Sport
Records tumble in oar-some challenge
THE DINAS HEAD Challenge took place last Saturday, when a record number of 32 boats entered for the annual eight-mile rowing race from Goodwick to Parrog Newport. The event, hosted by Newport Boat Club, has become a favourite with rowers from all over Wales, with many types of boats entering, including Celtic Longboats, an Australian surf boat, yoles and two of the oldest boats in the race, the Margaret Whitehall from Fishguard and Danny Boy from Newport. With almost perfect sea conditions and an off-shore wind the scene was set for some very fast times. Beating the existing record time set by the Aberdfi men in 2006, was a distinct possibility. As the boats set off it was the Australian surf boat crewed by the Newport men that pulled away from their nearest rivals showing exceptional pace as they rounded the Dinas Head. Further back it was Newport juniors, competing in their first ever Dinas Head, who were passing boats at ease and performing well above their expectations. Also in hot pursuit was the top men?s team from Solva who had passed much of the field and were pushing to catch the front runners. Not far behind and having started in 13th place it was the highly rated mixed team from Cardigan along with the veteran men?s team from Mumbles and the two top ladies teams from Aberporth and Wisemans Bridge that were moving up the field. A large crowd of supporters had gathered at Newport boat club to welcome the boats home, and it was the Newport men in the Australian surf boat that crossed the finish line first, recording the fastest ever time in the open category of 59mins 49secs, followed by the Solva men in a time of 55:03 smashing the existing overall fastest time by over a minute. The records continued to tumble, with the Cardigan mixed team finishing in 58:07, Mumbles veteran men in 59:03, and the Wisemen?s ladies in a time of 1:01:46. One of the biggest cheers of the day was for the Newport Juniors, who were also raising money for the Air Ambulance, and they finished in a new record time of 1:02:03. Thanks goes to all the competitors and to the many members and staff of Newport Boat Club for their assistance on the day.
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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