NEYLAND Rugby Club edged out Cwmgors in a thrilling Division 4 Cup second-round clash, progressing to the next stage after a hard-fought 30-21 victory at the Athletic Club Field. The match saw a commendable turnout, with Neyland fans and a strong visiting crowd creating a lively atmosphere.

Cwmgors took an early lead with a penalty from Jordan Smith, but Neyland responded quickly. Oliver Rothero leveled the score with a well-placed penalty to make it 3-3. However, Cwmgors struck back with a converted try, pushing the visitors to a 10-3 advantage. Neyland regrouped, and after sustained pressure, Rothero broke through for a try and then added the conversion, evening the score at 10-10.

Rothero crossed the line once more, putting Neyland ahead. Although Cwmgors managed another penalty before halftime, Neyland held a narrow 15-13 lead at the break, leaving the game open.

The second half saw Neyland increase their momentum, with Rothero extending their lead through a penalty. Flanker Owain Evans then crossed for a try, followed by a brilliant effort from skipper George Williams, with Rothero adding the conversion. Cwmgors battled back with a penalty and a late try, but Neyland’s defense held firm, securing their 30-21 victory.

Neyland’s performance was praised by both sides, with the home club extending thanks to Cwmgors for fulfilling the fixture—a testament to sportsmanship amid several away-game cancellations in the Welsh cup. Special acknowledgment was given to referee Steve Harwood for his role in a well-handled match.

With this win, Neyland advances in the cup and now turns its focus to league action, preparing for a home showdown against Narberth Athletic, where First meets Second in the standings.

NEYLAND 30, CWMGORS 21

(Image: Peter Davies/Facebook)

CUP holders Clarbeston Road triumphed over a spirited Neyland side with a decisive 5-2 victory at the Athletic Ground on Saturday (Oct 25), thanks to a brace from striker Ben John, along with goals from wideman Laurie Haworth and midfielder Mathew Davies.

Haworth opened the scoring within the first 20 seconds, capitalising on a defensive error straight from the Nomads’ kick-off, leaving the goalkeeper stranded as he easily slotted the ball into an empty net. Mathew Fox’s side controlled the game with a rapid offensive strategy, moving the ball efficiently across the pitch. However, despite their dominance, they struggled to convert their possession into a clear second goal.

The equaliser came in the ninth minute when Neyland skipper Mike Chandler’s corner was partially cleared, allowing their central midfielder to volley the ball with precision over the outstretched hand of visiting keeper Rhys Mansell.

Though back on level terms, the Division Two league leaders held their ground for only six minutes. Clarbeston’s skipper found John in the box, who reclaimed the lead, soon followed by a superb assist from man of the match Haworth, setting up Davies to make it 3-1 by the half-hour mark. Five minutes before the break, Haworth showcased his quick feet and pace, converting a defence-splitting pass from midfielder Travis Jones into a fourth goal. John rounded off the first half in added time, making it 5-1 just as referee Jonathan Twigg blew his whistle.

After a half-time pep talk from manager Gavin Rowlands, Neyland reorganised and pushed higher up the pitch. Yet Clarbeston’s defenders, including substitute Liam James, Dan Rees, and Llew George, held their lines firmly. Neyland’s persistence paid off with a consolation goal from Ben Gale with a quarter-hour remaining.

Despite appearing the fitter side as the game neared its conclusion, Neyland could not close the gap further. Clarbeston Road now moves forward into the third round of the 24/25 Senior Cup. A poignant minute of silence was held before kick-off in memory of former Neyland player Gary Power.

(Image: File)

HAVERFORDWEST County AFC stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches with a 0-0 stalemate against Caernarfon Town at LHP Stadium on Saturday (Oct 26). Despite dominating much of the game, the Bluebirds couldn’t find the net, settling for a single point.

The home side’s best chances came from Ben Ahmun and Ben Fawcett, who tested the Canaries’ defence but ultimately fell short. County’s backline was formidable, with Lee Jenkins making a critical late clearance off the line to secure their ninth clean sheet in 14 league matches. This result keeps the Bluebirds second in the JD Cymru Premier as they prepare for a crucial match against Flint Town United next weekend.

Manager Tony Pennock made three changes following the JD Welsh Cup win over Trethomas Bluebirds. Zac Jones took over in goal from last week’s penalty hero, Ifan Knott, while Lee Jenkins and Corey Shephard returned to the starting lineup. Maltese international Luke Tabone marked his 50th appearance, anchoring the defence alongside Jenkins and Kyle McCarthy.

Haverfordwest County AFC Starting XI:
Z. Jones, J. Owen, Jenkins, Tabone, McCarthy, Abbruzzese, Rees (C), Shephard, Walters, Fawcett (Hawkins 67′), Ahmun (O. Jones 67′)
Substitutes not used: Knott, H. John, A. Jones, D. John, Humphreys

First half

The Bluebirds opened confidently, with Rhys Abbruzzese testing Caernarfon’s defence early. After his free-kick was blocked, his follow-up shot sailed over the bar. Soon after, Corey Shephard’s deflected effort required a save from Canaries’ keeper Stephen McMullan.

Caernarfon threatened in the 30th minute when Zack Clarke’s long-range attempt missed the mark. Moments later, a precise pass from McCarthy allowed Ahmun to slip through the defence, but his shot narrowly missed the right post. Luke Tabone had a chance to score on his milestone appearance from a set-piece, though his header lacked direction.

Second half

County nearly broke the deadlock early in the second half when Ahmun threaded a dangerous pass across goal, narrowly missed by Fawcett. Substitute Owain Jones and Greg Walters kept the pressure on Caernarfon’s defence, but the Canaries remained resolute.

Caernarfon’s determination almost paid off in the dying moments as substitute Adam Davies rounded keeper Zac Jones. However, Jenkins’ timely goal-line clearance ensured the game finished scoreless.

Landmark moment:
Luke Tabone made his 50th appearance for Haverfordwest County AFC (Pic: Sam Eaden/FAW).