The Annual Pembroke and District Junior Schools Rounders Festival took place at Pembroke Dock Cricket Ground organised by Pembrokeshire Education Authority on Wednesday, May 22.

This popular event which has taken place since 1999 sees the winners presented with the Tessa Harries Shield by the Inner Wheel Club of Pembroke, while medals are donated by the late Mrs. Harries's husband, Frank Harries.

Despite a rather windy day, it remained dry and sunny and the tournament produced its usual thrilling and close fought contest, with altogether seven schools competing, namely Cosheston, Golden Grove/Gelli Aur, Pembroke, Lamphey, Monkton Priory, Orielton and Pennar.

In all, over 80 pupils took part in the competition with teams of nine from each school, and the event lasted over three hours, with Lamphey the clear winners and with Cosheston worthy runners-up, and Grove/Gelli Aur in third place.

The medals were presented by Mrs. Rosie Lilwall, the president of the Inner Wheel Club of Pembroke, and Mrs. Evelyn MaCullum, vice-president, while the shield was handed to the winners by Mrs. Rosie Lilwall.

Mrs. Tessa Harries, in whose name the shield is presented, was a longstanding member of Pembroke Inner Wheel Club, having been press secretary, treasurer and finally president during her time with the group and was much involved in the provision of costumes and properties for the well-remembered Pembroke Rotary Variety Shows produced by her husband Frank.

Mr. Harries, himself, has been the proud recipient of the prestigious Paul Harries award in recognition of service to the Rotary movement, while Mrs. Harries, herself, had received a President's Citation for all her years of outstanding service to the movement.

The Inner Wheel are most indebted to Ann Mear, of Pembroke Dock Community School, for her efficient and informed running of the festival which she has carried out since its inception in 1999. To her and all the teachers from the competing schools and their pupils, a sincere thank you for a rewarding event in which the enthusiasm and sportsmanship of each and everyone was first class.

A final thank you is extended to Pembroke Dock Cricket Club for allowing their fine ground to be the festival venue and a special thank you to Mr. Maurice Leyland, the groundsman, for his excellent preparation of the area.