January

The year started with joy aplenty ‘Down the Quay’, as Tobefair, a horse owned by a syndicate based at The Cresselly Arms, won the £20,000 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle to qualify for the famous Cheltenham Festival.

In football, Hakin United ended the month top of Division One after crucial wins over Merlins Bridge (4-1) and Goodwick United (2-1), the latter via a last minute Adam John goal. All three of those sides also won through to the semi-finals of the Senior Cup, and were joined by Division Two team Clarbeston Road.

And Pembrokeshire football showcased its strength by winning the SB Williams Inter League trophy, as winning goals from Ben Steele and Tony Evans secured narrow 1-0 wins away to the Neath and Swansea League sides respectively. Having beaten the Carmarthenshire League 3-2 earlier in the campaign, it meant the side coached by Gary Dawes, Steve Briers and Ian Baker ended with a perfect nine points from nine.

In rugby, Cardigan and Milford Haven moved within two wins of the Principality Stadium as they set up a quarter final clash with each other in the WRU National Bowl – but in Division Three West A it was St Clears who moved top with a 21-15 win away to The Mariners.

In Division Two West, Fishguard dented the title hopes of Tenby United by beating them 20-18 at The Moors, and in the Championship, Narberth moved second after seeing off Glamorgan Wanderers 34-11.

Rob Evans was selected in the Wales squad for the Six Nations, whilst Jasmine Joyce followed up her Rio Olympics 7s success by being named in the women’s squad.

Zak Wilson was the winner of the 15th Wales Air Ambulance Open Beach Fishing Event at Amroth - and Neyland Cricket Club beat Gorseinon and Ynystawe to be again crowned Welsh Indoor League champions.

But January ended on a tragic note for local cricket, following the sudden death of Narberth stalwart Chris Richards, aged 53.

February

History was made at the Pembrokeshire Powerlifting Club in Pembroke Dock, as the venue was used to host the first ever Welsh qualifier for a European Championships, as lifters vied for a place in the latter event in Finland.

There was a big shock in the Senior Cup semi-final as holders Goodwick were beaten by Clarbie Road, with goals from Jason Griffiths and Josh Wood giving them a 2-1 win. In the same week, treble-winning manager Nigel Delaney left The Phoenix Boys – while Merlins Bridge took the other final spot as a Will Haworth hat trick inspired them to a 6-2 win over Hakin.

The Vikings did however inflict a 12-0 defeat on rock bottom Johnston in Division One, who also lost 13-0 to Monkton as they plummeted towards relegation – and in the West Wales Cup the West Dragons became Pembrokeshire’s only surviving team as they won 3-1 at Cwm Wanderers to reach the last eight.

In Welsh League Division One, it was tremendous month for Haverfordwest County, who had Ashley Bevan in inspired form as they kept up their title charge with wins over Penybont, Monmouth Town, Goytre and Afan Lido.

There was also a nice surprise for the junior girls at Fishguard AFC when Ryan Giggs dropped in on a session to help promote the FAW Community Coach of the Year Award.

In rugby, it was Cardigan who made the last four of the Bowl by beating Milford 16-6, while Tenby won through to the Pembrokeshire KO Cup final to face Aberystwythwith a 16-6 success over Whitland.

And there was a special night in St Davids, as Fishguard beat the hosts in an over 35s match that raised money for local youngster Tilly Morgan, to help aid her recovery from leukemia.

In squash, the annual Pembrokeshire Open was a big success at The Meads, with Nick Dyer the main winner, whilst SAW weightlifters Chloe Hood and James Hart both won gold at the British Youth Weightliting Championships in Yorkshire.

Also, Neyland’s hopes of an appearance and the National Indoor Cricket finals at Lord’s were ended by a play-off defeat to Burghill, Tillington and Weobley – and the Pembrokeshire Harriers won 12 Gold, nine Silver, and four Bronze medals at the West Wales Indoor Championships in Swansea.

March

It proved a magical visit to Mumbai for powerboat siblings Sam and Daisy Coleman, who returned from India having captured the NEXA P1 Indian Grand Prix of the Seas World Championship title.

Tobefair made his highly anticipated appearance at the Cheltenham Festival, with the 10-1 outshot, ridden by Trevor Whelan, finishing 22nd in the televised Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle.

But in sadder racing news, Tenby’s John Mathias was forced to retire on medical grounds at the age of 26, having ridden 215 winners in his career.

In football, a late Ryan Wilson goal gave Hakin a 1-1 draw with champions Goodwick at The Obs, keeping The Vikings in control of the title race – and the Division Two Cup went the way of Merlins Bridge 2nds, as goals from Dan Bryce and Ashley Prior gave them a 2-0 win over Hundleton on the Bridge Meadow.

Haverfordwest County meanwhile, saw a great run of form in Welsh League Division One ended with a 5-1 loss at Goytre – and at 22, Angharad James became the youngest female to 50 Welsh international caps as she played in her country’s 0-0 draw with Czech Republic in an international tournament in Cyprus.

In rugby, both Rob Evans and Jasmine Joyce finished their Six Nations campaigns with Wales, but both the men and woman’s side could only finish fifth in their respective tables.

Closer to home, Cardigan’s Principality Stadium hopes were ended with a 29-3 National Bowl semi-final defeat against Amman United, and Llangwm finished their Division Three West A campaign with a 13-8 home win over Pembroke Dock Quins.

In the Championship, Narberth took a big step towards a second placed finish with a 73-17 hammering of Dunvant, but in Divisions One and Two West respectively, both Whitland and Haverfordwest headed towards relegation with The Borderers finishing the month with a crucial 35-32 loss at Gorseinon, and The Blues hammered 43-10 by Tenby United.

In boxing, Cardigan ABC twins Ioan and Garan Croft both won their junior categories in the Welsh Championships in Swansea, whilst in angling, Lamphey’s Haydn Cole won the Gold Pin a the EFSA Wales Shore Championships.

Also, talented hockey player Ollie Wheeler starred for South Wales Under 16s in their 4-2 win over North Wales - and Thomas Carroll Insurance were confirmed as the new sponsors of the Pembroke County Cricket Club League.

April

There were celebrations for Hakin United and Merlins Bridge as they captured the Division One title and Senior Cup respectively.

The Vikings sealed their 17th top flight title with a 2-0 win over Carew, thanks to goals from Nicky Woodrow and Gareth Fawcett, whilst The Wizards claimed the cup for the eighth time as strikes from Joe Leahy and Chris Ormond saw them prevail 2-1 against Clarbie Road on The Meadow.

The latter were however promoted as champions from Division Two, joined by runners up Herbrandston, to replace relegated duo Narberth and already relegated Johnston. Although that was to change…..

There was also silverware for Broad Haven who beat Kilgetty 1-0 in the Third Division Cup final, Lamphey 2nds prevailed by the same score against Pennar 3rds in the Fourth Division final, and Monkton 2nds saw of Hundleton 2nds 3-1 in the Fifth Division final.

Haverfordwest County finished a creditable fourth in the Welsh League Division One after a 2-1 win over Undy Athletic, but lost a bizarre League Cup semi-final to Bridgend Street, going down 5-4 on penalties after it finished 5-5 after 120 minutes.

The Bluebirds Academy also suffered penalty heartbreak, losing the FAW Academy finishing 1-1 with Cefn Druids after normal time in Newtown – only to then be confirmed winners after it emerged their opponents played an ineligible player.

In rugby, Narberth finished second in the Championship, while in Division One West Crymych beat rivals Whitland 13-8 to send The Borderers down. There was also relegation in Division Two West for Haverfordwest, who finished a miserable campaign with a 105-0 loss at Tycroes.

St Clears were crowned Division Three West A champions a week after a Jake Isles try gave them a 7-0 win over Cardigan – whilst at youth level, Neyland Under 19s won the Scarlets Regional league.

And there was joy for Ysgol Y Preseli Under 16s, who beat Ystalyfera 31-5 at Parc y Scarlets to win the Welsh Schools Final - but it was also a sombre month for local rugby following the death of local refereeing stalwart Keith Bryant.

Neyland A claimed the Pembrokeshire Indoor Cricket League title after beating Haverfordwest A in the decider, and the summer season also got underway with half centuries from Kyle and Kurtis Marsh giving Kilgetty a winning start to life back in Division One against Pembroke.

Elsewhere, James Bevan won the Under 21s British Quad Championship in Northern Ireland, Matthew and Abbie Williams captained the Dyfed Schools Cross Country team to Welsh Inter District Championship success, and Matthew Johnson represented Wales at junior level in the UK Climbing finals in Edinburgh.

The Bowen family were elated as jockey Sean rode 40-1 outshot Henlla Harri, trained by dad Peter, to glory at the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, and a bumper crowd enjoyed the Easter Monday point to point meeting at Lydstep.

The Pembrokeshire County Swimming (PCS) squad performed strongly at the Welsh Championships, winning three gold, 10 silver, and three bronze medals - and in snooker, Power Station A were crowned Pembrokeshire Division One winners, and Cons A claimed the Second Division title.

May

It was a fantastic month for Tenby United RFC, who won the Division Two West title with a huge 53-5 win at Pontyberem, before also claiming the Pembrokeshire KO Cup with an enthralling 21-17 success over Aberystwth in Crymych.

At regional level, James Davies and Rob Evans were both outstanding as the Scarlets beat Munster 46-22 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin to win the Guinness Pro12 title, whilst Natalie Walsh and Kate Thicker helped the ladies side to the National Regional 7s crown at Parc Y Scarlets.

Scott Jenkins and Ryan Conbeer were named in the Wales squad for the Under 20s World Cup - and back in Pembrokeshire, Neyland Youth added the cup to their league title by beating Narberth 11-10, Crymych took the Under 18s Griffiths Cup by hammering Haverfordwest 54-3, and the Gogerddan Raiders won the annual Newport 7s.

It cricket, Carew ended the month top of Division One after superb back to back wins over Haverfordwest and Neyland, but it was Johnston’s Daniel Sutton who grabbed the headlines with three centuries in four games.

For Glamorgan, former Tish player Andrew Salter notched his highest first class score, hitting 75 against Durham at St Helens.

There were still ends to tie up in local football, as Hakin United Under 16s completed a brilliant Pembrokeshire League, Pembrokeshire Cup, and West Wales Cup treble, and there was a special night for local referee Tom Bevan, who took charge of the senior West Wales Cup final between CRC Rangers and Team Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

In athletics, James Tomlinson broke the British Under 18s discus record at an international event in Loughborough, throwing 63.48 metres, and Newport Links golfer Carys Worby was selected for the GB and Ireland Under 16s team to face Europe in the Vagliano Trophy in Italy.

Milford Haven club members Kevin John (silver) and Rowland Adams (gold) returned from the Welsh Karate League meeting in Neath with medals - while Pembrokeshire Special Needs Gymnastics members Lydia James, Josh Critten, Jemma Bowie-Hallam, Leon Davies, and Adele Bevan were all chosen to represent Wales at the Special Olympics.

Once again, the Tour of Pembrokeshire was a huge success with hundreds of cyclists setting off from Crug Glas Country House Hotel to tackle either 50, 75, or 100 mile routes.

June

We reached the halfway point of the Pembroke County Cricket Club season, and despite a century from Adam Chandler giving Cresselly a six wicket win over Carew – it was the latter who finished the month 17 points clear of their rivals at the top of Division One.

Rock bottom Pembroke meanwhile, already appeared doomed, 53 points off safety – while Llangwm led the title race in Division Two.

Neyland, Cresselly, Haverfordwest, and Whitland all won through to the semi-finals of the Harrison Allen Bowl – and in Division Five there was a surprise one off appearance from Mike Phillips, who returned to his roots with Whitland 3rds.

In surfing, Harry Cromwell, Ryan Thomas, and Jo Dennison all represented Wales in the ISA World Championships in France, helping their country finish 28th overall - and there was more success for the PCS squad who notched a host of medals and personal bests at the Cardiff International Open meeting.

In weightlifting, SAW members Chloe Hood (Gold), Louis Thomas (Silver) and James Hart (Bronze) all won medals with Wales at the Junior Battle in Austria - and it was a proud day for the Tenby Aces as triathletes Paul Slack, Vicky Jones, Richard Gardiner, Ian Vickery (all GB) and Anto O’Hara (Ireland) all took part in the European Middle Distance Championships.

The Bowen family had further success, this time through 16-year-old James, who broke the British record for point to point victories for a novice rider.

In football, joint manager Chris O’Sullivan stepped down from Haverfordwest County due to work commitments, with the returning Tim Hicks appointed as his replacement, while club players Sean Pemberton and Ricky Watts were named in the Welsh League Division One team of the season.

In rugby, Ryan Conbeer and Scott Jenkins did indeed make their Under 20s World Cup bows for Wales in Georgia, but the squad’s hopes of success were ended by group defeats against England and Australia.

July

There was a nervous wait for David Omoregie before he was selected for the Team GB squad for the IAAF World Championships in London to compete in the 110 metre hurdles – while his former club, Pembrokeshire Harriers, had 20 athletes representing Dyfed in the Welsh Athletics Championships.

In triathlon, Abbie Williams won team gold at the European Youth Championships and at the Tenby Long Course Weekend, Sweden’s Marcus Hultgren retained his overall title

And it was a case of another year, another epic Harrison Allen Bowl final, as Neyland faced Cresselly.

Neyland won their semi-final against Whitland to get there, whilst Cresselly beat Haverfordwest after ‘super overs’ in one of the most amazing knockout games seen in Pembrokeshire cricket.

And on the big day it was Sean Hannon’s side who edged the hosts by 10 runs, thanks to a brutal second innings partnership of 151 between man of the match Paul Murray and Nick Koomen.

In the DR Morris final, skipper Iestyn Scourfield starred as Whitland beat Haverfordwest by 35 runs, Hook claimed the Alan Brown Cup with a 10 wicket success against Laugharne, and in ladies cricket, Hook beat Burton to win the Skelfayre Cup.

Carew hammered Haverfordwest by nine wickets to move a step closer to the Division One title, and Llangwm did the same in Division Two after a 17 run win over second placed Narberth.

Pembrokeshire College students Lleucu George (bronze in rugby 7s), James Tomlinson (silver in javelin) and James Probert (silver in boxing) all won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas, and boxer Dale Evans saw his British Welterweight title hopes ended with a unanimous points defeat to Bradley Skeete in London.

Milford fighter David Round won a professional K1 title after beating Craig Hastings in Swansea, while there was great homecoming for Sam and Daisy Coleman with victory in the P1 Welsh GP of the Season in Milford Haven.

In football there was shock as Tenby withdrew both their sides from the Pembrokeshire League, meaning Narberth stayed up in Division One – and 18-year-old Liam Cullen returned from the Toulon Under 20s tournament with Wales and signed a new contract with Swansea City.

August

It was built up as an epic title decider, but the final day clash between Carew and Cresselly was clouded by controversy when Carew skipper Brian Hall responded to being put into bat by declaring his side’s innings on 18 for 1, meaning their rivals could not gain enough points to overhaul them at the top.

It meant The Rooks claimed the Division One title, but the incident went viral and was hotly debated – and the saga wasn’t to end there.

At the time it appeared Kilgetty would join Pembroke in relegation from the top flight, with Division Two champions Llangwm and Burton replacing them.

A combined Carew/Saundersfoot side were crowned Ormond Youth champions, with Hook/Llangwm winning the Plate – and Lawrenny 2nds overcame Whitland 2nds in the Alec Colley Cup final.

The annual pre-season football clashes got underway, with two goals from Ryan Wilson seeing Hakin beat Merlins Bridge 3-2 in the Jubilee Cup, whilst The Vikings also beat Milford United 4-1 in the Joe Lennon Cup final.

Llandysul beat The Wizards 2-1 to win the Eddie Merry Cup, and Goodwick won their John Bailey tournament by beating Clarbie Road on penalties. The Phoenix Boys also joined Bridge and Hakin in winning their first round FAW Trophy matches.

And the first ever Bluestone Foundation League had a fitting finale as West Dragons played the tournament organisers in a grand final on the Meadow, and despite a late Bluestone cameo from Lee Trundle, the Dragons won on penalties after an epic game finished 3-3.

David Omoregie’s first ever World Championships ended in agony as he narrowly missed second round qualification after finishing sixth in his heat – whilst the Pembrokeshire Harriers won the annual Gerald Codd Memorial trophy.

James Carpenter and Emma Picton-Jones were the male and female winners of the Tenby 10K race, and golfer Luke Harries was crowned Welsh Boys champion.

And although Wales did not qualify from their group, it was a special time at the Women’s Rugby World Cup for Jasmine Joyce and Lleucu George. Joyce crossed for a try against Hong Kong whilst at just 17, the previously uncapped George made an historic debut against New Zealand, becoming her country’s youngest ever player to appear at the tournament.

There was also international rugby recognition for Kelmsley Mathias, who played for Wales Under 18s in a tournament in South Africa against the hosts, England, and France.

September

The now annual spectacular Ironman Wales came to Tenby, with Australian Cameron Wurf the first over the line in 9:07:30 in front of thousands of partisan fans. England’s Lucy Gossage won the woman’s race in 10:11:20.

Carew’s declaration continued to make news and after being charged with bringing the Pembroke County Cricket Club into disrepute, and The Rooks were allowed to keep their title but at the same time, were relegated to Division Two, fined £300, and their skipper Hall was banned from the 2018 season, with part of that suspended. It meant Kilgetty were spared top flight relegation.

In Under 19s T20 cricket, the Cleddau Crusaders saw their national cup campaign actually boosted by rain, as they won ‘bowl offs’ after abandoned games against Clydach and Pwllelli respectively. That set up a Swalec Stadium final with Maesteg – but the weather also scuppered that with the clash now set to take place before the 2018 season.

At the Natwest T20 finals day, Andrew Salter's late blast of 27 wasn't quite enough for Glamorgan, as they mised out on the final after falling 11 runs short in their run chase against the Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston.

The local football season was soon back in full swing, with the West Dragons stunning both Hakin and Goodwick by beating them 2-1 in the league and Senior Cup respectively – and Clarbie Road continued a good start to life back in the top flight by beating Neyland 10-2.

At Over 40s level, The Vikings started well in their Welsh League campaign, going top after a 3-2 win over Trefelin – and in Welsh League Division One, Haverfordwest County made a statement of intent with a 3-1 win over Llanelli Town.

Both Joe Allen and Angharad James were honoured at the FAW Awards – with Allen voted the Supporters’ Player of the Year , and newly signed Everton Ladies midfielder James awarded the Women’s Player’s Player of the Year.

And there was also deserved reward for Angela Nicholls, who received the Lifetime Achievement honour at the FAW Trust McDonald’s Community Football Awards for 2017.

In rugby, there were some fierce local derbies as in Division Three West A Milford Haven won 15-8 at Neyland, Pembroke beat The Quins 41-14, and St Davids notched a first league win in over a year by beating Llangwm 17-12. In Division Two West, Whitland beat St Clears 31-10.

Kayaker Gabrielle Ridge won a team silver at the World Junior and Under 23 Championships in Slovakia, and Pembroke’s Chris Barker received the Welsh Squash Coach of the Year in Cardiff.

Martin Mayers won the British Open Sporting Gun Championships at Market Drayton, and the PCS squad landed 22 medals, including 10 gold, at the Swim Wales Summer Open.

There was a special celebration for the six Pembrokeshire Special Needs Gymnastics Club members who returned from the Special Olympics in Sheffield with 26 medals between them - and Merlins Bridge ABC boxer Mickey Mcdonagh enhanced his growing reputation with a tournament win in Bosnia while representing the GB Elite Senior Squad.

In golf, Haverfordwest Tigers won the Dyfed League Division Two title after beating Glynhir in the final match of the season.

OCTOBER

It was a busy month for Rudbaxton’s dual sportsman Ben Llewellin, who was first crowned MSA Junior British Rallycross champion – before winning a silver medal at the ISSF World Cup final in New Delhi, India.

And to add to the family prestige his dad David was honoured at the Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – named as one of the ten ‘Welsh Rally Legends’.

There was World Cup heartbreak for Wales and Joe Allen, as a 1-0 home defeat to the Republic of Ireland cost them a play-off place, and in the West Wales Cup, Chris O’Sullivan’s stunning late free kick earned Goodwick a 3-2 FAW Trophy win over Penlan Club.

Haverfordwest County continued their solid start, winning 3-0 at Briton Ferry Llansawel to move top of the table, while two of their youngsters, Alaric Jones and Charlie Davies, were named in the Welsh Academy under 18s squad.

But the Pembrokeshire League squad started the defence of their SB Williams title with a defeat, losing 5-3 away to the Carmarthenshire League.

In Kona, Hawaii, Narberth’s Celia Boothman completed the course in the Ironman World Championships 11:09:22, finishing 33rd in the women’s 40-44 years category – and Just Tri head coach Sion Jenkins was named Welsh Triathlon Children’s Coach of the Year for 2017.

In rugby, Gethin Davies and Alex Varney represented the Wales Under 18s 7s side in the ‘European International Tournament’ in Heidelberg, Germany – and in Division Two West Whitland went top of the league by winning their top of the table clash 17-6 at home to Hendy. In Division Three West A, Pembroke Dock Harlequins played out a fierce 14-14 home draw with Haverfordwest.

A strong Pembrokeshire Harriers team, led by coach Peter Freeman, travelled to Cardiff to compete at the British Cross Country Challenge, and excelled with Lucy Davies winning Gold in the women’s under 20s race – and more than 1,000 children from 50 schools took part in the Pembrokeshire Primary Schools Cross Country Championships.

Daniel Triggs was the first athlete home in the Pembrokeshire Half Marathon in Dale – and the second annual Pembrokeshire Schools Weightlifting Championships took place at Ysgol Bro Gwaun, with the hosts themselves crowned overall team winners.

In cricket, Johnston’s Daniel Sutton was named the George Cole Trophy winner for his outstanding batting throughout 2017, and Broad Haven surfer Seth Morris finished 17th in the under 16 category at the 2017 VISSLA ISA World Junior Surf Championships in Japan.

Milford Haven karate instructor Kevin John won bronze in the IKU World Championships in Ireland in the senior men’s category – and Adrenaline Fight Nights confirmed they would host an MMA show in Tenby in February 2018.

NOVEMBER

It was the news that Bruce Tasker had been waiting for – when it was confirmed the two Russian four man bobsleigh crews that finished above Tasker, Stuart Benson, Joel Fearon, and John Jackson in the 2014 Sochi Olympics had been disqualified for doping offences. Tasker and co are now awaiting confirmation that their fifth placed finish will be upgraded to the bronze medal position of third.

At the annual Sport Pembrokeshire Awards at Folly Farm, 14 award-winners were announced, whilst the Lifetime Achievement honour went to Paralympian Jacob Thomas. Marie Tilley meanwhile, won the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award.

Haverfordwest racing driver Jason Davies was presented with his silverware for retaining the 2017 Welsh Sports and Saloon Car Championship – and former Pembroke pupil Paul Guest created history when he and friend Aaron Rolph rode across 14 countries in seven days.

Hakin, Goodwick, Merlins Bridge and Carew all won through to round three of the West Wales Cup, with The Vikings and Phoenix Boys also reaching the last 16 of the FAW Trophy.

Nathan Greene debuted for West Wales in their 2-1 win over Gwent - and Haverfordwest County continued to fly, hammering Goytre United 7-1 and Caerau Ely 5-0, results that led to boss Sean Cresser being named the Welsh League Division One manager of the month.

In rugby, Pembroke delivered a big blow in the Division Three West A title race as a late Toby Smith try saw them beat Haverfordwest 22-18, and Whitland endured their first defeat in Division Two, going down 19-12 at Mumbles.

In the Autumn internationals, it was an impressive campaign from Rob Evans as Wales beat Georgia and South Africa and yet lost to New Zealand and Australia – and Luke Hamilton made his long awaited debut…..for Scotland! And it was bittersweet for the 25-year-old, who was performing well in his country’s epic 22-17 defeat against the All Blacks before being forced off with injury.

And the last ever first XV match between Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward took place, with STP prevailing 28-17, before also winning the ‘old boys’ match a day later.

The Pembrokeshire Indoor Cricket League took place two months earlier than usual, with Haverfordwest beating Neyland to regain the title – and angler Tina Lustig finished with the Gold Pin at the Welsh Cod (boat) Championships in Birkenhead.

DECEMBER

It was a tremendous month for local boxing, as Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC attended a show in Trostre with Neil John, Dylan Scott, and Ben Steele all recording wins.

Merlins Bridge ABC also enjoyed success with wins at shows for youngsters Nia Smith, Alex O’Sullivan, Thomas Bradford, George Scale, James Griffiths and Lewis Burrows – while Mickey Mcdonagh gained another international tournament win, this time in Finland.

And Cardigan ABC’s twins Ioan and Garan Croft rounded off the most successful year of their careers with a brace of victories against top ranked opponents in Scotland.

But it was another of the town’s sportsmen, darts player Jamie Lewis, who made national news with a great run in the PDC World Championships at the Alexandra Palace – reaching the semi-finals before losing to Phil ‘the power’ Taylor.

In swimming, the PCS squad ended a successful year with 13 medals at the Swim Wales Winter Open in Swansea.

Haverfordwest County were unable to take their league form into the Welsh Cup, surprisingly knocked out 3-1 at Pontypridd Town – and again Hakin, Goodwick, Carew and Merlins Bridge went through in the West Wales Cup, with the former two later learning they would face each other in the last 16 in February.

In Division One, rock bottom Milford United got their long awaited first league win, with a Lewis Tee goal seeing them beat Herbie 2-1 – but both sides face an uphill struggle to avoid relegation in the New Year.

It is Goodwick meanwhile, who head into 2018 top of the table, finishing the season with a 3-0 win over Neyland to go five points clear of Merlins Bridge – with both sides thus far unbeaten in league action.

In rugby, Narberth cemented second place in the Championship after a 54-15 hammering of Beddau was followed by a 26-13 win at Newcastle Emlyn, and in Division Three West A, Pembroke remain in the driving seat after finishing the year with a 38-0 success over neighbours Pembroke Dock Harlequins.

And the Scarlets lie just three wins from the Principality Stadium in the National Bowl, after beating Laugharne 32-22 in the last 16, and Crymych are in the same position in the Plate after an epic 27-25 win over Tondu.

The Preseli Men however, have it all to do to escape Division One West relegation, currently bottom and 10 points off safety.

The Boxing Day Bishop Cup clash saw Haverfordwest overcome a brave Llangwm side 20-7 – and in the Pembrokeshire KO Cup, Tenby and Pembroke Dock Harelquins made it into the semi-finals, with Aberystwyth v Crymych and Pembroke v Fishguard the two outstanding last eight ties.

It was also a festive period to remember for Josh Mcleod, with the youngster scoring a last gasp winning try as the Scarlets beat the Ospreys 12-9.

Whitland RFC’S Tony Bowen and Cardigan’s Graham Rees were honoured for their contribution to the game in Wales as they were presented with a WRU President’s Lifetime Achievement Award - and Natalie Walsh enjoyed an amazing experience at the Women’s International Open 7s tournament in Dubai, playing for the Ponty Butchers team that finished runners up.

Happy New Year to all Telegraph Sport readers - and thankyou for your continued support!