Sport
Bluebirds awarded promotion to the Cymru Premier League
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC have secured their promotion to the Cymru Premier League.
Following the Football Association of Wales (FAW) decision back in March to curtail all domestic football throughout Wales, many teams have waited in angst for clarification on how the promotion and relegation process would be decided.
The FAW, confirmed on Tuesday, June 16, using the ‘average points per game’ method that Haverfordwest County AFC had done enough to be promoted to the Cymru Premier for the upcoming 2020/2021 season.
Taking to their website to confirm the news, the club said “It is nothing less than Wayne, the coaching staff, players, board and volunteers deserve after a fantastic effort last season.
“It has been a long wait to learn our fate, but the club and its staff have worked tirelessly on and off the pitch to ensure we had as much in place as possible, and following the announcement we can now hit the ground running and prepare for next season.
“We cannot wait to welcome the best teams in Wales to The Bridge Meadow!”
Local Member of the Welsh Parliament Paul Davies has also added his congratulations to Haverfordwest County AFC on their promotion back to the JD Cymru Premier League.
Commenting on the achievement, Paul Davies said “It’s great that Haverfordwest County will once again compete in the Premier National League of Wales with the likes of The New Saints, Barry Town and newly crowned champions Connah’s Quay Nomads. The management and players have done a fantastic job in gaining promotion from the JD Cymru South League.”
“With the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium widely regarded as being one of the top grounds in Welsh non-league football, it’s only fitting that the Bluebirds will be back in the premier division.”
“I would also take the opportunity to thank David Hughes and Rob Davies for the work they have done as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the club respectively. I have known David for a number of years and he has worked tirelessly for the club. I’m delighted to learn that both David and Rob will stay on the Board as Robert Edwards takes over as Chairman. Their knowledge and experience will be vital moving forward into this exciting new era.”
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.
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