A PEMBROKESHIRE tennis club has been allowed to erect new floodlights for year-round use after a previous facility used for teaching junior members was closed due to vandalism.

Dean Richards, chairman of Haverfordwest Tennis Club, based at The Parade, Haverfordwest, sought permission for floodlighting for courts 1 and 2, along with an amendment of the lighting source at the two other courts, from metal halide lights to LED lighting.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “Haverfordwest Tennis Club has been operating for over 80 years at the current site on The Parade in Haverfordwest.

“The Tennis Club schedules club nights and tennis coaching for members and is available to both junior/adult and veteran members most days of the week, throughout the year.

“The club success is attributed to the dedicated members who maintain/promote the facility, where people from all backgrounds can enjoy the social and health benefits associated with the game.

“The tennis club currently has four tennis courts, two located near to the existing clubhouse (courts 3 & 4) and two located towards the southern boundary (courts 1 & 2).

“At present Courts 3 & 4 have floodlights; these lights are utilised between the months of September to April, with keycode access controls.

“In previous years two courts with lighting were deemed sufficient, as the club used the indoor tennis courts at Tasker Milwood School (The Dome) for members, and coaching for junior members.

“Due to the permanent closure of this facility in 2022 due to vandalism, we now need to provide flood lights to the two remaining courts to retain the current junior coaching program and continue the benefits for existing/future members of the club.”

It said the design of the floodlights at court 1 and 2 was intended “to reduce the visual impact as much as reasonably practicable, and to reduce the wider impact of the lighting on neighbours, to reduce any light spill/glare reduction,” with the lights only used September 1 to the End of April between the hours of 4 and 9pm.

An officer report said: “It is considered that the use of the flood lights should be subject to a time limit condition to ensure that the activities facilitated by their use will not lead to unacceptable noise disturbance for the occupiers of neighbouring residential properties, and to protect the enjoyment of the conservation area.”

Conditional approval, including a time limit on the floodlights and conditions on the strength of the lighting, was granted by planners under delegated powers.

THE highly anticipated start of the Pembrokeshire First Division season did not disappoint, with a flurry of goals, solid defensive displays, and a few upsets highlighting the opening day. Reigning champions Goodwick United began their title defense with a hard-fought win, while newly promoted sides faced tough lessons in their first matches at this level.

Goodwick United 1-0 Carew

Goodwick United kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over a resilient Carew side. The match was a test of patience for the reigning champions, who found the breakthrough late in the game thanks to a well-taken goal by Rhys Dalling. The defending champions showed glimpses of the form that won them the title last season, but Carew’s organised defence kept them at bay for much of the match.

Hakin United 5-0 Merlins Bridge

Hakin United sent a clear message to the rest of the division with a dominant 5-0 demolition of old rivals Merlins Bridge. Goals from Mark Jones, Leon Luby, Alfie Stotter, Shane Walsh, and Mason Dolling completing the rout. The Vikings were in control from the first whistle, displaying an attacking verve that will undoubtedly make them one of the teams to watch this season. Merlins Bridge, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly after this heavy defeat.

Kilgetty 2-0 Pennar Robins

Pennar Robins, one of the summer’s busiest clubs in the transfer market, were handed a sobering 2-0 loss by Kilgetty. Despite their new signings, Pennar struggled to break down a well-organized Kilgetty side. Morgan Scourfield and Jordan Gorman both found the back of the net for Kilgetty, who put in a composed performance to secure all three points. Pennar’s new-look side will need time to gel, but this was a wake-up call for the Robins.

Milford United 7-0 Herbrandston

It was a day to forget for newly promoted Herbrandston as they were dismantled 7-0 by a local rivals Milford United. Milford’s Liam Parks was the star of the show, netting twice, while Liam Parr added a penalty, and Tyler Sheil, Jacob Horn, Liam Davies, and Cameron Lees also got on the scoresheet. The result was a reminder of the step up in quality Herbrandston will face this season, while Milford United will be delighted with their clinical display.

Monkton Swifts 1-1 Clarbeston Road

Monkton Swifts and Clarbeston Road shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw that could have gone either way. Dylan Davies and Richard Bevan‘s goals ensured it was a point for both sides. The match was evenly contested, with both teams showing promise for the season ahead.

St Ishmaels 1-2 Tenby

Newly promoted St Ishmaels faced a tough start to life in the First Division, going down 2-1 to Tenby. Brennan Devonald gave St Ishmaels hope with a goal, but Tenby’s Scott Ferney and Fraser Finley turned the game around, securing a well-earned victory for the visitors. St Ishmaels will take heart from their performance, but Tenby’s experience ultimately saw them over the line.

ON Tuesday night, the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League Division 1 commenced with a highly anticipated clash between recently promoted St Ishmael’s (Tish) and last season’s high flyers, Tenby United. The picturesque coastal village provided a stunning backdrop for what proved to be an engaging and closely contested encounter.

St Ishmael’s, despite being new to Division 1, have assembled a promising young squad. They are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead this season, but their determination and strong club spirit have put them in a strong position. Tenby United, on the other hand, are coming off an impressive season and, despite the heartbreaking loss of Adam Muskett during pre-season, are focused on honouring his memory with another successful campaign.

Before kick-off, a minute’s silence, led by referee Martin Jones, was impeccably observed in memory of Adam, setting a respectful tone for the evening. Once the match got underway, Tenby showed their quality from the start. The Mansbridge brothers, Daryl and Jerome, were in fine form, while new signing Joe Leahy played a deeper role, orchestrating the play with great effectiveness.

St Ishmael’s, however, were resolute across the park, demonstrating that they were not just here to make up the numbers. Despite Tenby’s early dominance, it was the home side that broke the deadlock. Captain Brennan Devonald showcased his composure with a superb one-touch finish from a long ball, giving Tish an early and somewhat unexpected lead.

Tenby remained unfazed, continuing to press forward with their fluid style of play. Joe Leahy continued to pull the strings, with Fraser Finlay also standing out for the visitors. It was Finlay who found the equaliser just before half-time, capitalising on a long free kick that slipped through the Tish goalkeeper’s grasp. The teams went into the break on level terms, with Tenby perhaps feeling fortunate to have drawn level.

The second half saw a spirited contest, with both teams earning plaudits. Tenby persisted with their attacking approach, committed to playing attractive football, while St Ishmael’s battled tenaciously, always posing a threat through the impressive Ieuan Hawkins.

As the clock ticked down, Tenby’s persistence paid off. In the 81st minute, Scott Ferney demonstrated his class with a clever piece of play, finishing clinically to give the visitors the lead. The final ten minutes, plus injury time, saw St Ishmael’s throw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Despite their valiant efforts, Tenby held firm to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

This was an excellent match played in ideal conditions, with both teams and the referee deserving great credit. If this opening game is anything to go by, both St Ishmael’s and Tenby United can look forward to successful seasons ahead, with the spirit of competition and sportsmanship very much alive in Pembrokeshire football.