A POPULAR community football tournament returned to Pembrokeshire this weekend as teams from across south Wales gathered for the annual Fishguard Thunderbolts event.

The tournament, hosted this year at Letterston AFC, brought players, referees and supporters together for a day of friendly competition and community spirit.

Organised by Brian Millard, the event has become a firm fixture in the local football calendar, attracting teams from across the region. Sides travelled from Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and Bridgend to take part, alongside local teams including Clarbeston Road and the Fishguard Thunderbolts themselves.

Those attending described the tournament as a celebration of football at its most positive, with players and spectators focusing on enjoyment, sportsmanship and looking out for one another throughout the day.

Referees from the Pembrokeshire Referees’ Society also supported the event, helping to ensure the matches ran smoothly. One of the officials assisting on the day thanked fellow referee Tony for helping out, adding that it was a pleasure to be involved in such a positive community event.

Organiser Brian Millard was praised for his continued commitment to running the tournament, which many participants say is one of the highlights of their year.

The event once again highlighted how grassroots football can bring people together, creating a welcoming atmosphere where the focus is on enjoyment, teamwork and community.

Organisers are already looking forward to welcoming teams back again next year.

Pics: Marty Jones

WREXHAM continues to be a happy hunting ground for Jeremy Cross who last week reclaimed the British Open Masters Indoor Championships title he won in 2024.

Competing in the men’s over 50s singles category for the first time, Cross from Haverfordwest Tennis Club was seeded fourth.

After a first-round bye, Cross defeated Nick Baglin in the round of 16 in what he admits was his hardest match of the championship.

Baglin had been a contemporary of Tim Henman who once played in the Australian Open and Queens qualifying, but Cross showed his class to triumph 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.

Cross needed only two sets to beat Antony Heljula in the quarter-final (6-4, 6-1) before meeting the top seed Nigel Birkett in the last four. Cross recovered from losing the first set 6-2 to take the second and third 6-3, 6-2.

A familiar face awaited in the final, last year’s doubles partner Hafeez Hameed and despite Cross winning 6-4, 6-2, the battle lasted almost two hours.

A delighted Cross said: “It’s my seventh national title and my first in the over 50s so hopefully I can win a few more soon while I’m still the spring chicken of my age group!

“My result in Wrexham should also qualify me for the GB team to play the World Championships in Rome in June which will be the highlight of my tennis year.

“It’s been a challenge with our weather and lack of indoor courts this winter, so I’ve focused more on physical training which actually helped get me through some of the longer matches this week.

“However, a big thanks when I have played goes to my practice partners at Haverfordwest Tennis Club, head coach Tom Richards and my son William, as well as to the rest of my family and the whole club for their ongoing support.”

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Friendly League results

THE LATEST round of catch-up fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League produced several close contests as teams look to strengthen their positions in the table.

Llanteg enjoyed mixed fortunes during the week, securing a narrow 6–4 victory away at Cosheston before suffering a 8–2 defeat against Lamphey.

Elsewhere, Carew recorded a solid 7–3 win over St Johns to boost their points tally.

Following the results, East Williamston remain clear at the top of the table after 18 matches played, with St Johns holding second place and Hundleton in third.

Friendly League table (Catch-Up Week)

East Williamston – Played 18, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 5, Shot Difference 178, Points 122
St Johns – Played 18, Won 11, Drawn 1, Lost 6, Shot Difference 118, Points 106
Hundleton – Played 17, Won 9, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot Difference 13, Points 91
Carew – Played 18, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot Difference -51, Points 88
Reynalton – Played 17, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 8, Shot Difference 33, Points 85
St Twynnells – Played 16, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 6, Shot Difference 4, Points 83
Llanteg – Played 16, Won 8, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot Difference -27, Points 81
Kilgetty – Played 17, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 10, Shot Difference -67, Points 71
Badgers – Played 17, Won 5, Drawn 1, Lost 11, Shot Difference -110, Points 71
Lamphey – Played 17, Won 8, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot Difference -60, Points 68
Cosheston – Played 15, Won 5, Drawn 2, Lost 8, Shot Difference -31, Points 66