MILFORD ATHLETIC’S Under 12s recently produced an entertaining performance despite a narrow defeat in a high-scoring friendly against St Clears.

The closely fought match finished St Clears 5, Milford Athletic 4, with Milford pushing their opponents all the way in an exciting contest that showcased attacking football from both sides.

Finley led the scoring for Milford with an impressive hat-trick, while Chaise added the fourth goal in a game that remained in the balance until the final whistle.

One moment stood out in particular, with Milford’s third goal described by coaches as the best the team has scored since it was formed two-and-a-half years ago. The move involved every outfield player, with all nine players passing the ball before Finley finished clinically into the top corner.

Coaches praised the teamwork and commitment shown by the squad, highlighting the progress made by the players and the quality of football on display.

The match also marked the first outing for the team’s new jackets, which were sponsored by Milford Haven Round Table. The club expressed its thanks to the organisation for its support, describing the sponsorship as greatly appreciated.

Despite the result, the performance was seen as another positive step in the development of the Milford Athletic Under 12s squad.

Young stars: Milford Athletic Under 12s pictured in their new team jackets following the friendly against St Clears (Pic: Club).

HAVERFORDWEST RUGBY CLUB return to league action on Saturday with a tough opening fixture of 2026, welcoming second-placed Tumble RFC to Pembroke Road for a 2:30pm kick-off.

The Blues will be looking to carry momentum into the New Year following an impressive Boxing Day victory over old rivals Llangwm Wasps, where a young Haverfordwest side retained the Bishop’s Cup with a convincing 49–7 win. While the final scoreline suggested a comfortable afternoon, the opening exchanges were fiercely contested, with the Blues standing firm against a physical Llangwm performance backed by vocal home support.

Last season’s meetings with Tumble were closely fought, with both sides winning on home soil, and another tight encounter is expected.

Haverfordwest have named a strong starting XV for the visit of Tumble. Zambo, Young Curtis and captain Dan Berry make up the front row, while Jack Clancy returns to the second row alongside Jake Evs. Dev Williams keeps the number six shirt after a strong Boxing Day performance, with Ioan “The Chop” at seven and Mikey Griff moving to number eight to complete a powerful yet mobile back row.

In the halves, Turts returns at scrum-half to partner Adam Phillips at fly-half. Swig continues at inside centre, joined by the talented Liam Hughes at 13. Scotty C and Logun “The Gambler” Young start on the wings, with Jakey Morgs named at full-back.

The bench includes Terrance “The Mole”, Pep, veteran utility back Matty Phillips, Isaac KJ, and the exciting Ifan Williams, who continues to make a strong impression.

With weather permitting, kick-off is at 2:30pm at Pembroke Road, and the club is encouraging supporters to turn out in force to back the Blues.

For the first time in 2026, it’s time to go hard and fast.

Allez Les Blues 🔵⚪️🏉

Former Wales and Lions scrum-half reflects on drink-driving incident, family, and the state of Welsh rugby in Y Cyfweliad

FORMER Wales rugby star Mike Phillips has spoken openly about some of the most difficult moments of his life in a new episode of Y Cyfweliad on S4C, describing the emotional toll of past mistakes and the impact they had on his family.

The programme, which airs on Tuesday (Jan 6) at 9.00pm, features Phillips as the second guest in the new Welsh-language series, which is based on the internationally acclaimed format The A-Talks (also known as The Assembly).

Y Cyfweliad brings together a group of 30 autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning-disabled interviewers who question a well-known public figure without restriction, resulting in candid and often deeply personal conversations.

During the interview, Phillips speaks frankly about moments off the pitch that tested him the most, including having to tell his parents that he had been caught drink-driving.

He described the incident as one of the worst things he has ever done.

“I was so angry with myself because it’s one of the worst things I’ve done,” he said.

“I broke down with Mum and Dad and felt like I’d let people down. But I was very lucky that nothing bad happened.”

When asked about the last time he cried, Phillips returned to that period, reflecting on the emotional weight of disappointing his parents and the lasting impact it had on him.

The programme also explores his upbringing on a farm in Carmarthenshire, his life living in Dubai, and his views on the current state of Welsh rugby.

Phillips won 99 international caps for Wales, represented the British & Irish Lions, and between 2008 and 2013 was widely regarded as one of the best scrum-halves in world rugby.

Speaking about the challenges facing the national side today, he said: “We all know the situation – it’s difficult. We’re a small country, but it’s important that we have a national team that competes, even if it’s not always successful.

“They play with heart because they represent us all, and that gives people such a boost.”

The episode concludes with a moving performance of Calon Lân by the interviewers, bringing the conversation to an emotional close.

Y Cyfweliad – Mike Phillips will be available on S4C, S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from Tuesday (Jan 6) at 9.00pm. Also appearing in the series are Bronwen Lewis and Elin Fflur. The first episode, featuring Dafydd Iwan, is already available on demand. English subtitles are available.