Sport

Late drama and strong comebacks highlight Pembrokeshire rugby action

Published

1 month ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Premiership Division:

Cross Keys 30 – Narberth 24

NARBERTH nearly pulled off one of the season’s most memorable comebacks after trailing 30-7 at halftime. The Otters fought back fiercely in the second half, scoring 17 unanswered points with tries from No 8 Roy Osborne (2), centre Harrison Griffiths, and fly-half Jonathan Rogers. Despite their determined effort, they fell just six points short, securing two bonus points for scoring four tries and finishing within seven points. Skipper Tom Powell was named Narberth’s ‘Player of the Match.’ The Otters now face a crucial relegation battle against bottom-placed Newcastle.

Championship Division (West):

Tata Steel 42 – Crymych 5

Crymych faced a daunting challenge against league leaders Tata Steel, who dominated the match from start to finish. Crymych’s only points came from hooker Lee Griffiths, as they trailed 21-5 at halftime. Unable to break through Tata’s defense in the second half, they conceded another 21 points to lose 42-5.

Laugharne 41 – Whitland 12

Laugharne completed the double over Whitland with a comprehensive 41-12 victory in this local derby. The home side raced to a 22-0 halftime lead, and although Whitland managed to score two tries in the second half through Tom Hughes and Oli Bujega, Laugharne remained in control throughout. This win strengthens Laugharne’s position in second place in the section, behind Lampeter Town.

Division Two (West):

Fishguard & Goodwick 29 – Milford Haven 13

Fishguard & Goodwick secured a dominant win over Milford Haven, completing the double over their rivals. The Seagulls controlled possession and scored five tries, while Milford Haven managed just one. Fishguard’s tries came from Kial Keane, Cai Llewellyn, Liam Wilkes, Rhys Evans, and Rhys Lewis, with Mark Jones converting two. Milford Haven fought hard, with scrum-half James Trueman kicking two penalties and prop Dai Sweeny scoring their only try. Despite a late effort from Milford, Fishguard held on for the win.

Division Four (West) A:

Pembroke 29 – Pembroke Dock Harlequins 28

In a thrilling local derby, Pembroke narrowly defeated Pembroke Dock Harlequins by a single point. The Quins led 28-21 in the final stages, but Pembroke mounted a late comeback. Danny Davies scored a try, and Jared Sherratt’s calm penalty in the dying moments secured the victory for Pembroke, who had earlier fallen behind to tries from Jack Price and Craig Barnett for the Quins. Pembroke took revenge for an earlier defeat to the Quins this season.

Division Three (West):

Tumble 31 – Haverfordwest 28

Tumble won a tightly contested match against Haverfordwest, who fought back until the final whistle. Haverfordwest’s tries came from Ollie Roberts, Guy Barrons, and Jack Codd, but Tumble’s attacking pressure, combined with solid defense, saw them hold on for a 31-28 victory. The win keeps Tumble in second place in the table.

WRU Division One Cup – Last 16:

Bridgend Athletic 24 – Tenby United 19

Tenby United came close to securing a quarter-final spot after leading 16-5 at halftime against Bridgend Athletic. However, they faltered in the second half as Bridgend Athletic turned the game around with four tries. Tenby could only manage a drop goal from Lloyd Thomas and one try in the second half, while Athletic scored through Ben Owen, Mike Powell, Tom Jenkins, and Geraint Richards, with Rhys Williams converting two.

Division Three Cup – Last 16:

Cardigan (Walkover) vs Newtown

Cardigan advanced to the quarter-finals of the WRU Division Three Cup after Newtown were unable to field a team, giving Cardigan a walkover despite Newtown’s home advantage.

WRU Division Four Cup – Last 16:

Dreigiau Emlyn 15 – Neyland 26

Neyland secured a hard-fought victory over Dreigiau Emlyn, leading 13-7 at halftime. Dreigiau Emlyn briefly took the lead early with a try from Sam Forrester-Evans, but Neyland responded with a penalty from Oli Rothero and tries from Owen Hamer and Patrick Bellerby. Despite a late penalty from Dreigiau Emlyn, Neyland held on for the win and remain the only Pembrokeshire club left in the competition.

Athletic Battle Hard Against League Leaders:

Pontyclun 26 – Narberth Athletic 19

Narberth Athletic played bravely against league leaders Pontyclun, scoring three tries through Llew Jones and Shane Rossiter (who also converted two), but fell short in a 26-19 defeat. Pontyclun capitalized on key penalties and tries from Ewan Jones and Joe Williams, as well as a flawless kicking display from Nicky Theaker, who slotted four penalties and two conversions.

Bulls Beaten by Better Side on the Day:

Tylorstown 32 – Teirw Crymych 17

Teirw Crymych’s strong first-half performance wasn’t enough to overcome Tylorstown, who scored 17 unanswered points in the second half. Crymych had led 17-15 at halftime, but Tylorstown dominated after the break, claiming a 32-17 victory to advance to the last eight of the competition.

Sport

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

3 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHEN TOWN AFC’s long-serving manager, Mark Aizlewood, has announced that he will not be renewing his contract, marking the end of an era for the club. In a heartfelt statement released on January 14, 2025, Aizlewood revealed this season would be his last at the helm of the Old Gold.

Aizlewood expressed gratitude to the players, staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors, and supporters who have supported him throughout his tenure. “The people of CTFC have made me one of their own,” he said, despite living 60 miles away. He also extended heartfelt thanks to his wife and family for their understanding and unwavering support.

Two decades of success

Aizlewood has been a defining figure in the club’s history, holding a UEFA Pro Licence for over 30 years and leading Carmarthen Town AFC to consistent top-six finishes in the Welsh league, as well as cup victories and European qualifications. “In my 20+ years at the club, these achievements became the norm, and we were at the very top of the football ecosystem in Wales,” Aizlewood remarked.

However, he acknowledged that the current situation at the club has shifted, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not the case any longer. The ship is pointing in the right direction, and the destination is agreed by all, but perhaps now is the right time for a new captain to steer the club along its agreed journey.”

Looking ahead

Aizlewood assured fans he remains passionate about football, declaring he will retain his UEFA Pro Licence and remain involved in the sport. As Carmarthen Town AFC prepares for a new chapter, Aizlewood wished his successor and the club every success in the future.

A legacy of dedication

Mark Aizlewood’s departure signals the end of one of the longest managerial tenures in Welsh football, a career marked by dedication, achievement, and an unyielding love for the game. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Carmarthen Town AFC.

The search for a new manager begins as the club aims to build on Aizlewood’s formidable achievements and continue its proud tradition in Welsh football.

Cover image credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

Sport

Letterston marksman wins junior athlete award

Published

6 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TALENTED young athlete from Letterston has been honoured at the British Shooting Awards 2024.

Seren Thorne was shortlisted for the prestigious awards and attended the gala event held at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. To the delight of her family and supporters, Seren was named the winner of the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award.

This accolade highlights Seren’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking her as one of the rising stars in British shooting.

Her mother, Sian Thorne, expressed immense pride in Seren’s achievement, sharing photos of the memorable evening.

The British Shooting Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the sport, with a full list of winners available on their official website.

PHOTO CAPTION: Champion marksman: Seren Thorne receiving the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award (Pic: Supplied).

Sport

Previewing the 2025 Super Bowl

Published

7 days ago

January 20, 2025

Staff Writer

Each year millions of people across the world gather to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. Last year, 3.4 million people in the UK watched the Super Bowl, up 1.1 million from the previous year. Considering the growth in popularity of American football in the UK, we anticipate the viewership will be even higher for 2025.

The 2025 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on 9 February 2025 at Caesars Superdrome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NFL teams

12 teams began competing for a spot in the 2025 Super Bowl when the playoffs began on January 11. At this point, four teams were eliminated. This now leaves eight teams to compete in the Divisional playoffs. Four of these will make it to the Conference Championships before contesting for a spot at this year’s Super Bowl.

The eight teams left with a shot at competing in the 2025 Super Bowl are:

Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Washington Commanders

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs took the title for the second year in a row. However, the latest Super Bowl odds puts the Detroit Lions as the favourites to win this year’s Super Bowl, following a series of impressive performances in the regular season.

The national anthem and halftime show

Before the game commences, a special guest performs the national anthem. Last year, Reba McEntire offered a moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and this year the task falls to jazz singer Jon Batiste.

It’s not just the football match that people look forward to. Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle in themselves and many look forward to the performance as much as the game itself. This year, 17-time grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show. Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl in 2022.

How can I watch the Super Bowl in the UK?

The Super Bowl is being broadcast to fans free on ITV, including live online via ITVX on your laptop, mobile, or tablet.

Sky Sports is also broadcasting the event which you can watch online via Sky Go, NOW TV, or using the Sky Sports mobile app. You could also head to your local pub as plenty of pubs in Pembrokeshire will be showing the big game.

Will you be tuning in?

With a surge in popularity for American Football, it’s anticipated that more people from the UK than ever before will be turning their TVs on for the big event this year. Will you be watching this year’s Super Bowl?