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Fantastic Four get Wales off to flying start

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WALES got their Nations League campaign off to a flying start on Thursday night (Sept 6) as they beat the Republic of Ireland 4-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The four goals came from four different scorers and ensured Ryan Giggs’ first competitive game in charge ended in the best possible manner.

Wales had been beaten by the Irish at the same venue almost a year ago as a James McClean goal secured the Irish a World Cup qualifying play off spot but there was to be no such repeat this time around.

Just six minutes were on the clock when Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu spread the ball to the right for Joe Allen who in turn sent the ball through for Tom Lawrence who smashed the ball home and settle any early nerves.

If that goal was good then the second twelve minutes later was even better as Ben Davies sent a brilliant cross-field ball over to Gareth Bale who cut inside on his left foot before firing into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Ireland threatened briefly with a free kick but Jeff Hendrick’s ball into the box was cleared for a corner which then also came to nothing.

Tom Lawrence couldn’t quite get on the end of a cross into the box but it fell for Bournemouth’s David Brooks whose shot flew wide.

On the half hour mark Joe Allen cleared from just outside his own box for Brookes who ran into the Irish half before laying the ball off for Lawrence but his strong effort was pushed away by Irish keeper Darren Randolph.

Three minutes later Brooks again passed for Davies who crossed into the box but Connor Roberts’ header, on just his third cap, went just wide.

Eight minutes before half time the impressive Ampadu passed to Aaron Ramsey on the edge of the box and he slid the ball into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

Wales had impressed in the first half and Ireland faced an uphill task if they were to get back into the game.

Ireland did threaten at the start of the second half but Ampadu looked in complete control as he shielded a cross into the box before clearing the danger.

Just two minutes after that, the ball was played to Roberts who unleashed a long range rocket which left the keeper with no chance making it 4-0.

It could have very nearly been five moments later as Ramsey flicked the ball on before the ball was passed on to Bale whose shot went just over.

The Welsh continued to play well and could have easily added more goals to the scoreline.

With twenty minutes to go Ireland did pull a goal back as Ramsey slipped allowing Shaun Williams in to lob Welsh keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Young Tyler Roberts was also brought on and he linked up well with Ramsey before seeing a shot saved.

Brooks then won the ball back for Roberts to take over and he sent Brooks in on goal but Enda Stephens got in to take the ball away just as Brooks was about to take his shot.

It finished 4-1 and represented an excellent start for Wales and will give them confidence going into their game with Denmark on Sunday.

Giggs will be looking for his side to repeat Thursday’s performance and a win would surely set them on their way to winning their Nations League Group.

News

Rugby Weekly – Tenby’s promotion push continues

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It’s crunch time for all rugby clubs around the county, whether promotion is their aim or fighting relegation or even just trying to improve their league position, it’s now or never. 

Last weekend saw an important win for Fishguard in division two west which should put any relegation fears to bed completely. James Griffiths added an impressive 18 points for the Seagulls as they defeated Nantgaredig 33-19. 

Elsewhere in the second division, Milford were beaten 32-8 by a good Lampeter outfit. The Mariners are still a little too close for comfort with the drop zone but should have enough quality to see them safe. 

At the other end of the table Tenby sit in second place and have played fewer games than leaders St Clears and third place Lampeter. They won impressively again last weekend, beating Pontyberem 64-19 at Haywood Lane. Fletcher Broadhurst impressed with two tries as did Hywel Baker who also grabbed himself a brace. Another excellent performance in an outstanding season so far in which promotion would be the absolute icing on the cake. 

In Division Three West, Pembroke were well beaten by Laugharne 74-15 in which the outstanding Liam Price and Nico Setaro both crossed the whitewash 4 teams a piece. The latter also added 7 successful conversions. 

There was a local derby at Pill Parks where Llangwm hosted Pembroke Dock Quins and it was an exciting clash. The visitors won narrowly 28-23, Craig Barnett and Gethin Bradney both scored two tries for the Quins. The Wasps battled hard and will be proud of their performance, Gethin Thomas impressed for the hosts with two tries of his own but it wasn’t enough to secure the points. 

St David’s hosted the high flying Cardigan outfit and were unable to score in reply to the visitors 20 points, with it ending 20-0. The Saints however won’t be losing too much sleep over it as they have had a great season so far. 

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Crunch time – Pembrokeshire Division 1 Round Up

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An important round of fixtures last weekend, saw Fishguard’s fate in theory sealed if not mathematically. Neyland join them in the relegation places and look unlikely to be able to escape them now. While the Seasiders moved up to fourth, in what is an excellent return to Pembrokeshire’s top flight.

Noir’s men won 2-1 over Monkton Swifts, in a win that puts Tenby on 28 points in fourth but level on points with the Bridge who sit in third. Goals from two of their star players ensured the three points, with Darryl Mansbridge and Adam Muskett finding the back of the net.

Meanwhile, Hakin saw off ten men Pennar 3-1 who lost Connor Roberts a key player to a red card after just 29 minutes. Frustration got the better of manager Carl Vincent who also saw red near the end.

Carew came out on top of a five goal thriller away at Fishguard Sports who now look to be all but relegated. The visitors played a large portion of the game with ten men after losing keeper Harries to a red card just before the interval. It ended 3-2 with the visitors taking the points thanks to goals from a Hinchcliffe brace and Morgan.

In the six pointer at the foot of the table, it ended up being a single point for both teams. Neyland and Kilgetty couldn’t be separated as they drew 2-2, a result that is far more damaging for Neyland than Kilgetty. Neyland now sit three points behind Kilgetty but having played four games more than them. A win for Kilgetty in their remaining seven games would mean Neyland have to win at least two of their remaining three games which seems unlikely.

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The Treble is on – Goodwick win again.

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Goodwick went into their visit to Merlins Bridge in the Senior Cup as firm favourites, against a Bridge side capable of causing an upset. However there was no magic of the cup on this occasion for the Wizards.

Goodwick put five past the hosts and made sure it was a comfortable afternoon for them as they’ve become very used to lately. A brace a piece for Dalling and Haworth along with a Horgan goal sealed the deal for O’Sullivans men.

Another dominant display for an excellent outfit, who were missing a key player in Rhys Jones although their strength in depth was really demonstrated here. The treble must now be on everyone’s minds even if they don’t want to talk about it too much yet. You definitely wouldn’t bet against this team right now.

The win means Goodwick are into their second semi final of the season, ahead of their huge clash with Penlan in the West Wales Cup semi final on the 2nd of April.

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