News
Lawrenny triumphs over Saundersfoot in tense Harrison-Allen Bowl final
LAWRENNY Cricket Club claimed their second Harrison-Allen Bowl title in a gripping final against first-time finalists Saundersfoot. The match saw fortunes swing back and forth, culminating in Lawrenny’s five-wicket victory with just 13 balls remaining.
Despite Saundersfoot’s valiant effort, Lawrenny’s experience and the heroics of Thomas Cole secured the win, marking a day of both jubilation and heartbreak at the storied Pembrokeshire venue.
The match began with Lawrenny captain Ryan Morton opting to field first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Saundersfoot, who had shown promising form leading up to the final, found themselves in early trouble at 11 for 3. Veteran bowler Rob Williams, at 48 years young, proved that age is no barrier, claiming two crucial wickets with his first spell. He was ably supported by young Oscar Lewis, who sent the dangerous Danny Caine back to the pavilion for just 3 runs.
A steadying partnership between Nick Cope and John Mansbridge brought Saundersfoot back into contention, with Cope smashing a splendid 47, including five towering sixes. However, as the innings progressed, Lawrenny’s bowlers tightened the noose. Saundersfoot ended their innings on 118 for 7, a score that reflected the challenges posed by a damp wicket.
Lawrenny’s reply mirrored Saundersfoot’s struggles, with early wickets falling regularly. The anchor role was played by Harry Thomas, who contributed a patient 40. But it was Thomas Cole’s explosive batting that swung the match in Lawrenny’s favor. Cole blasted 23 runs off a single over, taking Lawrenny to 133 for 6, giving them a slender lead of 15 runs at the interval.
Saundersfoot’s second innings began more positively, with Tom Mansbridge and Simon Stanford putting together a solid 32-run opening stand. However, a middle-order collapse, triggered by Morton and Williams, left them teetering at 79 for 6. It was only a late flurry from captain Yannic Parker, who struck 29 off 15 balls, that propelled Saundersfoot to a respectable 132 for 7.
With a target of 118 to win, Lawrenny appeared to be in control. However, Saundersfoot’s bowlers, led by Nick Cope and Sam Franklin, made early inroads, reducing Lawrenny to 50 for 4. The tension was palpable as the match hung in the balance.
Once again, it was Thomas Cole who stepped up for Lawrenny. His rapid-fire 32 from just 18 balls, including three towering sixes, shifted the momentum. Partnered by the experienced Troy Purslowe, who remained unbeaten on 38, Lawrenny reached their target with relative ease, finishing on 121 for 5.
The post-match celebrations saw Lawrenny’s players and supporters revel in their hard-fought victory. The Harrison-Allen Bowl was presented to Ryan Morton by Hugh Harrison-Allen, with Thomas Cole deservedly named Man of the Match for his match-winning performances with both bat and ball.
For Saundersfoot, there was disappointment at falling short in their first final appearance. However, their journey to the final was a historic achievement, and their spirited performance suggests they will be contenders again in the future.
In the end, it was Lawrenny’s day, but both teams left the field with heads held high, knowing they had been part of a truly memorable contest.
SCORECARD
Saundersfoot 1st Innings: 118/7
Nick Cope 47, John Mansbridge 36; Rob Williams 2/15, Oscar Lewis 2/28
Lawrenny 1st Innings: 133/6
Harry Thomas 40, Thomas Cole 37*; Nick Cope 1/25, Sam Franklin 1/34
Saundersfoot 2nd Innings: 132/7
Yannic Parker 29, Simon Stanford 24; Ryan Morton 4/34, Rob Williams 1/20
Lawrenny 2nd Innings: 121/5
Troy Purslowe 38*, Thomas Cole 32; Nick Cope 2/21, Sam Franklin 2/26
Lawrenny won by 5 wickets
Crime
Whitland fraudster admits accessing vulnerable woman’s bank account
BRUCE Nankervis, of Flat 3 Farmers Arms, Whitland, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court facing charges of fraud by false representation. The court heard that Nankervis committed the offences in April and May 2023 by accessing the bank account of Angela Chatfield, intending to cause her loss.
On 24th April 2023, 25th April 2023, and 2nd May 2023, he dishonestly accessed Chatfield’s account without her knowledge or permission, taking advantage of his position of trust. Nankervis pleaded guilty to the charges on 28th August 2024.
The magistrates sentenced Nankervis to a suspended custodial period of 24 weeks, with a supervision period of 12 months, citing his flagrant disregard for people and their property and the fact that the offences were committed against a vulnerable person. The sentence was suspended to allow for his rehabilitation, maintain his recently acquired home, and enable him to reconnect with his daughter. He was also ordered to comply with rehabilitation activity requirements for up to 15 days and perform 50 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.
Additionally, Nankervis was ordered to pay £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service, a £154 surcharge, and £1,484 in compensation to Angela Chatfield. Payments are to be made in monthly instalments of £40 starting from 16th October 2024.
Business
Council denies responsibility for The Range store’s snub of Haverfordwest
THIS week Pembrokeshire County Council has refuted claims circulating on social media that it was responsible for The Range’s decision not to open a store in the former Wilko unit in Haverfordwest.
The rumors, which gained traction on Facebook this week, suggested that the discount retailer pulled out due to issues related to car parking charges in the nearby Perrots Road car park.
A council spokesperson addressed the situation, on Wednesday (Sept 18) telling The Herald: “There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that The Range decided not to take on the former Wilko store in Haverfordwest due to car parking charges in the nearby Perrots Road car park. The Council is unaware of where this rumour has come from.”
This statement comes in response to a flurry of social media activity, where several residents expressed their disappointment and frustration. One user, Stephen Hughes, sparked conversation with a post claiming, “Range wanted to go to Wilko and the council refused free parking at Haverfordwest absolutely shocking.” The post received multiple comments, reflecting the growing frustration among the community.
Chris Wilson said: “The council seemed determined to wreck Haverfordwest,” while Julie McIntosh added, “OMG we will never have them now.”
These sentiments echo a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of the Haverfordwest town centre.
The council, however, has made it clear that The Range’s decision was independent of any car parking policies. “While The Range ultimately decided not to proceed, the Council is currently in detailed discussions with a prospective tenant for the unit and very much hope to have the building brought back into use as soon as possible,” the spokesperson added.
The speculation on social media highlights the ongoing concerns about the town’s retail prospects and the council’s role in facilitating or hindering economic development.
Recent reports indicate that The Range is expanding in the UK, with five new branches opening by Christmas in locations such as Walkden, Cwmbran, Leamington Spa, Chelmsford, and Oswestry.
Additionally, The Range’s parent company, CDS Superstores, has announced plans to reopen up to 300 Wilko stores after acquiring the brand, with five concept stores expected to open by Christmas 2024
Despite Haverfordwest now being off the list, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether the prospective tenant will bring a new chapter to Haverfordwest’s retail scene.
Crime
Parc Prison now much more stable, says Welsh Social Justice Minister
A SOUTH Wales prison where 10 inmates have died this year has made “considerable progress” in its management, according to a Welsh government minister.
Jane Hutt, the Social Justice Minister, stated that HMP Parc in Bridgend, which houses man prisoners from Pembrokeshire, is now “much, much more stable.” The prison, operated by security company G4S, has faced allegations of drug misuse but maintains it has a “zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.”
Minister Hutt said she received reassurances from Ian Barrow, who oversees the management of Welsh prisons, that there had been significant improvements at Parc following the appointment of a new director in June.
The minister announced plans to visit Parc later this month alongside the UK government’s prisons minister, Lord Timpson.
Will Styles was appointed as the new director of Parc after Heather Whitehead stepped down. Styles, who has been with G4S for a year managing HMP Five Wells in Northamptonshire, took over the role following Whitehead’s departure. G4S stated that her immediate exit in August 2023 was “not in response to one single incident.”
Since February, 10 inmates have died at the prison, with at least four of the deaths believed to be drug-related. In June, three prisoners were also hospitalised following disorder at the facility.
South Wales Police reported in March that a synthetic opioid, Nitazene, had been identified in connection with all four drug-related deaths, with another synthetic drug, Spice, also identified in two of the cases. G4S reiterated its “zero-tolerance policy towards drugs” in response to these findings.
The deaths have sparked protests from the families of inmates who died while in custody. In May, they demonstrated outside the prison, demanding answers from authorities regarding claims of drug misuse within the facility.
At the Social Justice Questions session in the Welsh Parliament on Wednesday, Conservative Senedd member Altaf Hussain expressed concerns about healthcare at Parc. In response, Jane Hutt extended her thoughts to the staff and families affected by the “deeply concerning” deaths in custody earlier this year.
Hutt stated that she met Ian Barrow last month and received “reassurances on the progress made at Parc” since the new director’s appointment. “My understanding from that meeting is that Parc has made considerable progress since the spring,” she added. “It’s now much more stable.”
She confirmed her upcoming visit to the prison with Lord Timpson on 30 September.
HMP Parc is one of the UK’s largest category B prisons, housing convicted male adult and young offenders, as well as convicted sex offenders or those awaiting trial for sex offences.
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