Sport

Team of the week: Pembroke Dock Harlequins

Published

11 years ago

November 21, 2013

PEMBROKE DOCK Harlequins RFC began back in 1880 when around fifteen men working in Pembroke Dock’s Dockyard pulled on their rugby shirts and set up the club with the teams matches being played at the Barrack Hill Ground. Since then the club has survived through some very tough periods including two World Wars and the closure of the town’s dockyard leaving us with the fine club we have today.

The club over the years
When the club began all those years ago it was called Pembroke Dock Football Club then later Pembroke Dock Rugby Football Club until the early 1900’s when the name Pembroke Dock Harlequins was finally established. The Pembroke Dock Quins began playing at the Barrack Hill Ground and many other venues until they made their permanent home the Bierspool Ground in 1956. But the facilities at the ground were very basic with players having to get changed at various pubs and having to walk to the playing field but with help of members and friends of the club over the years buildings have been added enabling the players to use amenities such as hot showers and clean changing rooms.

But all of this may not have been possible if it had not of been for the spirit of the town and members in keeping the club going through two world wars and through the closure of the Quins’ main supplier of players the Pembroke Dock Dockyard in 1926. It was five committee members that unanimously voted to keep the club going in the 1927 A.G.M. after the closure of the dockyard and their names were Walter David, Llew James, A. Skerry, Bill Husband and Archie Howell.

Over the years the Pembroke Dock Quins has had some great players and some great teams. Some of these players include Ernie Finch and W.J.A Davies who went on to play internationally for their respected home nations of Wales and England. W.J.A Davies even went on to captain England in 1921 at Twickenham against Scotland.

The Quins has also hosted some great teams including the mighty Llanelli in the Welsh Cup. This Llanelli team had internationals galore including Phil Bennett, Delme Thomas, J.J. Williams and Derek Quinnel.

Ladies Committee
The Pembroke Dock Harlequins Ladies Committee was formed after the Second World War. I played a vital role in helping to finance the purchase he Bierspool Ground by helping out with fundraising including running dances. All of this money went towards purchasing a permanent home for the Quins. When the committee was first set up in was under the chairmanship of Mrs Egerton and included Mrs Dix, Mrs Williams, Mrs Hay, Mrs Lloyd, Mrs Shirlock, Miss Blackmore and Miss Peters.

After the Ground was finally purchased and a pavilion was built the ladies now had a new task and this was to provide the players with cups of tea and meals. Thanks to their support and fundraising the Quins rugby club is still going strong and still holding their annual summer carnival.

The club setup
Pembroke Dock Harlequins RFC run 11 mini and junior rugby sides from U7s through to U16s.This season also sees a new ladies rugby team under formation and numbers are building each week. he Quins also run a youth side and a first team and development team. Head oach is Bob Lovell, who is assisted by Gavin Lloyd, Jeff Newman and Tony Manning.

The club is always on the look out for new players throughout its age grades and welcome new and old players to the Quins Ground. Senior training is held on a Monday and Thursday night at 7pm. The youth train on a Wednesday night again with a 7pm start. Youth coaches are Gareth Scourfield and Ian Osbourne with Dai Lewis as youth team manager.

Mini and junior rugby are held every Sunday with either training or rugby matches – start times on a Sunday are 10.30am. The club has a great sports physio in Mr David Usher, who is available on Monday and Thursday nights at the Rugby Club Physio Room from 7pm. Pembroke Dock Harlequins RFC respects rugby club within the local community and is a great focal point for the many youngsters and sports enthusiasts within the area.

The club has over twenty WRU qualified rugby coaches and eighteen WRU qualified Level 1 referees. All of these are volunteers who give up their valuable time to help promote the great sport of rugby and team work within the community. The rugby club would also like to thank all their sponsors and supporters for their continued generous support – this support helps make this club the great place that we all enjoy today.

If anyone would like to get involved with this fantastic rugby club, whether its playing in one of the many rugby sides we have to offer, or assisting in the running and day to day club duties, please get in touch with the following committee members:

Quins Seniors and Youth: Dean Maiden – [email protected]
Quins Seniors: Gavin Lloyd – [email protected]
Quins Juniors: Huw Baker – [email protected]
Quins Minis: Andrew McDonald – Andrew.mcdonald@bevanbuckland.
co.uk

Sport

This week’s Herald local rugby roundup

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

Preseli Men concede late points to lose basement clash

Gorseinon 33 – Crymych 31

Crymych faced a heartbreaking defeat after leading 31-19 midway through the second half. Despite a promising start and a solid performance, Crymych allowed Gorseinon their first win in seven league starts due to a late try and a successful conversion. Crymych skipper Carwyn Phillips marked his milestone of 250 games with commitment alongside teammates Jon Hill, Iestyn Wood, and Llyr Davies. Osian Davies, Eilir George, and Lee Griffiths all scored tries, with George converting each, securing a 21-12 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Phillips added a bonus-point try, also converted by George, but Gorseinon surged back. Wingers Luke Evans and David Rees, centre Josh Hamer, and flankers Ben Morris and Iestyn Lewis each scored, with Tim O’Reilly’s crucial fourth conversion handing Gorseinon the win.

Premiership Division

Otters hold on to break their duck

Bonymaen 27 – Narberth 29

After six league defeats, Narberth clinched their first win in a nail-biter against fellow strugglers Bonymaen. The Otters built a 29-8 lead with tries from Will Blackburn, Ashley Sutton, and captain Tom Powell, with Jon Rogers converting and adding two more goals. But Bonymaen’s 19-point late surge nearly turned the tables as tries from Nathan Brooks, Andrew Richards, and Garin Williams narrowed the gap.

In the final moments, Narberth showed resilience to hold onto their slim lead, with hooker Tom Clarke earning the man of the match for his relentless work rate.

Division One (West)

14-man Seasiders hold on for a narrow win

Tenby United 17 – Yr Hendy 15

Tenby United preserved their perfect record, edging out Yr Hendy despite playing with 14 men after Lloyd Thomas received a red card early on. Thomas’s ejection forced tactical shifts, with Geraint Jones moving to outside half and Gwion Jones taking over at full back.

Captain Tom Barrass scored Tenby’s try after a turnover, with Geraint Jones adding a penalty for an 11-3 halftime lead. Yr Hendy’s Tyler Payne landed four penalties in the second half, but Tenby maintained their defensive discipline, securing a narrow 17-15 victory with man of the match Gethin Bradney leading with tackles.

Division Two (West)

Borderers bag deserved win

Nantgaredig 20 – Whitland 25

Whitland fought back from a 3-10 deficit to overcome Nantgaredig in a hard-fought match. After an extended break for an injury and a field switch, Whitland’s pack took control in the second half, with tries from Rhys Nicholas, Owyn Griffiths, Jack Mason, and Johnny Thomas, who also added a penalty.

Despite three tries from Nantgaredig’s Mark Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Aled Beynon, Whitland maintained their lead, showing consistency in both forwards and backs for a solid team performance.

Division Three (West)

Codd stars as Blues fend off Pontyberem

Pontyberem 13 – Haverfordwest 23

Haverfordwest centre Jack Codd’s 13 points helped his team overcome Pontyberem, who were still seeking their first win. Pontyberem took an early 10-0 lead, but Haverfordwest responded, with strong contributions from pack players Jonathan Mason, Mike Phillips, and captain Karl Busch. Rhodri Lewis opened the scoring for Pontyberem, but Codd’s accurate kicking sealed the win.

Division Four (West) A

James leads Saints to derby success

St Davids 31 – Llangwm 18

Will James shone for St Davids, scoring twice as they defeated local rivals Llangwm in challenging damp, cold conditions. Despite a strong start from Llangwm with an early try from Morgan Rees, St Davids struck back through James, who capitalized on a pass from Will Savage. Further tries from Nathan Foster and Iwan Davies extended the lead, with St Davids up 21-13 at halftime.

In the second half, Callum Jenkins scored for Llangwm, but James added his second try, and Zac Morgan secured St Davids’ fifth, sealing their 31-18 victory in this well-supported derby.

Bulls win at Bierspool

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 12 – Teirw Crymych 22

Teirw Crymych edged out Pembroke Dock Harlequins at Bierspool for their fourth win, with tries from Hedd George and Sean Wilson building a 12-0 lead. The Harlequins responded through Craig Barnett, but a late try and conversion from Adam Phillips sealed Crymych’s win, taking the margin just beyond a bonus-point range for the hosts.

Scarlets outlast Dreigiau Emlyn in thriller

Pembroke 36 – Dreigiau Emlyn 32

Pembroke pulled off a thrilling win at Crickmarren with six tries, including scores by Weatherall, Edwards, and Luke Hartland. Veteran forwards Brayford, Wiseman, and Palmer controlled the set pieces, while Dreigiau Emlyn countered with five tries of their own. Despite Emlyn’s persistence, Pembroke’s disciplined play earned them a narrow 36-32 win.

Sport

Division Three match reports: Key wins and dominant performances

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

Clarbeston Road II 2-3 Neyland II

Neyland II narrowly defeated Clarbeston Road II in a close 3-2 encounter. Clarbeston’s Jack Wood and Henry Lucas found the net, but Neyland II clinched the victory with goals from Zac Owen, Korey Arran (penalty), and Mason Morgans-Hurley. Despite their win, Neyland II remains near the bottom of the league, hoping to build momentum from this result. Clarbeston Road II’s defeat keeps them in 10th place with 9 points from 12 games, reflecting a challenging season thus far.

Goodwick United II 5-0 Camrose II

League leaders Goodwick United II continued their dominant form, securing a comfortable 5-0 win over Camrose II. Goals from Ifan Mathias, Gary Reynolds, Sion O’Sullivan, Thomas Phelps-Jenkins, and Tyler Booker highlighted their attacking prowess. Goodwick sits firmly at the top with 34 points and an impressive +33 goal difference, showcasing their strength this season. Camrose II, however, remains near the bottom with just 7 points, struggling to improve from 11th place.

Haverfordwest Cricket Club 2-1 Pendine

Haverfordwest Cricket Club fought hard to edge out Pendine 2-1, with goals from Jordan Harrison and Liam Sheehan. This victory lifts Haverfordwest CC to 5th place on 17 points from 12 games, giving them a boost in the mid-table standings. Pendine, despite Julian Blewitt’s goal, stays in 4th place with 19 points, within reach of the top but facing stiff competition.

Letterston 6-1 Kilgetty II

Letterston put on an attacking display with a dominant 6-1 win over Kilgetty II. Simon Jones led the charge with a hat trick, while Morgan Miles, Robert Hedley, and Jordan White added to the scoreline. This result strengthens Letterston’s position in the table, bringing them to 16 points, just a point behind Haverfordwest CC. Kilgetty II, meanwhile, drops further down with 11 points and a -14 goal difference, indicating defensive struggles.

Pembroke Borough 6-2 St Florence

Pembroke Borough extended their strong form with a decisive 6-2 victory over St Florence. Jake Campbell and Jordan White each scored twice, with Luke Hendry and Jack Walker also contributing. Pembroke Borough remains secure in 2nd place with 25 points from 12 games, keeping up the pressure on league leaders Goodwick United II. St Florence, however, continues to struggle for consistency, sitting in the lower half of the table with 11 points.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Second Division round-up: Promotion race heats up

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

CAMROSE took another decisive step in their promotion quest with a 2-0 victory over Johnston. Sitting third in the league on 25 points from 11 games, they are just one point behind second-placed Narberth. With a strong defensive record and reliable scoring, Camrose is poised for a continued push for the top spots. Johnston, meanwhile, remains near the relegation zone with only 9 points from 10 games, struggling to rise from the lower ranks.

Carew II 3-0 Broad Haven

Carew II’s 3-0 win over Broad Haven moved them up to 10 points, giving them valuable breathing space above the bottom of the table. Now positioned in 10th, Carew II is working to establish consistency in the league, while Broad Haven continues to languish at the foot of the table, winless so far this season.

Merlins Bridge II 7-3 Solva

In a goal-filled spectacle, Merlins Bridge II overpowered Solva with a 7-3 win, showcasing their offensive might. This victory lifts Merlins Bridge II to sixth place on 18 points from 11 games, strengthening their mid-table position. Though not currently in the promotion mix, their recent form indicates potential to climb higher. Solva, in seventh with 11 points, has now lost six of their 11 matches, struggling to find consistency.

Monkton Swifts II 0-9 Hakin United II

Hakin United II demonstrated their dominance at the top of the league with a commanding 9-0 win over Monkton Swifts II. Leading the division with 28 points from 13 games and an impressive +29 goal difference, Hakin United II’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive stability has kept them clear at the summit. Monkton Swifts II, with just 10 points and a -21 goal difference from 13 games, remains near the bottom and continues to struggle.

Neyland 1-3 Narberth

Narberth maintained their title challenge with a solid 3-1 win over Neyland, holding onto second place with 26 points from 11 games—only two points behind Hakin United II, with two games in hand. Their +24 goal difference highlights their robust form and positions them as serious contenders for the top spot. Neyland, now fifth with 20 points, is also performing respectably, though the defeat underscores the gap they must bridge to challenge the league leaders.