Sport

Cymru make historic Euro debut as Haverfordwest’s James-Turner set to shine

Angharad James-Turner

Published

5 months ago

July 4, 2025

A historic moment awaits Cymru as they step out at the Swissporarena in Lucerne for their first-ever appearance at a major tournament, facing European heavyweights the Netherlands in their Euro 2025 opener.

And among those representing the nation is Haverfordwest’s own Angharad James-Turner, whose midfield presence will be pivotal if Cymru are to stand toe-to-toe with one of Europe’s most formidable sides.

“This is the moment we’ve dreamed about for years,” said teammate Jess Fishlock. “We’ve broken through several ceilings – now we have to burst a big one.”

From Pembrokeshire to the Heart of Europe

For local supporters in Pembrokeshire, pride runs especially deep today. James-Turner, raised in Haverfordwest and a product of grassroots football in west Wales, has become a key figure in Cymru’s rise to the European stage.

The 30-year-old midfielder brings drive, experience and composure, having earned over 100 caps for her country and played professionally across the UK and United States.

“She covers every blade of grass,” said manager Rhian Wilkinson. “She’s relentless and leads by example. Players like her are the heartbeat of this squad.”

A Team Built on Grit and Belief

Cymru arrive in Switzerland as underdogs – ranked 30th in the world and the lowest of the 16 sides competing – but with a spirit and sense of purpose that’s taken them further than many expected.

They edged past the Republic of Ireland in a tense two-legged play-off to seal their spot at the finals and now find themselves in the tournament’s toughest group, alongside the Netherlands, France, and England.

Captain Sophie Ingle returns from injury to anchor the midfield, while Fishlock and James-Turner offer experience and energy in the engine room. In goal, 23-year-old Olivia Clark is set to start, having gone from working shifts in McDonald’s to facing Europe’s elite.

Dutch a Formidable Force – But Vulnerable

The Netherlands arrive with pedigree – European champions in 2017 and runners-up at the 2019 World Cup – but they’re not without questions. Head coach Andries Jonker departs after the tournament, and his squad has looked shaky defensively in recent outings.

Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema, back from a long-term knee injury, remains their biggest threat, supported by pacey forwards Lineth Beerensteyn and Esmee Brugts.

What Cymru Need to Do

Cymru’s best chance lies in their organisation and discipline. Wilkinson has drilled her side well, preparing for a low-block, counter-attacking approach that will seek to frustrate and disrupt the Dutch rhythm.

Set-pieces could offer opportunities, with James-Turner and Ingle both capable of delivering dangerous balls into the box.

“We know we’re not favourites,” said James-Turner. “But that doesn’t change how much we believe in ourselves. We’re here to compete, not just to take part.”

Quick Glance

Kick-off: 5PM (BST)
TV: Across BBC and S4C
Group D: Cymru, Netherlands, France, England
World Rankings: Netherlands (11), Cymru (30)
Last Meeting: Netherlands 5–0 Cymru (2017 friendly)
Key Local Player: Angharad James-Turner (Haverfordwest)

Expected Cymru XI (4-2-3-1)

Clark; Evans, Ladd, Roberts, Green; Ingle, James-Turner; Harding, Fishlock, Ward; Morgan

A Night for Pembrokeshire to Be Proud

Tonight, as Cymru walk out under the lights in Lucerne, all eyes in Pembrokeshire will be on Angharad James-Turner, the girl from Haverfordwest who rose through the local ranks to the European stage.

Whatever the result, she – and the entire squad – have already made history. But now, they’ll be dreaming of more.

Sport

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

Published

4 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

4 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

If you’d like, I can also turn this into a shorter snippet for the website or expand with quotes, season context, or upcoming fixtures.

Sport

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

Published

8 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.