January

The month began as 2015 had ended – with torrential rain disrupting the Pembrokeshire football and rugby programmes.

On one Saturday, it was a real mud-bath at Bierspool as Pembroke Dock Harlequins v St Davids was the only game to survive the weather, with The Quins winning 31-0.

The rain had barely lifted by the end of the month, but Milford Haven got their game against arch rivals Neyland on at the second time of asking, and won 17-0 to keep the pressure on Division Three West A leaders Haverfordwest.

In the Championship, Narberth were given a rude awakening with 51-0 home defeat by runaway leaders Merthyr, while in Division One West, Whitland deepened Tenby’s relegation woes with a 21-6 success at Heywood Lane.

At international level, Rob Evans regained his place in the Welsh squad for the 2016 RBS Six Nations – but Whitland Ladies player Natalie Walsh just missed selection in the women’s squad after playing in the final trial.

In football, the New Year started well for Haverfordwest County with a 2-1 win at Aberystwyth Town, but they still finished January bottom of the Welsh Premier table and deep in relegation trouble.

Closer to home, Division One leaders Goodwick United joined Hakin, Neyland, and Merlins Bridge in the last 16 of the West Wales Intermediate Cup – and Pembrokeshire made a successful start in the re-formed SB Williams Inter League Competition, winning 7-1 away to Carmarthenshire.

They would go on to win all three games, but missed out on the trophy after being deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.

In indoor cricket, Haverfordwest claimed the Welsh Cup by beating Newport in the final, and in horse racing, Sean Bowen was unseated on Bob Ford in the closing stages of the Welsh Grand National. There was consolation for Bowen though, when he captured the Coral Handicap Hurdle Race on the same day.

February

It was a bittersweet World Bobsleigh Championships for Bruce Tasker, who along with Joel Fearon, produced Great Britain’s best two-man performance for more than 50 years, and yet missed out on bronze by two-tenths of a second in Austria.

There was cup drama aplenty in local football as Goodwick overcame Hakin to make the quarter finals of the Senior Cup, winning 6-5 penalties after the tie had finished 3-3.

In the second round of the Senior Cup, Hundleton and Fishguard Sports caused shocks by knocking out Tenby and West Dragons respectively, while Liam Cullen scored for Wales under 17s in their 3-0 win in Slovenia.

Milford Haven Golf Club’s Simon Nicholas was named Volunteer of the Year at the Golf Union of Wales dinner in Celtic Manor, while Alex O’Sullivan starred as Merlins Bridge ABC put on an excellent night of boxing, the youngster beating Lewis Bagley.

David Jackson won the gruelling Ras Dewi Sant Coastal Marathon in 3:42:27, while after two years of deliberation, former Pembrokeshire Harrier David Omoregie was recognised as joint under 17 world record holder for 60 metre hurdles.

Henry Durrant, of Neyland, handed over a cheque of £10,600 to Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru after an amazing fundraising effort that saw him run seven marathons in seven days, and Strength Academy Wales (SAW) members won a host of medals at the Welsh Schools' Weightlifting Championships.

In rugby, Rob Evans and Wales set up a huge clash against England by drawing in Ireland and beating France and Scotland, and Crymych’s Ifan Phillips made his Welsh Under 16s debut in a win in Ireland.

Closer to home, there was glory for Preseli School as their under 16s won the prestigious Millfield 7s.

There was a local winner of the Welsh Air Ambulance Open Fishing event at Amroth, with Lamphey’s Haydn Cole topping a strong field.

March

Haverfordwest Cricket Club made a first appearance at Lord’s after making the final four of the UK Indoor Cricket finals – only to be beaten by Essex based Belhus in their semi-final.

It was Neyland A who claimed the Pembrokeshire indoor title.

Ben Llewellin won World Championship silver in the Olympic Skeet discipline of Clay Pigeon shooting in Cyprus, denied gold after a sudden-death shoot out.

The battle between Goodwick and Hakin United was dominating local football, with the pair beating Milford United and Johnston respectively to set up a clash in the Senior Cup final, while at the same time fighting for the Division One title.

The Phoenix Boys also beat Ystradgynlais 3-0 to make the final four of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

At the other end of the table, Milford United beat Herbrandston 4-2 as the latter looked increasingly likely to be relegated with St Clears.

Another team heading down appeared to be Haverfordwest, whose 2-1 home loss against Carmarthen Town in the ‘A40’ derby made their task of Welsh Premier survival almost impossible.

In women’s football, Welsh international Angharad James moved to Notts County from Bristol City.

There was no Six Nations glory for Wales after losing to England at Twickenham before finishing the Championship by hammering Italy, while a host of Pembrokeshire players helped both the Scarlets Ladies and Under 18 sides win their respective regional Championships.

In Division Three West A, Pembroke beat the Quins 25-5 at Crickmarren in another fierce derby, but it was Haverfordwest who beat Milford Haven 23-8 to move within a win of the title.

In Division Two West, Fishguard moved closer to safety with a 17-7 win in Llanybydder, but in Division One West, Tenby plunged towards relegation with a 41-0 loss at Waunarlwydd.

There was more recognition for SAW as Chloe Hood won silver in the British Under 15 Weightlifting Championships.

April

The Grand National at Aintree didn’t go to plan for Rebecca Curtis, with both her runners, O’Faolain’s Boy and Romford Pele, failing to make the finish line.

Jockey Sean Bowen did enjoy a better day, riding 40-1 outshot Just a Par to 15th place.

Goodwick United claimed the Senior Cup as Johnny Horgan’s second half winner gave them the glory against Hakin, and they also made the final of the West Wales Intermediate Cup with a superb display to beat Cwmfelin Press 5-1 at Stebonheath Park.

However, it was The Vikings who seemingly took charge in the title race with a late Adam Davies goal giving them a 3-2 away win over The Phoenix Boys.

In the Second Division Cup, Tom Glover’s strike sealed the cup for Clarbeston Road as they overcame Monkton Swifts 3-2.

Haverfordwest County had their relegation from the Welsh Premier League confirmed with a 5-2 loss to Bangor.

In rugby, four penalties from Mike Jones saw Haverfordwest beat Cardigan 12-9 win take the Division Three West A title, while in the Championship, Narberth were left sweating after a 32-27 defeat at home to Tata Steel put them third bottom of the table.

There was mixed cup results at Whitland, with the men’s side seeing their Principality Stadium hopes ended with a late 26-22 Swalec Plate loss to Cwmllynfell, but their women’s side reached the WRU Super Cup final by hammering Pontyclun Falcons 31-12.

The Pembrokeshire cricket season also got underway, with Narberth making a winning start to life back in Division One by beating Llanrhian by nine wickets.

Andrew Salter signed a new three year contract at Glamorgan, while Kilgetty pair Toby Poole and Jack Parkinson won Wales Under 18 College caps.

But there was also sad news, with former Neyland cricketer Jack Capon dying at the age of 71.

In snooker, the Balfour A claimed the Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup.

May

The month belonged to Goodwick United, who became the first ever Pembrokeshire side to win a Senior Cup, West Wales Intermediate Cup, and Division One treble.

The Phoenix Boys beat Morriston Olympic 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium to complete their cup double, and then went into the final game of the Pembrokeshire League season at The Obs needing just a point for the title, after Hakin lost their penultimate game at Merlins Bridge.

Trailing 1-0 to a Nicky Woodrow goal, Kieran O’Brien’s deflected header sealed history for Goodwick in front of a huge crowd.

It was Herbrandston and St Clears who were relegated, to be replaced by Division Two champions Monkton Swifts and Lamphey.

Broad Haven, Pennar 3rds and Lamphey 2nds were crowned Third, Fourth, and Fifth Division Cup winners respectively.

Haverfordwest County meanwhile, announced a new look coaching team of Sean Cresser, Chris O’Sullivan – who had been instrumental in Goodwick’s success, and Micky Ellis.

In rugby, Crymych claimed the Pembrokeshire KO Cup by beating Tenby United 36-17, while the club also won the Junior Union (second team) and Griffiths (Under 18s) cup trophies. Furthermore, the Preseli Lambs claimed the Newport 7s title.

Tenby were relegated from Division One West, a 31-33 defeat to Gowerton ensuring they lost every league game.

Narberth beat Beddau 55-26 to secure Championship safety, while Fishguard retained their place in Division Two West by beating Amman United 27-26.

Pembrokeshire Youth won the Wynne Lloyd Memorial Cup, beating Bridgend Youth 27-17 in the final at Cardiff Arms Park.

In Ladies rugby, Whitland Ladies were beaten 51-8 in their Super Cup final by Skewen at Bedwas, but their Under 18 Girls won their final on the same day, beating Cardiff Harlequins 10-7.

Haverfordwest Ladies won promotion to the WRU Women’s Division One with a 21-16 win at Ynysbwl.

In cricket, Haverfordwest struck an early blow in the title race by beating rivals Neyland by five wickets – and in boxing, Merlins Bridge ABC put on another successful show at Letterston Community Hall.

In snooker, Gareth Aries was crowned county singles champions, Terry McBride and Simon Pearce won the doubles – and in surfing, there was a great show from Pembrokeshire competitors at the Welsh National Championships at Freshwater West.

June

Joe Allen became a national treasure as the former Ysgol Y Preseli pupil was pivotal to Wales’ historic Euro 2016 campaign.

The midfielder was superb as Chris Coleman’s side topped a group that included England, Slovakia and Russia – and then went on to beat Northern Ireland and most famously, Belgium, before a semi-final defeat against Portugal.

After the tournament, Allen would go on to leave Liverpool for Stoke City.

In cricket, Adam Chandler cemented a brilliant start to the season with 123 not out against Johnston to send Cresselly top of the table, although they soon lost that position to Neyland, who beat them by six wickets at The Athletic Club.

Both sides however, moved into the final of the DR Morris Cup – while Llangwm, St Ishmaels, Neyland and Haverfordwest all made the semi-finals of the Harrison Allen Bowl, although the latter’s progress was soon to become the subject of much controversy.

The rugby season continued as Crymych Youth beat Neyland Youth 22-0 to add the Pembrokeshire Youth Cup to their League and Griffiths Cup trophies, whilst Josh Macleod joined Rhys Fawcett in representing Wales in the Under 20s World Cup in Manchester.

In boxing, Charlene Jones was crowned the Great Britain Elite Women’s 60kg Champion in Scotland.

Elsewhere, Tenby’s Oliver Simon won the Swansea Sprint Triathlon, Jodie Hughes rode a 60th career winner aboard Agarmore at Trecoed, and the West Wales Disability Festival at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre was a huge success.

July

The showpiece event of Pembrokeshire cricket, the Harrison Allen Bowl, was marred by controversy after it emerged Haverfordwest had fielded an ineligible player in their quarter final win over Pembroke Dock.

Earlier in the summer, the Pembroke County Cricket Club had sent a strong reminder to all clubs that no players who had played elsewhere in cup competitions were eligible for Bowl matches, but then sparked outrage by reversing their own rules to allow The Town to remain in the competition.

The issue tainted a magnificent final, as a second innings century from Simon Holliday, and a five wicket haul from Adam James in Cresselly’s run chase, edged The Town home by five runs.

Saundersfoot beat Llechryd to win the Alan Brown Cup, while Carew moved to within one win of the National Village Cup final by beating Newton Linford - but would later miss out on an appearance at Lord's with defeat against Sessay.

The Tenby Long Course weekend again attracted an array of international athletes, with Sweden’s Marcus Hultgren and South Africa’s Tracy Markham the men’s and women’s winners.

In athletics, 15-year-old Lucy Davies broke a national record on her way to Welsh Schools 1500m Steeplechase gold - while Pembrokeshire Harriers Lydia Thomas, Abbie Williams, Shaun Zygadlo, Lucy Davies, and Aaron John all competed for Wales in the SIAB Track and Field international in Kent.

Shooter Martin Myers was second in the CPSA World Championships in High Wycombe - while in boccia, Jacob Thomas won the British Championship for his class in Surrey.

In rugby, former St Davids RFC player Roland Phillips was named new Wales Women’s coach, while Tregaron were surprisingly confirmed as the new team in the Division Three West A ‘Pembrokeshire’ league.

Young boxer Alex O’Sullivan further enhanced his reputation with bronze in the British Schoolboys Tri Nations Championships, and Joe Allen saw his form in Euro 2016 rewarded when he was announced in the UEFA team of the tournament.

Finally, there was fantastic news for Jasmine Joyce and James ‘Cubby’ Davies, who learnt they had been selected to represent Team GB in the Men’s and Women’s Olympic 7s event in Rio de Janeiro.

August

Sure enough, Olympic fever gripped the United Kingdom, least of all in Pembrokeshire, where both Joyce and Davies made history.

Former Ysgol Dewi Sant pupil Joyce became the first ever Welsh rugby player to play in the Olympic Games, scoring with her first touch against Brazil, and crossed over again against Canada as Team GB narrowly missed a medal by finishing fourth.

Then it was the turn of ‘Cubby’ and co, and the former Whitland player was one of the stars of the tournament as he helped Team GB win silver, missing gold after defeat in the final against a rampant Fiji.

Both would later return home to hero’s receptions.

In cricket, there was a thrilling finale to Division One as Haverfordwest retained the title by a single point, following their eight wicket win against Lawrenny on the final day.

The club’s third team also beat Whitland to win the Ken Morris Memorial Cup, and their youngsters beat Carew to claim the Ormond Youth Cup.

Whitland 2nds beat Carew 2nds to retain the Alec Colley Cup, and Hook Ladies beat their counterparts from Johnston to claim the Skelfayre Cup.

Llanrhian and Narberth were relegated from Division One, with Division Two champions Kilgetty and Pembroke replacing them.

The football season got back underway with Hakin (Joe Lennon Memorial Cup), Fishguard Sports (John Bailey Cup) and Merlins Bridge (Eddie Merry Cup) all claiming annual pre-season trophies, and Goodwick United then picked up where they left off from the previous season by beating Hakin 4-2 in the Jubilee Cup.

However, Nigel Delaney’s men would then lose their season opener 3-2 at Merlins Bridge.

A new look Haverfordwest County began life back in Division One with a 2-1 loss to Taff’s Well, but soon grabbed their first league win with a 2-1 success at Ton Pentre.

There was a shock in the opening round of the Pembrokeshire KO Cup as holders Crymych lost 14-9 at home to Fishguard - while Marc Hobbs and Amelia Pettit were the first male and female over the line in the Tenby 10K run.

September

Ironman Wales again proved a stunning success as thousands lined the streets of Tenby and beyond to cheer on the athletes.

It was Germany’s Marc Duelsen who was first over the line after completing the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, and 26.2-mile marathon in 09:01:34. American’s Darbie Roberts was the first female finisher.

But another big local event, the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series at Abereiddy, didn’t go to plan with the second day cancelled due to high winds forecast – with organisers choosing to keep the decision secret until midway through day one. In the end, it was Michal Navratil, of the Czech Republic, who was declared the winner after a re-jigged format.

There was elation for Daisy and Sam Coleman, who captured the 2016 National P1 Powerboat Championship after holding their nerve in the final event in Bournemouth, while Paul Heywood captained the Welsh Sporting team in a Home Shooting International in Gloucester.

In golf, Abe Forsyth won the Welsh Under 15s Championships, and the Pembrokeshire County Swimming squad rounded off a super summer with 25 medals at the Swim Water Nationals in Swansea.

In football, it was Hakin who led the way at the end of the month after beating West Dragons 4-1, while Joe Allen struck a first international goal in Wales’ 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Moldova.

It was ‘derby day’ in local rugby as Milford Haven beat Neyland, Pembroke beat The Quins, and Llangwm beat St Davids – while at regional level, both Sam Parry (Ospreys) and Josh Macleod (Scarlets) impressed with their early season Pro 12 form.

The cricket season finally concluded as Haverfordwest beat Neyland in the Jubilee Cup, although the latter won a fourth straight DR Morris Cup by beating Cresselly in a re-arranged final.

Kilgetty Cougars Under 19s were crowned Pembrokeshire T20 champions after ‘Finals Day’ at Hook.

October

What should have been a great night for boxer Dale Evans turned to tragedy after he beat Mike Towell in a British Welterweight title eliminator fight in Glasgow.

Towell, who it later emerged had gone into the fight with a pre-existing brain bleed, died afterwards – and Evans, who won praise for the dignified manner in which he handled himself in the aftermath, later vowed to win the title in honour of his late opponent.

In Kona, Hawaii, Claire Stubbs and Janet Hannaford both did Pembrokeshire proud as they completed the course in the Ironman World Championships – and Jason Davies came through the final round at Pembrey to seal the Welsh Sports and Saloon Car Championship.

In weightlifting, there was more success for SAW as Anita Madan was crowned British champion at Under 20s level – while Sir Thomas Picton School played host to a successful Pembrokeshire Schools' Championships.

The SB Williams Competition re-started with a late Chris Ormond goal giving Pembrokeshire a 3-2 win over Carmarthenshire, and Fishguard coach Matthew ‘Minty’ Lamb picked up the prestigious FAW Community Coach of the Year award.

The Meads Squash Club in Milford were named WSRB Squash Club of the Year at an awards ceremony in Cardiff.

November

The tenth annual Sport Pembrokeshire Awards took place at Folly Farm, Kilgetty, after a record number of nominations.

It was Geraint John who took home the Lifetime Achievement Award, as recognition for his services to rugby union.

Goodwick exited the West Wales Intermediate Cup and FAW Trophy at the hands of Seven Sisters and Pencoed Athletic respectively.

However, The Phoenix Boys did make the last four of the Senior Cup to set up a clash with Clarbeston Road, while Hakin will the play the winners of Merlins Bridge or Prendergast Villa.

In the league, The Vikings continued their unbeaten run as Nicky Woodrow scored seven times in a 9-0 win at Neyland.

Joe Allen meanwhile, was voted Welsh Supporters’ Player of the Year, and Players’ Player of the Year, at the FAW awards.

In rugby, Tenby United, Aberystwyth, and Cardigan all made the last four of the Pembrokeshire KO Cup, with the outcome of the Milford Haven v Whitland quarter final, postponed twice by The Mariners, to be decided.

2012 Paralympian Jacob Thomas announced his retirement from boccia, while Adam Chandler received the George Cole Cup for the best Pembrokeshire cricketer of 2016.

But there was sad news for local cricket fans with the death of Peter Hall, 69, widely considered one of Pembrokeshire’s best ever players.

December

Nick Evans was rewarded for decades of dedication when we was awarded the Lifetime Community Achievement honour at the Welsh Sports Awards in Sophia Gardens, in recognition for his services to cricket.

Haverfordwest County reached the last 16 of the Welsh Cup with a 1-0 win over Afan Lido, while a 5-2 win over Tenby meant Merlins Bridge topped Pembrokeshire’s Division One at Christmas, albeit having played more games than Hakin who begin 2017 with a perfect nine from nine record.

Meanwhile, West Dragons and Neyland became the county’s last representatives in the West Wales Intermediate Cup, winning through to the last 16.

In rugby, it was a great month for Milford who made the last 16 of the National Bowl with a 14-12 win over Nantgaredig, and then went top of Division Three West A after completing a 30-23 derby win over Neyland.

There was a shock though in another local derby, as The Quins beat Pembroke 7-0 at Cricmarren.

In Division One West, Crymych beat Whitland 27-10 to leave the latter in relegation trouble, and in Division Two West, Fishguard overcame Haverfordwest 11-3 in another vital battle to avoid the drop. The Blues did at least have something to cheer on Boxing Day, beating Llangwm 21-9 to retain the Bishop Cup.

High flying Narberth came close to ending Pontypool’s unbeaten Championship run, edged out 18-13 at the Lewis Lloyd Memorial Ground,

Again a heavy Pembrokeshire contingent helped the Scarlets Ladies to the Regional Championship - whilst in judo, Matthew Wade competed in the Welsh Closed Championships 90kg class and won gold.

David 'one more' Round confirmed his retirement after an action packed MMA career, but vowed to continue fighting at K1 level.