Sport

IRONMAN Pro Series lands in Wales for the first time

Published

6 months ago

July 1, 2025

Thousands expected to line the route for globally-broadcast triathlon showcasing the Gower, Mumbles and Marina

FOR the first time in history, the IRONMAN Pro Series will arrive on Welsh soil, with Swansea set to host some of the world’s top endurance athletes on Sunday, 13 July.

The IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea will see nearly 60 professional triathletes compete along a course that captures the best of south-west Wales—from the heart of the city to the clifftops of the Gower, with a challenging sea swim, rural bike loop, and vibrant Marina finish line.

Local supporters are expected to turn out in force as GBR athletes Nikki Bartlett, Kat Matthews, and defending Swansea champion Harry Palmer go head-to-head with international contenders for $50,000 USD in prize money and vital Pro Series points.

The race will also be a major moment for Welsh sport on the international stage, with live global broadcasts beamed to fans across North America, Europe, and beyond via Outside TV, ESPN and DAZN. It’s a major boost for the region’s visibility—offering a platform to showcase Wales’ natural beauty, sporting pedigree and warm hospitality.

Local stars and international champions descend on Swansea
The women’s pro field features Kat Matthews, the 2024 IRONMAN Pro Series Champion, as well as current series leader Anne Reischmann (Germany). Reigning Swansea winner Nikki Bartlett—a familiar name in Welsh racing—will be donning bib number one.

Meanwhile, the men’s race includes Harry Palmer, back to defend his crown on home turf, alongside Danish powerhouse Magnus Ditlev, who was runner-up at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship. Fellow British hopefuls include Iestyn Harrett, a name familiar to Welsh triathlon fans, and Sam Dickinson.

Also lining up are Welsh athletes and rising hopefuls, as well as amateurs from across Wales, including Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Powys, who’ll take part in the age-group competition on the same course.

The course: Coastal beauty meets urban spectacle
The event begins with a 1.2-mile swim from Prince of Wales Dock through Swansea Bay, before athletes cycle 56 miles through Mumbles and out across the rural Gower peninsula, offering stunning coastal views and narrow country lanes.

The final 13.1-mile run passes key landmarks like Swansea Arena and heads back along the bay to the cheering crowds at Swansea Marina—a now-iconic finish line backdrop.

This event will not only offer world championship qualification slots but also provide a major tourism boost to the region. Hotels are fully booked, and local businesses are preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the summer.

Big weekend for Welsh sport
In addition to the professional race, more than 2,500 amateur competitors are expected to take part, many of them Welsh athletes competing for personal bests and community pride.

With the race expected to draw thousands of spectators and visitors, it’s a massive moment for the Welsh sporting calendar. Swansea Council and local partners including the Welsh Government and Visit Wales have supported the event to ensure it runs smoothly and delivers long-term economic benefits.

For full professional start lists, travel advice, and event details visit: www.ironman.com/races/im703-swansea

Sport

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup

Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)

AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.

Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.

Match results (Week 12):

Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
Badgers 2–8 St Johns
Reynalton 0–10 Carew
Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
St Twynnells – bye week

A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.

League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.

At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.

Full standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	8	0	2	+125	72
Reynaltón	11	5	2	4	+35	58
St Johns	10	5	1	4	+32	54
Hundleton	10	5	1	4	-2	54
Carew	9	5	0	4	-25	49
St Twynnells	10	4	2	4	-34	48
Kilgetty	11	5	0	6	-44	46
Badgers	11	3	1	7	-59	45
Lamphey	11	5	0	6	-10	44
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	-5	41
Cosheston	9	3	1	5	-13	40

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Sport

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

Published

18 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club has announced its latest Team of the Week, celebrating standout performers from across the junior age groups following another busy weekend of fixtures.

Players from the U7s through to the U16s Eagles have been highlighted for their work rate, teamwork and commitment on the pitch, with coaches praising the effort shown by all who took part.

The club said the selections recognise not only individual performances but the dedication shown by players at training and during matches throughout the season.

Parents and supporters were quick to share their congratulations online, with particular praise for U12s players George Bentley and Tom Wheeler, who impressed during their fixture.

Team of the Week – 14 December 2025

U7s: Ollie Bromham & Arthur Slee
U8s: Theo Headland & Lyla Phillips
U9s: Theo Canton & George Thornton
U10s: Rhys Davies
U10s Eagles: Frankie Campbell
U11s: Griff Jenkins & Ollie Edwards
U12s: George Bentley & Tom Wheeler
U12s Eagles: Cyra Ellis
U15s: Logan Keane
U16s Eagles: Laura Cichon

Coaches thanked players and families for their continued support as Haverfordwest RFC moves through the winter fixtures, saying the positivity around the club remains a key part of its success.