Sport
Evans and Williams win big at Pembrokeshire County Open
MATHIEU Evans was the big winner at the annual Pembrokeshire County Open tennis tournament.
The 19-year-old, making his debut in the senior draw, defeated last year’s champion Jeremy Cross in a scintillating men’s singles final at The Parade on Saturday, July 16.
The crowd were brought to their feet as Evans clinched match point in a championship tie-breaker to dethrone Cross, who played his part in what Haverfordwest Tennis Club president Brian Hearne hailed the greatest men’s final he has ever witnessed in his 63-year involvement.
Evans went on to claim further silverware with dad Bruce, a veteran of the tournament, in the men’s doubles, triumphing over Carmarthenshire duo Danny Cobinah and Lewis Thomas.
Kerry Williams reclaimed the ladies singles title she won back in 2019 defeating last year’s finalist Sarah Newman, who was consoled by defending the women’s doubles title with recent Four Nations champion Laura Davies. The pair edged Williams and partner Michelle Morgan in another tense championship tie break.
Cross, a current Wales Senior Open champion, went on to defend his mixed doubles title with Ceri Coleman-Phillips. Together they defeated Newman and Pete Warren Lavis, who beat Nathan Jones earlier in the day to take home the men’s plate.
The junior tournament was also a huge success this year and ran alongside the senior competition.
Robbie Stirling defended his boys under 12s singles title, while Phoebe Johnson was the girl’s age group winner.
Eddy Brown and Josie Hawke won the boys and girls under 14s singles competitions, with Hawke adding the under 16s trophy to her collection. Etienne Hole edged an entertaining boys under 18s final.
In the doubles there was more silverware for Stirling, who claimed the under 12s boys title with Gethin Frank, while Fynn Price and Shaun Bolger were the under 14s champions.
The tournament was once again refereed by club coach Tom Hole with 79 players taking part over the fortnight.
Haverfordwest Tennis Club chairman Dean Richards thanked Hole and his right-hand woman Sarah Keogh for all their hard work, plus a small group of volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the competition ran smoothly.
“Finals day was a huge success, the Parade was buzzing with excitement with family and friends cheering on competitors,” said Richards.
“Thanks to all the participants for entering, and a special mention to those players who travelled from as far as Neath to take part.
“The planning has already begun for next year.”
Results in full
Men’s singles: Mathieu Evans beat Jeremy Cross 6-3 4-6 1-0
Ladies singes: Kerry Williams beat Sarah Newman 6-1 6-0
Men’s doubles: Mathieu Evans and Bruce Evans beat Danny Cobinah and Lewis Thomas 6-3 6-2
Ladies doubles: Laura Davies and Sarah Newman beat Kerry Williams and Michelle Morgan 6-2 2-6 1-0
Mixed doubles: Jeremy Cross and Ceri Coleman-Phillips beat Pete Warren Lavis and Sarah Newman 7-6 6-2
Men’s plate: Pete Warren Lavis beat Nathan Jones 6-3 6-1
Under 18s boys: Etienne Hole beat William Phillips 6-1 7-5
Under 16s girls: Josie Hawke beat Honey Johnson 4-0 4-2
Under 14s boys: Eddy Brown beat Ned Rees Wigmore W/O
Under 14s girls: Josie Hawke beat Anna May 4-2 1-4 1-0
Under 12s boys: Robbie Stirling beat William Cross 7-6 0-6 1-0
Under 12s girls: Phoebe Johnson beat Isabelle Owen 4-1 4-0
Under 14s boys doubles: Fynn Price and Shaun Bolger beat Eddy Brown and Ben Brown 4-6 7-6 1-0
Under 12s boys doubles: Robbie Stirling and Gethin Frank beat Ethan James Scale and Sidak Mahey 6-0 6-1
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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