Sport
League cricket to make welcome return in Pembrokeshire
FOR the first time in over 600 days, league cricket will make a welcome return to Pembrokeshire cricket pitches this Saturday (May 1).
The 2020 season was wiped out because of the coronavirus pandemic but cup competitions were able to be played.
A league cricket ball has not been thrown or batted in anger since August 24, 2019, and teams will be itching to get back out on the field.
Neyland were crowned Division 1 Champions in 2019 while Burton and Llangwm were unable to escape the drop to Division 2.
The Division 2 title was claimed by Narberth while Llechryd finished second to claim the other promotion spot.
Johnston and Cresselly seconds were relegated from the second division and their places will be taken by Division 3 winners Herbrandston and runners up Lamphey.
With the pandemic curtailing the 2020 season and the uncertainty over when the teams would return to action, Saturday’s games will be a big boost for all those involved.
Champions Neyland will get their season underway with a trip to newly promoted Llechryd.
Lawrenny, Division 1 runners up in 2019, start their season at home against Whitland.
Haverfordwest will take on new boys Narberth while Cresselly face Saundersfoot and St Ishmaels host Carew.
In Division 2, Pembroke, who finished third in the division in 2019, will travel to Hook on the opening day.
Llangwm host Lamphey and Carew seconds will be at home against Kilgetty.
Herbrandston are at home as they welcome Haverfordwest seconds while Pembroke Dock face Burton.
Llanrhian finished third in Division 3 in 2019 and they will be hoping for another successful season and they start their campaign at home against Johnston.
Elsewhere, Laugharne host Llangwm seconds while Stackpole will start their season away at Neyland seconds.
In Division 4, Crymych will host Hook seconds, Saundersfoot seconds host Carew thirds in a local derby while Burton seconds host Llechryd seconds.
Saturday will also be a big day for Fishguard as they get ready for their first game back after reforming in 2020. They will take on Herbrandston Seconds at Tregroes.
Hundleton missed out on promotion by five points in their last campaign and they will be aiming for a top two finish this year. They begin at home against Pembroke Dock seconds.
Pembroke seconds will take on Haverfordwest fourths while Stackpole seconds host Neyland thirds.
And if that wasn’t enough, a set of fixtures for the May day bank holiday (May 3) have also been scheduled.
Neyland’s first home game of the season will see them take on Narberth while Cresselly will host Lawrenny in a local derby.
Carew will be up against Haverfordwest, Whitland will face Tish and Saundersfoot host Llechryd.
In Division 2, Hook will host Llangwm, Pembroke host Pembroke Dock and Herbrandston will travel to Lamphey.
A full set of fixtures can be found on the Pembroke County Cricket Club website.
With the teams having been out of league action for well over a year, Saturday’s games may take some getting used to but it will be one that all players will just be looking forward to, to get back to some kind of normality once again.
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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