Sport
Duggie Morris Cup Final preview: Carew v Lawrenny
CAREW take on LAWRENNY this Sunday (July 18) in the Duggie Morris Cup Final.
There will be a new name on the trophy this year, whoever wins, after Lawrenny knocked out holders Neyland in the quarter finals.
Carew are in their first Duggie Morris final since 2009, when they lost to Haverfordwest, while Lawrenny were beaten by Neyland in the 2019 final.
The last time the two sides met in the Duggie Morris final was in 2006 and on that occasion it was Carew who came out on top.
Lawrenny have never won the Duggie Morris Cup but having lost the last final to be played, they will be keen to go one better this time around.
The sides have met once already in the league this season and that game saw Lawrenny come out on top.
Carew scored 205 in their innings before Lawrenny were able to chase that down to win by three wickets.
Route to the final
Lawrenny played Hook in the first round and came away with a convincing seven-wicket win.
They restricted Hook to 109-5 before easing to their target to book their quarter final tie with Neyland.
Neyland were restricted to 123-7 with Ryan Morton claiming four wickets.
Kurtis Marsh then finished not out on 65 to see Lawrenny to another seven-wicket win.
In the semi-final, Lawrenny took on Llangwm at Pembroke Dock cricket club. Lawrenny batted first and scored 166-6 with Marsh again on form with a score of 44.
They then bowled well to restrict Llangwm to 106-9 in their reply to seal their place in the final.
Carew had a bye in the first round and went straight into a quarter final tie with Narberth.
Carew batted first in that game and scored 146-8 with Luke Hicks scoring 25 and captain Shaun Whitfield scoring 24.
They were then able to bowl Narberth out for 124 with Sam Harts claiming four wickets while Whitfield claimed three.
That set up a semi-final tie with Whitland which was played at Haverfordwest Cricket Club.
Carew reached 133-3 in their innings with Luke Hicks scoring 54. They then restricted Whitland to 111-5 in their reply with James Hinchcliffe amongst the wickets.
The captain’s views
Carew captain Shaun Whitefield said: “We’re feeling good, it’s been way too long, for a team of Carew’s quality, since we were last in the final but we’re looking forward to it.
“We had some tough games against Narberth and against Whitland and we know Lawrenny are a good team as well.
“It should make for an interesting game, they have some top quality players, Kurtis Marsh will likely be one of the key players.
“We know how good they are so it will be good to play them and whoever wins will deserve it. We’ve got everyone available, it’s twenty-twenty where anyone can perform so we’ll be prepared.
“We will play hard as Mike would have wanted, and committed, and that’s all we have been doing.”
Lawrenny captain Joe Kidney said: “The team is pretty relaxed in all honesty, we’re just enjoying each game so not going to play this one any different.
“Carew are a good bunch of lads who will be a really tough team to beat on the day. We played them on the rearranged Sunday game and it was a good spirited game so hoping for the same again.”
Asked if being beaten in the last Duggie Morris final to be played in 2019 would play on their minds, Joe added: “I thought it would especially with the Harrison Allen situation that year too but since we’ve had that year off I feel it’s just like a fresh start. The boys have improved massively too so I feel we’re wiser now as a team.”
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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