Sport

Alan Jones triumphs in Welsh Men’s Open Seniors Championship

Published

10 months ago

July 10, 2023

PEMBROKESHIRE Sports Development Officer, Alan Jones, showcased his winning abilities by claiming victory in the Welsh Men’s Open Seniors Championship. Despite his usual role of supporting others in sports, Jones proved his own prowess by securing the title at Ashburnham in Burryport, just a few miles away from his home club, South Pembs.

After an impressive opening round of -1, which placed him at the top of the leaderboard, Jones maintained his momentum with a level par second round. This ensured that he entered the final day in the lead, ultimately clinching a two-shot victory over England’s Paul Wharton.

In an interview, the elated 56-year-old sports development officer, who works for Pembrokeshire County Council, expressed his disbelief at the magnitude of his achievement. “It feels incredible to win it,” Jones exclaimed. “I don’t think I can quite believe how big this championship is, looking at the leaderboard and seeing all the players from outside Wales.”

Jones further emphasized the significance of winning the title at Ashburnham, saying, “To win it at Ashburnham makes it extra special. I was born in Carmarthen but lived in Burry Port for a while, and now I reside locally in Pembrokeshire. I have played here many times over the years.”

Reflecting on the challenging conditions during the tournament, Jones discussed his strategy, stating, “In the wind and rain at times, it was a case of avoiding any big scores, keeping the ball in play as best you can, and managing your way around the golf course.” He commended the course’s condition, describing it as “one hell of a challenge” and acknowledging its parched state.

As a testament to his golfing prowess, Jones highlighted his past accomplishments, saying, “This is my biggest win. I am a member at South Pembs and have won the club championship there 28 times. I’ve won the Dyfed County Championship three times and the Dyfed Men’s Over 45’s. I also won the Radyr Salver back in 1993, but everything has been regional until now, so winning a national title is great.”

Jones also mentioned his role as a sports development officer and his efforts to introduce golf to children. “I cover all sports in my job, but because I play golf, I do some sessions here and there in schools to get as many kids as I can to have a go at golf.”

Congratulating Jones on his victory, Wales Golf Competitions Manager Christian Askins remarked, “It is always nice to have a Welsh winner of one of our open events. He makes a contribution to developing future golfers in this area, so it is nice to see him coming through to win the title for himself.” Askins also praised Ashburnham for providing a fantastic test for the players and expressed gratitude to the staff, members, and volunteers for their contributions to the success of the event.

Jones’ golfing achievements are undeniably impressive, with 28 club championship wins at South Pembrokeshire Golf Club, three Dyfed Men’s Championship titles, four Dyfed Men’s Over 35 titles, and a Dyfed Seniors Championship victory. His recent triumph in the Welsh Men’s Open Seniors Championship adds another significant milestone to his illustrious career.

News

Free disability sports event heads to Pembroke Leisure Centre

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE Leisure Centre will play host to a free disability sports and physical event later this month with lots of sports and activities to try.

The insport series, in partnership with Disability Sport Wales, Sport Pembrokeshire and Pembrokeshire Leisure is an inclusive sport and physical activity event.

It offers opportunities for disabled young people (ages 5 years+) and adults across Pembrokeshire and friends and family are welcome.

On offer to try are: boxing, boccia, swimming (on a separate first come first serve booking basis), football, wheelchair rugby, target shooting, adaptive bikes, cricket, golf, multisport, and more.

The event takes place Pembroke Leisure Centre, on Wednesday May 29^th between 10am-2pm.

Booking for the event and swim places is required.

For more information please contact: Jess West from Sport Pembrokeshire byemail [email protected] or by calling 07795305871.

News

Two changes to Scarlets side for Zebre match-up

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HEAD coach Dwayne Peel has made two changes to his Scarlets starting XV for Friday’s BKT United Rugby Championship round 17 clash with Zebre Parma at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi (19:35 BBC Wales).

Alex Craig has recovered from a hamstring issue to take his place in the second row, while behind the scrum Ioan Lloyd replaces fellow Wales international Sam Costelow at fly-half.

Ioan Nicholas, Tomi Lewis and Ryan Conbeer continue in the back three; Johnny Williams again partners Eddie James, while Lloyd links up with the experienced Gareth Davies at half-back.

In the pack, the front row of Kemsley Mathias, skipper Ryan Elias and Harri O’Connor get the nod to start again. Craig partners Morgan Jones at lock, while Taine Plumtree, Dan Davis and No. 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu are selected in the back row.

On the bench, Wales U20s centre Macs Page – part of Llandovery’s Indigo Premiership title-winning side last weekend – is set to make his URC debut.

Scarlets scrum and contact skills coach Emyr Phillips said: “We are looking to build some momentum in these last two games to fire us into pre-season. We are encouraging the boys to play high-tempo rugby and get the ball moving because that’s when we are at our best. We know Zebre will bring emotion to the game and we need to match that.”

Scarlets team to play Zebre Parma at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Friday, May 17 (19:35; BBC Wales)

15 Ioan Nicholas; 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Johnny Williams, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ryan Conbeer; 10 Ioan Lloyd, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Kemsley Mathias, 2 Ryan Elias (capt), 3 Harri O’Connor, 4 Alex Craig, 5 Morgan Jones, 6 Taine Plumtree, 7 Dan Davis, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu.

Reps: 16 Shaun Evans, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Sam Wainwright, 19 Jarrod Taylor, 20 Ben Williams, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page

Players unavailable because of injury

Tom Rogers, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Steff Evans, Joe Roberts, Josh Macleod, Teddy Leatherbarrow, Jac Davies.

News

Charity football match scores big for mental health awareness

Published

1 week ago

May 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN an inspiring display of community spirit and sportsmanship on Friday (May 10), the Ogi Bridge Meadow stadium hosted a charity football match that saw local mental health charity, Give The Boys A Lift (GTBAL), triumph over 2Wish, with a final score of 5-1. The event drew a large crowd, who gathered to support both organizations dedicated to mental health and well-being.

GTBAL, a renowned Pembrokeshire charity known for its efforts in mental health advocacy, put on a strong performance, leading to a decisive victory that was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the spectators. The match not only provided an evening of thrilling sports action but also raised significant awareness and funds for the causes represented by the two teams.

Maria Elena Smith, a spectator and supporter, praised the event, commenting, “Amazing effort from everyone involved. As always, the charities that support so many families and individuals have come out in force. Well done all and thank you for all the support.”

Adrian Smith, another attendee, highlighted the importance of the charities’ work, stating, “Don’t underestimate what both these charities do. It was a fantastic evening raising awareness.”

The event served as a reminder of the vital role these organizations play in the community, offering support and resources to those facing mental health challenges. Congratulations to all involved for a successful event that went beyond just a game, fostering community unity and support for pivotal causes.