Sport
No Saintly intervention for the Swans
By Jonathan Twigg
KEEPERS of the faith or a question when football rivalry becomes a ‘Holy War’ where your life depends on it.
Kevin Johns MBE, a pillar of Swansea City, spoke of martyrdom before defeat by Southampton, on Tuesday (May 8). Saint Mary, a team from the Church Young Men’s Association of 1885 born the banks of the ‘Itchen’ currently managed by ‘Welshmen’ Mark Hughes. A eulogy which encapsulates Peter Rodrigues, 1976 cup winning captain and the towering Paul Jones in goal; best of all from the pearly gates, none other than Gareth Bale.
Many thought godly intervention occurred with the appointment of Carlos Carvalhal prior to Christmas, divine intervention immediate, but the current situation, no goals and no points stretching back a month.
Wales and football have always had a heavenly ring when it comes to looking for signs but compare Scotland, Rangers vs Celtic for a view on how religion and sport cannot be separated. After Tuesday evening, a hope for a shared appreciation with Cardiff City in the Premier League once more, now hangs by a thread.
There was no cross carrying to the altar on this occasion, 20,000 white flag bearing emblems whipping the pilgrims to a frenzy. Andrew and Jordan Ayew the early disciples, Ki Sung-Yueng strong like St Barnabas, allowing Andy King having space to go for goal.
Luigi Scrosoppi (1804-84) the patron saint of footballers extended his care to all players but maybe, just maybe he had an inkling of companionship with George not David for the night. He was a battler against the strong anti-clerical feeling in Italy to bring hope and comfort to the poor; boy did Luigi, the son of a jeweller know when to kick sand.
The business of global football is humungous, still growing, the Premier League of course the place to be. Thursday, June 14, the start of the 2018 World Cup wouldn’t be able to match the energy of the Liberty Stadium, viral electricity in the form of a ‘berating Sparky’.
Kevin Johns’ reverence a catalyst for a chapel just off the players tunnel, encapsulating the imagery of ‘Camp Nou’? Peering back a replica of the Virgin of Montserrat, Catalonia’s most famous religious icon and its patron saint, with Baby Jesus on her lap exchange for St David, proudly inhaling a full choral rendition of ‘Land of my Fathers’. The Swans held sway, thirty minutes of football to their advantage, but no goal, Fabianski, the ‘big pole in the goal’ a saviour from Charlie Austin; twice.
One part of the epiphany, patron saint of the lottery, ‘Pantaleon’ although the Swansea players inspired by Saint Sebastian, extremely fit and able to withstand long physical endurance. Praying didn’t win the crunch game, when it mattered.
the ‘Jack Army’ a congregation of little ill repute registering the pressure, heading every ball, drumming pace and trickery. Sam Clucas saw his header slide across the face of the Alex McCarthy’s goal, the throng now not committed to the Sunday service Kevin asked of in his prayer.
The second half tension, flaring tempers and Jordan Ayew off like the clappers in tune with the stand, Austin chance after chance, enter Tammy Abraham, a tactical change replacing wing back Martin Olsson, Kyle McNaughton flying as Tammy called the tune, Jan Bednarek flattened by his own goal keeper, left to take a seat on the pews, Abraham cranked up the crescendo before substitute Manolo Gabbiadini broke the deadlock and the spirit.
Narsingh came on for McNaughton in the final quarter, Tom Carroll for King, Ki wasteful with Michael Oliver awarding six minutes of extra time, Abraham close before the emotion drained away.
The singing voices now clearly ‘the saints come marching in’ reminding us of St. Jude Thaddeus, cousin of Jesus and one of his Twelve Apostles, the patron saint of hopeless, desperate situations and lost, impossible, or forgotten causes. Read, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Kevin Johns, a Swan through and through and hope reigns eternal, perhaps with some ‘Hail Mary’s’ church bells will continue to ring loudly across West Wales.
Sport
Milford Atheltic into the hat after seven goal thriller
Div 4 Cup Quarter Final at Pill lane.
Milford Athletic 4-3 Carew 3rds.
On a day when the awful Pembrokeshire weather decimated the fixture list once again, the game between Milford Athletic and Carew 3rds at Pill Lane was deemed playable with a morning pitch inspection. Both teams have struggled in the league this season, with Athletic finally finding some semblance of their previous good form more recently. Whilst the pitch was heavy through the middle, it was firm underfoot and both teams were glad to get the game on.
Playing downhill in the first half, Athletic dominated play and had a number of chances before Referee Marty Jones awarded a penalty to the home team in the 8th minute. Club stalwart Dave Hawkins neatly slotted the pen home for a deserved lead, and Athletic looked keen to put the game out of sight going 2 up on 11 minutes. Carew battled hard and kept in the game until the 31st minute when Athletic scored their third, and surely killed the game as a competitive tie. 3-0 with just over half hour played.
To their credit, in driving rain, Carew stepped up a gear and quickly scored 2 superb goals through Jack Broadhurst and Sam Goodwin (who had a blinder today) giving Carew renewed hope for the tie. There was no doubt Carew finished the half stronger, and with the advantage of playing downhill in the second half, the tie was still on a knife edge.
A much closer second half, on a pitch that was now just barely playable, seemed likely to play out with no further addition to the scoreline, when up popped Pete Tunstallbto add a fourth for the home team and this time surely seal the tie.
Both teams were trying to play good football, but the pitch was truly awful at this stage, with the referee checking the playing surface numerous times during the latter stages. It seemed Athletic were cruising home when, in injury time, Carew scored their third of the afternoon, and really made the last few minutes of added time exciting! Despite their best efforts Carew couldn’t equalise, and the home team progress through to the 4th division Cup semi final in a thrilling cup tie, made all the more difficult by horrendous playing conditions.
On an afternoon where the game could have easily got away from the players and ref, both teams played sensibly making the referees afternoon an easy one with just the one booking all game.
Credit to both clubs for managing difficult conditions perfectly and good luck to Athletic in their semi final.
Sport
Narberth’s Joe Allen open to return to international football
Narberth lad Joe Allen has made it clear that if Cymru manager Rob Page were to extend an invitation to return to the international scene for Euro 2024, he wouldn’t hesitate to accept. Turning 34 this week, Allen stepped away from his Cymru career 13 months ago. However, he’s now expressed his readiness to make himself available for potential Euro 2024 participation, although he’s realistic about the likelihood of a call from Page.
Cymru is gearing up to face Finland in a crucial Euro 2024 play-off semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium this Thursday. Should they emerge victorious, they’ll face either Poland or Estonia five days later, with the opportunity to secure a spot in this summer’s tournament in Germany.
Reflecting on a potential return, Allen remarked, “Of course, if he asked me, I would never decline.” However, he added, “But I’ve been acknowledging lately that I don’t foresee that call coming.” Allen praised the strength of the current Cymru squad, particularly lauding the younger players for their impressive performances. He believes they deserve the chance to showcase their abilities on the Euro stage if they secure qualification.
Allen played a pivotal role during Cymru’s golden era, notably featuring in their memorable Euro 2016 campaign where they reached the semi-finals. He also contributed to Cymru’s qualification for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, albeit facing injury setbacks during the latter tournament.
Despite encountering fitness challenges since returning to Swansea in 2022, Allen is currently enjoying a commendable run of form and fitness this season. Cymru, however, faces some midfield constraints, with players like Josh Sheehan, Charlie Savage, and Dylan Levitt stepping up to fill the gaps. Ethan Ampadu, although primarily a defender for Leeds United, might feature in midfield against Finland, while captain Aaron Ramsey recently made a comeback from injury.
Allen’s decision to retire from Cymru duty last year was influenced by a combination of time and injuries, signalling a passing of the torch to the next generation. Last August, Page emphasised his commitment to nurturing young talent, indicating no plans to persuade Allen to reconsider his retirement.
News
Italy record their best ever Six Nations campaign with a 24-21 win over Wales
IN A NAIL-BITING finale to the 2024 Six Nations campaign, Italy clinched a historic victory over Wales at Cardiff, edging out the hosts 24-21. This victory not only secured Italy their best ever finish in the Six Nations but also handed Warren Gatland’s Welsh side the wooden spoon, marking their first bottom-place finish in 21 years.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Italy demonstrating their growth and newfound resilience throughout the tournament. From the onset, Paolo Garbisi set the tone with an early penalty, a sign of the pressure Italy was to consistently apply. The Italians built a significant 11-0 lead by halftime, courtesy of a try from Monty Ioane and a steady boot from Garbisi.
Wales, desperate to avoid the ignominy of a whitewash in the tournament, fought back in the second half. Tries from Dee and Rowlands, along with Lloyd’s conversions, brought them within striking distance. However, Italy’s composure under pressure, highlighted by critical scores from Pani and the consistent kicking of Garbisi, kept them ahead.
Despite a late surge from Wales, epitomized by Grady’s try in the 82nd minute, Italy held on for a memorable victory. Michele Lamaro, Italy’s captain, encapsulated the sentiment of a nation proud and optimistic about their rugby future, thanking every Italian supporter for their unwavering faith in the team.
This victory was not just about the scoreline; it was a statement from an Italian side that has long been viewed as the underdogs of Six Nations rugby. They finished the tournament with two wins, a draw, and two losses, a record that speaks volumes of their progress and potential.
Wales, on the other hand, face a period of introspection and rebuilding. Dafydd Jenkins, the Welsh captain, acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the need to rise from these setbacks. Warren Gatland, a coach renowned for his successes with Wales, now faces one of his most challenging periods, tasked with revitalizing a team that has fallen from its previous heights.
The match in Cardiff was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the Six Nations, offering a perfect blend of drama, skill, and passion that encapsulates the spirit of rugby. As Italy celebrates a historic campaign, Wales contemplates the road ahead, ensuring that the next edition of the Six Nations is eagerly anticipated.
-
Community5 days ago
Two Welsh codebreakers who helped shorten WWII celebrate their 100th birthdays
-
Community1 day ago
Residents hit back after YouTube video shows Milford ‘in decline’
-
Crime6 days ago
Local carer admits defrauding client by more than £7,000
-
Crime6 days ago
Dramatic arrest of three men after man hospitalised in assault
-
News10 hours ago
Air ambulance called following incident at Aldi Pembroke Dock
-
News4 days ago
Pembroke Dock grants scandal: A decade of deception unravelled
-
News5 days ago
Llŷr Davies, 16, was kind, funny and charming, says bereaved family
-
Crime7 days ago
Neyland motorist caught driving Mercedes four times over the limit