HAY — sweet dreams!

This slumbering foal is in a better place after being rescued just hours after being born.

The new-born, who is being looked after at a centre near Swansea, has been named Valour for his plucky attitude.

His rescue began after RSPCA inspector Nick de Celis was called to check on a new-born foal on Coity Common, north of Bridgend.

"When I arrived there was no sign of the mare, only the foal which was so young it was still attached to the afterbirth," he said.

"The early hours and days of a foal's life are crucial to building their immunity from the mother's first milk — so this poor little animal had missed out and was clearly in a bad way."

Mr de Celis phoned local vets for help and got the little foal to them.

Maes Glas Vets wasted no time naming the new-born animal Valour and gave him the vital hourly colostrum replacement, which he was lacking from his missing mum.

Vet staff then stayed with Valour overnight.

"We were all thrilled Valour made it through the night," said Sarah Head, partner at Maes Glas Veterinary Group. "He had such a poor start to life and desperately needed hydration.

"Valour's not out of the woods yet and he won't start building his own immunity for two to three months so he's still at risk, but we're hopeful that he will make it."

Valour is now being hand-reared, but could be moved to a foster mare if one can be found.

If you have seen the missing mare or know of a suitable foster mare, phone 0300 1238018.

AFTER suffering heartache as Mumbles pinched the division three south west title with a run of bonus-point wins at the end of the season, Trebanos enjoyed happier emotions on Saturday when they won their promotion play-off.

The Swansea Valley side beat Pontyclun 28-24 at Pyle in a game they deserved to win. They were 28-12 up with 15 minutes to go but then had to hang on as Pontyclun scored two late tries to leave the result in the balance until the end.

Wing Matthew Edwards scored a try and kicked six penalties, and full-back Kristian Jones also crossed for a score.

Trebanos, who have an average age of only 22 or 23, do not yet know whether they will play in division two east or west next season after Newcastle Emlyn also won their play-off against a team from the east — they won 27-22 at Newport High School Old Boys.

PANTYFFYNNON scored a last-minute try to win their division six play-off 30-27 against Gwent side New Panteg.

Hooker Nick James landed four penalties and wing Ashleigh Evans bagged an excellent try for the Ammanford villagers as they led 17-13 at the interval.

In a nerve-wracking second half James kicked two more penalties to keep Panty narrowly ahead 23-21 before Panteg edged in front 27-23 with barely a minute to go.

But Panty worked their way upfield and wing Evans flew over to score a try. James's conversion proved to be the last kick.

DIVISION one leaders Neath raced to a nine-wicket win at home to Dafen in the Thomas Carroll Insurance South Wales Cricket Association.

Dafen were skittled out for just 51 in 34.1 overs, Dafydd Nicholas (21) the only batsman in double figures as Keiron Bull (7-21) and Nathan Aubrey (2-5) tore through the order.

Then Neath needed only 17. 2 overs to reach 52-1, Gareth Davies (23no) and Keiran Thomas (15no) leading them home.

Llangennech were another club to enjoy an early finish, needing 27.4 overs to hit a winning 75-5 at home to Cowbridge.

Cowbridge were all out for 74 in the 45th over, No. 8 batsman Harri Collier their top scorer with 18 as Simon Clement (4-12) and Nathan Lewis (3-17) had good spells.

Collier then got among the wickets with 4-22 as Llangennech lost batsmen at regular intervals before crossing the winning line thanks to Paul Cameron (19) and Tom Carey (17), the only ones to reach double figures.

Gowerton had all-rounders Steve Inward and Jack Lyle to thank for a fine six-wicket win at Maesteg Celtic.

Lyle took 5-38 and Inward 2-32 as Celtic were dismissed for 190 in their 50 overs.

Then, after openers Paul Rees and Callum Eakins were dismissed cheaply, No. 3 Inward hit an unbeaten 104, backed up by 75 from Lyle, as Gowerton reached 192-4 in the 38th over. Lee Hicks with 3-60 was Celtic's best bowler.

There was a thrilling finish in the Carmarthen Wanderers v Tata Steel clash in Carmarthen.

With the home side needing one run to win off the final ball of the match, No. 11 batsman Ian Marsh was run out for a duck, resulting in a tie.

Tata made 139-6 in their innings, Kelvin Bartle (50), Rohan Herbert (32) and Philip Taylor (26) the top scorers as five bowlers each took one wicket; there was also a run out.

Opener Daniel Jones (50) gave the Wanderers a good start, and No. 4 Gareth Thomas chipped in with 36, but they went from 128-5 to 139 all out as Michael Jones (4-38) and David Jones (3-16) cause lots of problems.

In the other game in the first division, Ynystawe beat neighbours Clydach by five wickets at Ynystawe Park.

Clydach batted first and notched up 208-5, but the home side timed their chase to perfection, reaching 212-5 in 49.1 overs.

YNYSYGERWN main- tained their excellent start to the South Wales Premier League season with a nine-wicket win at Pontarddulais.

The comprehensive victory was Ynys's third win in three games and leaves then joint second in the table with Mumbles, just one point behind Sully Centurions.

Despite openers David Lloyd (36) and Matthew Carey (40) putting on 62 for the first wicket, Glamorgan player Simon Jones was the next highest scorer with 13 as Bont could only make 143-9 in their 50 overs.

Mark Davies (4-23), Tomos Evison (2-16) and Richard Grant (2-30) did the damage.

Then the Neath Valley side needed only 28 overs to knock off the runs, led by out-of-favour Glamorgan batsman Gareth Rees with an unbeaten 78 that included nine fours and two sixes.

Kieran Howells also hit 56 with seven fours and a six.

Jonathan Denning took the only wicket to fall as both Simon Jones (0-41 in seven overs) and Robert Croft (0-38 in seven) proved expensive.

Mumbles beat Port Talbot Town by eight wickets at Plunch Lane.

Port Talbot, who have lost all three games so far and prop up the table, were bowled out for 171 in 48 overs, Lewis Jones (43) and Dan Cherry (34) making the only scores of note.

Rhodri Evans (3-34), Aneurin Norman (2-15) and Will Owen (2-39) were the most effective bowlers.

Then Mumbles eased to 172-2 in the 40th over, Rhodri Evans continuing his good day by stroking 12 fours in his 83 not out. He was assisted by fellow opener Aneurin Donald, who was run out on 40.

Michael Samuel (1-16) was the only Port Talbot bowler to taste success.

Swansea went down by 66 runs at Newport.

Newport notched up 234-7 in their 50 overs, led by Nathan Millichip (59). Scott Phillips, Jonathan Hubschmid, Josh Tobin, Nick James and Mark Payne all took one wicket each.

Then Swansea were all out for 168 in 47.3 overs, only skipper Mark Payne (49) and Josh Hughes (41) providing resistance.

Michael Clayden mopped up the Swansea tail with remarkable figures of 3-0 in 1.3 overs.

Ammanford lost by four wickets at Sully Centurions.

Ammanford were dismissed for 201 in 49.2 overs despite good knocks from Jack Murphy (63) and Andrew Salter (54), assisted by 21 from Alun Evans.

Michael O'Shea took 3-48, and then led the run chase with 42 as Sully, despite a mid-innings wobble, reached 207-6 in 49.1 overs.

Ryan Sylvester made 34 and No. 7 Alex Jones hit an invaluable 54 not out to see the Vale of Glamorgan side home.

Salter was the most successful Ammanford bowler with 3-26.

In the other game in the Premier League, Cardiff (142-9) drew with Bridgend (153).

LEADERS Briton Ferry Steel made it three wins from three games in division two of the South Wales Cricket Association with a five-wicket home success against Swansea Civil Service.

Theirs is now the only 100 per cent record in the division.

Civil Service were bowled out for 121 in 43.4 overs, Philip Owen top-scoring with 27 as Rhys Norgrove (4-27), Steve Devonald (3-41) and Anthony Davies (2-12) tore through the batting.

Then Steel had Craig Evans to thank for reaching 123-5 in the 32nd over. He hit 54, aided by Lee Williams (25), as Dan Hardman took 2-40.

Bronwydd proved far too strong for visitors Pontardawe, beating them by 143 runs in Carmarthenshire.

Bronwydd notched up 234-6, the highest total of the day in all four divisions of the Association.

Byron Jones (28) and Philip Howell (53) got the innings off to a solid start, and Steffan Jones then carried on the good work by blasting 86 in 83 balls. Rhys Harries took 2-35 and Neil Jones 2-51.

But Ponty were never in with a chance of getting near to that total and succumbed to 91 all out in the 31st over, Callum Daniels with 46 not out the only batsman to offer resistance.

Steven Williams took 4-27, Zahid Anwar 3-21 and Garmon Dyfri 2-6.

Morriston hung on for a draw at Aberdare.

The home side made 167-9 in their 50 overs, John Derrick (53) and Michael Weathersby (42) leading the way against Stuart Johnson (3-29) and Huw Knudson (3-56).

Then Morriston lost wickets at regular intervals and played out for a draw on 123-8. Mark Whittaker (37) and Steve Maddock (21) topped the scoring as Luke Garthwaite, Geoff Derrick and Mike Roberts took two wickets each.

Gorseinon have lost all three of their opening games after going down by 147 runs at home to Llanelli.

Llanelli made 208 and then skittled out Gorseinon for just 61.

Skewen won by five wickets at Llandysul after bowling out the Ceredigion side for 111 in 43 overs.

Skewen then reached 114-5 in the 35th over.

PONTYBEREM won a low-scoring game at Margam by 36 runs.

The Gwendraeth Valley side were bowled out for 126 in 46.4 overs, Martin Lewis (29), Daniel Griffiths (24) and Paul Rees (26) the only batsmen in double figures.

Elwyn Pugh took 5-33, Ian Jempson 3-35 and Rhodri Reynolds 2-31.

But then Pontyberem's bowlers had the upper hand as Margam slumped to 90 all out in 45.1 overs, Pugh (19) and Rob Davies (17) their top scorers.

Daniel Griffiths (5-28), Keiren Evans (3-24) and Rhodri Evans (2-13) took the wickets.

Gwendraeth rivals Drefach fell to a 41-run defeat at Merthyr Tydfil.

Drefach restricted the hosts to 116-9 as Rob Seymour (3-17) and Leigh Davies (3-26) got among the wickets.

But then Merthyr's bowlers had the upper hand as Drefach crashed to 75 all out in 30.1 overs.

Seymour top-scored with 48, but the next highest score was just six as Ron Walton took 5-27 and Matthew Davies 3-25.

Leaders Maesteg won by seven wickets at bottom side Cimla after skittling out their hosts for 75 in 27 overs and then reaching 76-3 in 26 overs.

Landore defeated Dyffryn by six wickets. The Neath side made 196 in 49.2 overs before the home side eased to 197-4 in the 43rd over.

And Briton Ferry Town lost by five wickets at Porthcawl.

Town were bowled out for 134 in 48 overs, Yakoob Ali making 29 as Nathan Keylock took 4-32 and Nick Lyddon 3-37.

Porthcawl then had few problems getting to 135-5 in 42 overs, thanks in the main to Ross Evans's 64.

All-rounder Adam Wassell produced the performance of the day in division four in Baglan's 150-run win at Felinfoel.

He opened the innings and scored 97, including 11 fours and three sixes, as the visitors made 188-9 in their 50 overs.

Rhys James (3-42), Andrew Thomas (2-7) and Rhys Brown (2-51) were the main wicket-takers.

Then Wassell excelled with the ball too, taking 6-20 as Felinfoel were rattled out for just 38. Phil Godwin chipped in with 4-17.

No. 6 batsman Tom Jones top-scored with 28 not out — the next highest score was five.

Leaders Pwll have the only 100 per cent record in division four after their third win in a row.

They won by 92 runs at Llandeilo after posting 185 in 49.3 overs and then bowling the hosts out for 93 in 29.3 overs.

Kidwelly were all out for 206 in 49 overs at home to Llandarcy but then dismissed the visitors for 192 in 44 overs for a 14-run win.

In the other game, Llantwit Major Cavaliers (194-8) drew at home to Neath III (161-9).

P W D L F A Pts Man Utd 38 28 5 5 86 43 89 Man City 38 23 9 6 66 34 78 Chelsea 38 22 9 7 75 39 75 Arsenal 38 21 10 7 72 37 73 Tottenham 38 21 9 8 66 46 72 Everton 38 16 15 7 55 40 63 Liverpool 38 16 13 9 71 43 61 West Brom 38 14 7 17 53 57 49 SWANSEA 38 11 13 14 47 51 46 West Ham 38 12 10 16 45 53 46 Norwich 38 10 14 14 41 58 44 Fulham 38 11 10 17 50 60 43 Stoke 38 9 15 14 34 45 42 Southampton 38 9 14 15 49 60 41 Aston Villa 38 10 11 17 47 69 41 Newcastle 38 11 8 19 45 68 41 Sunderland 38 9 12 17 41 54 39 Wigan 38 9 9 20 47 73 36 Reading 38 6 10 22 43 73 28 QPR 38 4 13 21 30 60 25

A COLLEGE lecturer, inspired by her mother's battle with cancer, has published a book featuring survivors of the disease and others who have faced their mortality,

Natalie Hemingway, 37, a senior lecturer in photography at Gower College, decided to tackle the subject after her mother Barbara was diagnosed with Myeloma, cancer of the blood and bones, 18 months ago.

After persuading people with life-threatening conditions to pose in front of her camera, she has now collected the images into a book.

Natalie, who lives in Sketty, said: "My mother has been through the full treatment, and fortunately she seems to have come through it.

"The medical team at Singleton Hospital have been absolutely fantastic with her.

"It was my mother's diagnosis which inspired me to take on this project, and I've subsequently recorded other survivors of cancer and other terminal conditions.

"It's a photographic work on personal experiences of death and the imminence of death.

"I've also looked at loss and put a lot of religious metaphor into it, although I'm not religious. It is a project with continuation looking for a wider outlet.

"The work is intended to give hope where sometimes there is none.

"I know that when mum was at her lowest points, a glimmer of hope in the shape of words, pictures, dialogue from survivors would have made all the difference to her."

The book, which makes up part of Natalie's Contemporary dialogues in Photography MA at Swansea Metropolitan University, is called Imminence.Loss.Resurrection and copies are available as an ebook from www.blurb.co.uk

It is accompanied by an exhibition which launches at the Volcano Gallery on Sunday, May 26.

And then, next month, Natalie will be climbing Ben Nevis with two friends, to raise money for Cancer Research.

THE following are open tonight from 5.30pm to 6pm unless stated:

Clydach: *Lloyds, Heol y Nant and High Street. Crynant: S R Bailey, The Pharmacy. Cymmer: S R Bailey, Station Road. Cwmllynfell: Nat Co-op, Gwillym Road, 5.30-6pm. Morriston: Lloyds Pharmacy, Strawberry Place, 8.30am-6.30pm. Penclawdd: *Huw S Rees, The Pharmacy, 5.30-6pm. Resolven: The Pharmacy, 5.30-6pm. Swansea: Sainsbury's Instore Pharmacy, Quay Parade, 8am-10pm; Tesco Fforestfach, 8am-8pm. Treboeth: *W A & J B Lewis, 697 Llangyfelach Road, 5.30-6.15pm. Uplands: *Nat Co-op Pharmacy, 55 Uplands Crescent, 5.30-7pm. Ystradgynlais: C Jones, 43 Gurnosfa, Gurnos, Lower Cwmtwrch, 5.30-6pm. Llangennech: *Gravelle Pharmacy, 5.30-6pm. Newcastle Emlyn: *C I Hopkins, Bridge Pharmacy. 5.30-6pm.

*Oxygen equipment stocked.

For details of pharmacies (including out of hours) contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk

A MAN has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a family man, due to dangerous driving in Carmarthen Road last year.

Andrew Slaughter, from Llangennech, died when his Triumph motorbike was in collision with a car in Carmarthen Road, on August 9 last year.

The popular 48-year-old worked as an engineer in Werndale Hospital in Carmarthen, and was secretary of the Swansea Deaf Sports and Social Club.

It happened at the traffic lights at the entrance to Cwmdu Industrial Estate and involved Mr Slaughter's yellow Triumph motorbike and a blue Skoda Octavia.

Matthew Mark Thomas, of Pedrog Terrace, Mayhill, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to three charges; causing death by dangerous driving, causing death otherwise in accordance with a licence, and causing death by driving while uninsured.

Prosecutors asked Judge Keith Thomas for some time before sentence, for the completion of witness victim impact statements.

Representing Thomas, Ian Ibrahim told the court: "This is clearly very serious".

A date for sentencing was set at June 17.

Judge Thomas told Thomas: "The court will not necessarily follow any recommendations in the pre-sentence report

"The most likely sentence is a sentence of imprisonment".

CONCERNS have been raised over traffic "mayhem" in North Road outside Dyffryn Taf School during rush hours.

Whitland town councillors have said the problem on the busy road would be a lot better if parents used a nearby car park to drop children off instead of driving them to the door.

They claim the traffic problem is amplified by an articulated lorry delivery to the Co-op store at the bottom of the road at around 8.30am every morning.

They say they fear the worst if the emergency services needed to get through in a hurry.

Councillor Len Shipton said the council had written to Co-op asking for earlier deliveries, as they believed staff were in the store from 6am.

But they had not had a response.

At the town council's monthly meeting councillor Shipton added: "It's still happening, with the lorry parking there and unloading while buses are going up and down to the school.

"It's mayhem there sometimes. And another problem we have got in North Road is parents bringing their children to school and they insist on driving them straight up to the door.

"Sometimes there are 30-35 cars a morning extra on top.

"They bring them up to the school, they don't take them to the car park and let them walk up the back way. There is enough mayhem there with the buses trying to reverse without all these cars.

"And that artic down the bottom doesn't help.

"You take that problem some mornings, if you needed to get the fire brigade up there in a hurry, you would struggle."

Councillors moved to write to the county council to ask for help with the lorry issue as Co-op had not responded.

They will also write to Dyffryn Taf asking that parents drop children off at North Road car park.

MICHAEL Laudrup admitted Swansea City may find life hard this summer after defeat by Fulham highlighted their need for firepower, declaring: "You can't win the lottery every year."

Swansea's sensational season ended in disappointing fashion as Fulham chalked up an unlikely 3-0 victory.

It was a strange game, with Swansea dominating for long spells and creating a raft of chances but failing to find a way past Mark Schwarzer. Fulham, by contrast, managed only a handful of attempts on goal on the counter-attack, yet Alex Kacanklic, Dimitar Berbatov and Urbay Emanuelson all found the target.

The story of the match underlined the need for Swansea to strengthen their forward line this summer — and Laudrup concedes they face a battle to succeed in the transfer market.

Laudrup made the signing of the season last year by landing 22-goal Michu for just £2.2 million.

But the Dane conceded: "Everybody wants a goalscorer, and they are the most expensive players because they make the difference.

"We had five or six big chances in half an hour against Fulham. If we had taken one of them I think we would have won the game.

"Then Berbatov gets once chance, he scores and the game is over. That makes the difference.

"I hope we can find some more players who can score goals this summer, but it's not easy.

"There are some players out there, but there are other clubs as well who want them and everybody knows that financially speaking, we are not the most powerful of the 20 clubs in the Premier League.

"We will try to find players, but you can't find a goalscorer for free.

"I know we did it last year, but you cannot win the lottery every year."

Swansea are thought to be leading the way in the hunt for Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, while the Liberty hierarchy are also optimistic about their chances of landing Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on a season-long loan.

Laudrup also has other targets in mind as he attempts to ease the burden on Michu.

"Fulham isn't the first game we've had this season where we didn't win because we didn't score when we played well," Laudrup added.

"We know it's an area where we need to improve.

''We have scored 47 goals in the league this season, but I think we could easily add ten or 12 to that next season.

"A major part of the goals this season have been scored by one player, and we need to split the responsibility.

"But I will tell whether we can get the players when the signings are done.

"It's one thing doing the research and having the names on paper, but we have to wait until they are signed and with us.

"We have seen too many cases where you thought a player had signed and then they went to another club."

The Fulham reverse meant Swansea missed the chance to finish eighth in the Premier League, but the club are nevertheless celebrating after their second highest top-flight finish, having also won a first major trophy back in February.

"Everybody here says it's the best season ever," Laudrup said.

"I don't know because I have only been here for ten or 11 months, but we have to be happy with the bigger picture."

Laudrup revealed Swansea are looking into their options after their proposed pre-season trip to South Korea was called off by the promoter in the Asian country.

Swansea are still going to Holland in the early stages of pre-season and are considering whether to arrange a second overseas trip.

It's that time of year again when I get to go to West Wales with my family. They have a caravan near Saundersfoot which they share and I love going down there with them. It means about a 90 minute trip in the back of the car but I dont mind and I know when Im near the coast because I can smell it in the air.

I get to have great fun when we go away. I can run around the decking on the caravan and although I could easily jump over the gate I never do. All the children on the site come and make a fuss of me over the gate and some adults too. And when my owners children go to the park to play I usually go too. Im pretty good at catching a frisbee and as soon as the kids in the park see me catching it they all want a go of throwing it for me.  Its quite tiring but I dont mind because I love playing.

In the evenings we usually go into Saundersoot or Tenby and I meet up with dogs from all over the country on holidays with their owners.  I usually get to finish off an ice cream or two as well. I prefer mint chocolate chip if I can get it! But the best bit of the trip is going to the beach. Even in summer dogs are allowed on the beaches to the west of the harbour in Saundersfoot and when the tide is out there is plenty of space to run and run.

We all enjoyed a lovely luunch this time at  the Captain's Table pub Saundersoot which is dog friendly. Dogs are allowed in the bar and they have a dog friendly table in their restaurant. As usual I just chill under the table while the family is eating.

The best bit for me though is my morning walks. My owner usually gets up early and walks from our caravan site near Tenby along the Wales Coastal Path into Saundersfoot. It takes about an hour and includes a mix of terrain. This part of the costal path is not for the faint hearted because it involves a lot of ups and downs as the path crosses several valleys that meet the coast along this stretch.

The view though are fantastic, especially as you look back towards Tenby. If the tide is right out you can skip part of the path and walk to Saundersfoot on the beach, coming out at Saundersfoot Harbour. There are a few caves to explore and lots of seabirds to chase and I love running on the beach here which is very quiet early in the morning.

We get to Saundersfoot just in time for breakfast. Im sure a cooked breakfast sitting outside on the square in Saundersfoot is the only reason my owner does the walk! Then we head back towards our caravan usually just as the rest of the family are waking up. When the sun is shing there are not many places in Wales as nice as this part of the world, I cant wait to go again.

A LLANDEILO woman attacked a Post Office worker in a car park in the town after discovering she was having an affair with her boyfriend.

Tracy Davies, 26, of Northbank, pleaded guilty to assaulting Lowri Chapman when she appeared before magistrates on Thursday.

The court heard at 1pm on March 16 in Carmarthen Road, Llandeilo, Miss Chapman was about to drive out of the car park.

Prosecuting, Vaughan Pritchard Jones, said Miss Chapman saw Davies approach her car.

"Miss Davies took the door handle and she punched Miss Chapman five times in the face and to the nose." Mr Jones said Davies then grabbed Miss Chapman and pulled her out of the car on to the pavement, where Miss Chapman rolled up into a ball on the floor to protect herself.

"Miss Davies continued to punch and kick her while she was on the floor."

This was stopped when a man pulled Davies off Miss Chapman and she was heard to say: "If I see you in Llandeilo again I will do the same again."

Davies immediately admitted the incident to police after they were called.

Mr Jones said when officers went the see Miss Chapman she had a bruised nose, a cut lip, various lumps and bruises on her head and a black eye.

The court was also told that the damage to Miss Chapman's nose might be permanent, but they will not know for six months.

In a statement read out in court Miss Chapman said: "I have become nervous outside. I am frightened of going into the town."

Since the assault Miss Chapman, who works for the Post Office, has transferred to another office. Miss Chapman said: "The incident will never leave me." In mitigation, Debra Thomas said Davies had been in a happy relationship for seven years when she found out about the affair just two days before Christmas last year.

"There was a lot behind this and on the day she just snapped. She is not a violent person and if it had not been for the affair it would not have happened. She just wants to put the matter behind her," Ms Thomas said.

Davies was sentenced to a 12- month community order and a 12-month supervision order. She was also ordered to pay £85 court costs, a £60 victim surcharge and £150 compensation.