Record crowd at the Bridge Meadow:
Pembrokeshire League treasurer/chairman Keith Scourfield was pleased to report a record crowd on a superbly sunny day at the Bridge Meadow Stadium – and a well-behaved one it was too as both sets of supporters made sure it was a match to remember.
Players played their part
The players also played their part in a match where good sportsmanship was prevalent because there were only two bookings for the Bridge to Chris Ormond (for a clumsy challenge) and Mike Canton (for getting a little too pumped up when he came on as sub!) There was also a high degree of skill, some cracking goals and others caused by basic errors, plenty of swings in fortune and a real treat for the crowd.
Fantastic pitch
The pitch at the Bridge Meadow Stadium looked a real picture and Haverfordwest County groundsman/chairman Rob Summons and his merry men deserve a huge pat on the back. The Pembrokeshire League officials also deserve a mention for their hard work, organised by the afore-mentioned Mr Scourfield and sec Brian Hawkins.
Bridge relax at the Glen and Eddie’s
Merlin’s Bridge had breakfast together at the Glen ( and I promised I wouldn’t mention who ate the most!) followed by a relaxing game of snooker at Eddie’s Snooker Hall.
Vikings chill out as usual:
Hakin boss Gary Dawes decided his team would follow the same pattern as other cup matches and so they just chilled out at home before meeting at the Obs to board their mini-bus and arrive together at the ground.. The ploy certainly worked because Dawsey’s gang just edged through to victory.
Referees meet at the Friars:
Referee Ian Baxter was joined by 13 colleagues for a light lunch at The Friars, who sponsor the refs, and Ian had a very good game in charge with his quiet, but firm, control. He was ably assisted by Steve Williams and Dai Barker, plus fourth official Chris Stapleton. Well done Ian!
Nice pre-match tradition:
It has become a nice pre-match tradition that the teams and officials parade out together before a presentation to league president Eddie Oliver and Tim Green, from sponsors Brains Brewers. It certainly adds something to the occasion!
Pink rosettes for the Wizards
The Bridge supporters had nice pink and blue rosettes, made up by Tina Jones and Sue Thomas, whose sons were involved on the pitch – well done girls!
Jonah plans to carry on...
As was mentioned in our match report, Hakin skipper Paul Jones grabbed two goals to maintain his proud record of scoring in all five rounds and ending up with 12 goals in this season’s competition, a remarkable record of consistency. ‘Jonah’ is now 35 and told pembrokeshiresport.co.uk afterwards that he would be carrying on for another season now!
.... and Man of the match ball!
Paul Jones received another boost, as well as lifting the cup as captain, when he was awarded the Ocky White ‘man of the match’ accolade, the match ball as a memento. There’s life in the old dog yet!
Award for surprised Gary
Gary Dawes has won countless medals as a player with Hakin but the Vikings’ manager had a pleasant surprise after the match when he received the Lilian Holman Memorial Cup and commemorative shield as winning manager. He’s taken his young team to the league and cup double in only his second season at the helm – and deserved special praise for that feat!
Final word:
The top tipsters were Steve Batty (Herbrandston) and Steve Maytum (Monkton Swifts), who were just a goal out each way as they predicted a 3-2 win for Hakin – so well done lads!
Final final word!
Daisy Picton would say that he was just as close with his 4-1 prediction in favour of his Hakin United lads and I suppose he was right. I sat by Mr P for the second half and his two best tit-bits of commentary were the following:
