales remain unanswered.
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