Sport

Harrison Allen Final: Llangwm v Haverfordwest

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2022

THE final of the Harrison Allen Bowl takes place this Saturday, August 27, with two teams battling for the most coveted prize in Pembrokeshire cricket.

As always the game takes place in Cresselly and it sees Llangwm take on Haverfordwest and both sides are confident they can win the big one.

Whoever wins there will be a new name on the trophy after holders Neyland were knocked out in one of the earlier rounds.

Llangwm finished second in the league, their best finish to a Division 1 season since 1969, and they will be looking to make it even more memorable.

Haverfordwest were relegated from Division 1 but they have players who have Harrison Allen final experience and they too are looking to end their season on a positive note.

The only league game between the two saw Llangwm take a comfortable eight-wicket win after bowling Town out for 97. The other game was abandoned because of rain.

It promises to be another exciting encounter with lots of action to look forward too.

Will we see a repeat of last year’s final when Neyland’s Patrick Bellerby cracked 15 fours and nine sixes in an unbeaten score of 134 or will it be a tight game between two good teams?

Haverfordwest were beaten finalists in 2020 but won it in 2019 and in 2016.

Llangwm were beaten finalists in 2013 while their last Harrison Allen final win came in 1993.

*A stunning catch helps Llangwm to victory over St Ishmaels*

ROUTE TO THE FINAL

Haverfordwest began their route to the final with a 59-run win over Narberth. Haverfordwest scored 159-5 in their innings with Ben Field scoring 80. Will Phillips then took five wickets for Town as they bowled Narberth out for 100.

They were drawn to play Johnston in the second round but as they could not get a team they were forced to concede.

In the quarter finals Haverfordwest played Kilgetty and scored 166-8 batting first. Adam James hit 66 from 33 balls before Dai Davies finished unbeaten on 44.

Archie Thomas claimed a five wicket haul as they bowled Kilgetty out for 131.

In the semi-finals, Town played Herbrandston at St Ishmaels and again batted first, scoring 184-7.

Ben Field scored 64 before Dai Davies again finished unbeaten on 48.

Archie Thomas took three wickets while Kieran O’Connor, Ashley James and Clive Tucker all took two wickets to bowl Herbie out for 84.

Llangwm began their run to the final in the second round after receiving a bye from the first round.

In round 2, they faced St Ishmaels at Pill Parks, scoring 146-9 batting first. Noah Davies and Joe Kiff both made scores of 27.

Steve Mills also scored 16 and then took 4-28 to help Llangwm restrict Tish to 142-6 to win by four runs.

In the quarter finals, Llangwm faced Carew. Carew scored 139-9 as Steve Mills took three wickets while Joe Phillips and Chris Inward both struck twice.

Inward then scored 33, Mills scored 30 and Joe Kiff scored 29 as Llangwm reached their target with five wickets in hand.

In the semi-final, Llangwm scored 198-2 against Lawrenny with Joe Kiff scoring 63. Steve Inward then finished not out on 92 and Mills was unbeaten on 31.

Chris Inward then took three wickets for Llangwm and Steve Mills also struck twice as Lawrenny finished short on 186-7.

*Haverfordwest beat Kilgetty in the quarter final*

WHAT THE CAPTAINS SAY

Haverfordwest captain Dai Davies said: “The team is feeling good going into the final, we are looking to finish on a high from a disappointing league campaign. Really excited for the day, up for the challenge against a very strong Llangwm side. Played really well in cup cricket this year and looking to produce another solid all round good performance.

“Llangwm are a very strong side, with great depth in there batting order, plenty of bowling options, I feel if they played a consistent side they would have won the league, great achievement to finish runners up.

“They outplayed us in the league game we played, we didn’t have a strong enough side on the day but credit to them they were very professional and won the game comfortably. Only played them at there place as game was rained off at Hwest.

“We feel relaxed going into it, being underdogs we believe will suit us, most of our side have been there and won it before, we feel that for us to come up with the win that our experience of big finals could be vital, we will need to be in the game at halfway stage and play better than them under pressure in the second half. Just hoping for a great day and a competitive game of cricket.”

(We are awaiting comments from Llangwm’s captain)

HIGHLIGHTS

There have been some excellent moments in this year’s competition including Lawrenny’s defeat of Neyland in the first round.

Toby Hayman scored a century for Burton in their first round win over Lamphey while second division Herbrandston made the semi-finals before losing to Haverfordwest.

In the semi-final Steve Inward finished unbeaten on 92 in Llangwm’s score of 198-2. Lawrenny’s Kyle Marsh scored 125 not out in their reply but it wasn’t enough for his side to go through.

Haverfordwest Ben Field scored 64 in their semi-final win and Dai Davies finished unbeaten on 48.

*Action from the game between Llangwm and Haverfordwest at Pill Parks*

PREDICTIONS

We asked some of the captains from around the county for their predictions for the game.

Pembroke Dock captain Nick Daley said: “I’m just swaying towards llangwm as they are in inform team with top players who have had a great season finishing second in the league. But if Adam James gets going anything can happen and it will be a brilliant final and he could win it on his own. Haverfordwest have been here before and won it but I think it will be Llangwm’s year. Good luck both teams.”

Lawrenny’s Joe Kidney added: “You can never predict a Harrison Allen final but I’ll go for Llangwm as they have a strong bowling attack and will post decent scores in both innings with that batting lineup.”

Cresselly captain Iwan Izzard said: “My money would be on Llangwm. Although Haverfordwest have a couple of big game players with Harrison Allen final experience. I think Llangwm are stronger all around as a team and will pinch a tight game.”

Saundersfoot captain Yannic Parker said: “After playing both teams twice in the season Llangwn’s strength in depth is only rivalled by Cresselly. I see only a comprehensive Llangwn win!”

Burton captain Luke Hayman: “I think Llangwm will win it this year. They have strong batting at the top of the order but I think it’s their depth in the bowling that will be too much for Harverfordwest.”

Related Topics:Cricket Division 1 Final Harrison Allen Bowl Haverfordwest Llangwm pembrokeshire

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Awards celebrate all that is good about Pembrokeshire sport

Published

2 days ago

December 2, 2025

Herald 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

Published

4 days ago

November 30, 2025

Herald Sport

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

Published

5 days ago

November 30, 2025

Herald Sport

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.