News

Pembrokeshire Division One cricket round-up

Published

4 weeks ago

August 20, 2024

LAST week’s action in the First Division delivered yet another thrilling chapter in what has been one of the most exciting seasons in recent history. Carew secured a commanding victory over local rivals Cresselly, closing the gap to within eight points of league leaders Neyland and setting up a tantalising title showdown next week. Meanwhile, St Ishmaels continued their impressive ascent up the table with another vital win, while Haverfordwest’s triumph over Whitland kept their survival hopes alive. Reigning champions Neyland faced a stern test but managed to maintain their lead with a narrow win over Lawrenny.

Carew Dominate Cresselly to Close in on Title

Carew sent a strong message to their title rivals with a resounding 197-run victory over Cresselly. Batting first, Carew amassed an imposing 286 for 6, led by James Hinchliffe’s unbeaten 63. Key contributions from Tim Hicks (56), Nick Davies (41*), and a brisk 43 from Shaun Whitfield ensured a daunting total for the hosts. Cresselly’s bowlers struggled, with only Charlie Arthur managing respectable figures of 2 for 39.

In reply, Cresselly were dismantled by young Iori Hicks, who claimed a stunning 5 for 15 as the visitors were skittled for just 89. Hinchliffe capped off a superb all-round performance by taking 3 for 22, sealing a dominant win for Carew.

Neyland Survive Lawrenny Scare to Retain Top Spot

Neyland clung to the top of the table with a nerve-wracking 2-wicket win over Harrison Allen finalists Lawrenny. Chasing 191 for victory, Neyland’s innings was anchored by Dai Davies (37) and Ross Hardy (33), but it was the 39 extras conceded by Lawrenny that proved decisive in the end.

Earlier, Lawrenny had posted 190 for 7, with steady contributions from Harry Thomas (30) and Ryan Morton (25). Alan Webster was the pick of Neyland’s bowlers, taking 3 for 63. Despite a valiant effort from Lawrenny’s attack, which reduced Neyland to 162 for 8, Sean Hannon (19*) and Lewis Page (15*) held their nerve to see their side home with three balls to spare.

St Ishmaels Continue Resurgence with Crucial Win Over Llangwm

St Ishmaels continued their resurgence with a vital victory over relegation rivals Llangwm. Batting first, Llangwm were bowled out for 132, with Matthew Kiff’s 45 standing out. Jonathan Pawlett was Tish’s star with the ball, claiming 4 for 35.

Tish chased down the target with six wickets in hand, thanks to a composed 51 not out from Phil Llewellyn. Pawlett also contributed with the bat, scoring 40, as Tish secured their second consecutive win. The defeat leaves Llangwm in dire straits, languishing in second-bottom place, ten points adrift of Tish, who have now moved clear of the relegation zone.

Haverfordwest Secure Crucial Win Over Whitland

Haverfordwest bolstered their survival hopes with a crucial 29-run victory over Whitland. Batting first, Town posted 198 all out, with Mikey Jones top-scoring with a vital 60.

In response, Whitland struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 169. Adam James bowled with pace and precision, taking three key wickets as Whitland’s batsmen failed to fire. The win all but secures Town’s place in the division, while Whitland remain mired in the lower half of the table.

Saundersfoot Edge Narberth in High-Scoring Thriller

Saundersfoot claimed a 37-run victory over Narberth in a high-scoring encounter that saw both teams amass significant totals. Batting first, Saundersfoot reached 208 for 7, with Simon Stanford (48) and Sam Franklin (40) leading the charge. Loui Davies was the pick of Narberth’s bowlers, taking 3 for 24.

Narberth responded with a spirited effort, as Jamie McCormack (48) and Ben Quartermaine (32) kept them in the hunt. However, they ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 171. Nick Cope’s 3 for 16 and Sam Franklin’s 2 for 12 were instrumental in Saundersfoot’s victory, leaving Narberth on the brink of relegation.

Crime

Swansea Crown Court to deal with Narberth rape case

Published

1 hour ago

September 17, 2024

Court Reporter

A 46-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before a District Judge charged with raping a woman at an undisclosed location in Narberth.

Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest is accused of raping the woman on August 25, 2022. He is further charged with sexually assaulting a woman and of causing a female to engage in sexual activity without her consent. Both offences are alleged to have been committed on the same date, August 25.

Murray denied all three charges when he appeared before District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, September 17.

Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in the matter and the case will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court.

Murray was released on conditional bail, the condition being not to have any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim.

The matter will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on October 14.

Crime

Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog

Published

1 hour ago

September 17, 2024

Court Reporter

A DOG that was seen running loose on a main road in Milford Haven was found to be an unregistered fighting XL Bully which, according to police experts, had the strength to cause someone ‘substantial injury’.

Officers were called to a property in Milford Haven on March 24 following numerous reports from members of the public that a dog was running loose on the road, causing what the Crown Prosecution described as ‘a hazard’ to drivers. There they found the dog enclosed in a front garden.

This week it’s owner, Megan Pouparrd, 20, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, pleaded guilty to possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.

“It was a typical XL Bully dog in relation to its appearance and size,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.

The dog, which had wandered approximately one mile from its owner’s home, was caught and taken away by officers for further examinations to be carried out to confirm its breed.

A police statement read out to Judge Layton stated that the dog was ‘very restless and curious’.

“He made no attempt to jump on us and was more interested in finding out about his new surroundings,” said the report.

“He was a very relaxed dog, but was also extremely strong, and could easily have knocked someone off their feet.”

A destruction order for the dog was submitted to the court by the police, however following a request by District Judge Mark Layton, this was delayed pending a behaviourist report to be carried out on the animal.

Sentencing was adjourned to October 8.

(Image: File)

Crime

Letterston man in court over ‘silly neighbours’ dispute’

Published

1 hour ago

September 17, 2024

Sarah Jane Absalom

A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute reached the courts this week when Letterston resident Stuart Wing pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his neighbour’s car.

“It was a silly dispute,” the 59-year-old told a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.

“We used to be good neighbours, but it was the stupidest of things. I’d put his bin bags back but then he fell out with me, giving me hand signals and calling me a scumbag.”

The incident took place on June 21, 2023 at Spring Gardens, Letterston.

“The victim [Clark Gretton], had left his property and entered his vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Mark Layton.

“[The victim] said, ‘I’ll be glad to get away from these scumbags’, but the defendant was near and must have heard him, because he picked some gravel up and threw it at the car, causing chip marks.”

Ms Jackson said that the cost of the criminal damage to Mr Gretton’s Nissan Qashqai totaled £660.

After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Stuart Wing was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation to Mr Gretton.