Sport

Cricket roundup: Burton’s brilliant batting leading them to promotion.

Published

1 year ago

August 6, 2024

IN a weekend of exciting cricket in division two, the battle for promotion and relegation intensified across the league. Toby Hayman and Joseph Kiff once again showcased their batting brilliance, steering Burton to a massive win that keeps them firmly in the hunt for promotion. Meanwhile, Johnston are beginning to feel the pressure after a narrow loss to Herbrandston, who now lead the league by three points. Elsewhere, Pembroke triumphed in the local derby, and Llanrhian secured a crucial win to keep the relegation battle wide open.

Burton vs. Lamphey: Hayman and Kiff dominate as Burton cruise to victory

Burton’s charge towards promotion shows no signs of slowing down, thanks to yet another masterclass from their batting line-up. Batting first, Burton posted an imposing 345 for 3 in their 20 overs, with Toby Hayman and Joseph Kiff leading the charge. Hayman, who is in the form of his life, smashed a scintillating 109, further solidifying his status as one of the county’s best. He was well supported by Jack Davies, who contributed a quickfire 47, and Jonathan Venables with a brisk 21.

While Kiff, who continued his fine run of form with a magnificent 102 not out. Kiff, along with Dan Llewellyn, who added an unbeaten 49, ensured Burton finished with a total that was always going to be tough to chase.

Lamphey’s response never got going as they were skittled out for just 88 in 3 overs, suffering a massive 257-run defeat. Nick Shelmerdine’s 48 was the only resistance of note as Burton’s bowlers, led by Nick Jones (4-13) and Dan Ridge (3-24), ran riot. Jack Bevan also chipped in with 2-21 to complete the demolition. A result that means Lamphey’s chances of survival are very slim.

Johnston vs. Herbrandston: Johnston slip as Herbrandston edge thriller

Johnston’s promotion hopes took a hit as they suffered a nail-biting 6-run loss to Herbrandston, who now top the league by three points. Chasing 159, Johnston fell just short, all out for 153 in 8 overs. Despite a fighting 44 from Liam Boswell and a steady 38 from Leigh Walters, Johnston couldn’t quite get over the line, with Herbrandston’s Charlie Malloy proving decisive with 4-23.

Earlier, Herbrandston’s Harry Nicholas top-scored with 73, guiding his side to 159 before being bowled out in 18 overs. The match went down to the wire, with Johnston now looking nervously over their shoulders as the promotion race heats up.

Pembroke vs. Pembroke Dock: Local Derby Delight for Pembroke

In the much-anticipated local derby, Pembroke emerged victorious, chasing down Pembroke Dock’s 173 for 6. Pembroke’s top order delivered when it mattered most, with Jack Harries leading the way with a composed 60. Contributions from Luke Butler (35) and Phil Hay (33 not out) ensured Pembroke reached their target with relative ease.

Pembroke Dock’s innings was anchored by Rhys Daley’s 55 and Scott Griffiths’ unbeaten 43, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Sam Davies was the pick of Pembroke’s bowlers, taking 3-23.

Carew II vs. Llanrhian: Llanrhian’s Crucial win keeps relegation battle alive

Llanrhian picked up a crucial 12-run victory over Carew II, a win that could prove pivotal in their fight against relegation. Batting first, Llanrhian posted 192 all out, thanks to a brilliant hundred from Jack Jones. In reply a there was a determined 86 from Ethan Hall and useful contributions from Barry Evans (28) and Rhys Grigg (22). However Llanrhian’s total proved just enough as Carew fell 12 runs short when they were bowled out for 180.

Llechryd vs. Hook: Hook secure comfortable win

Hook secured a comfortable 7-wicket win over Llechryd. Chasing 144 for 8, Hook made light work of the target, reaching 145 for 3 with ease. Jake Wicks starred with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 73, while Jacob Lay added a solid 45 to guide Hook to victory.

As the season heads towards its climax, Burton’s path to promotion looks increasingly certain, thanks to the unstoppable form of Toby Hayman and Joseph Kiff. However, the battle for the top spot and the fight to avoid relegation remain finely poised, promising plenty of drama in the coming weeks. Johnston’s slip-up has made the promotion race even more intriguing, while Llanrhian’s win means the relegation battle is far from decided.

News

Awards celebrate all that is good about Pembrokeshire sport

Published

3 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.