Sport

England crush Wales in Twickenham mauling

Published

2 months ago

February 7, 2026

Arundell hat-trick and two Welsh sin bins as hosts rack up seven tries in one-sided Six Nations opener

ENGLAND blew Wales away with a ruthless seven-try display to secure a thumping 48-7 victory in their opening match of the Six Nations Championship at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday (Feb 7).

In front of a full house in south-west London, England national rugby union team combined pace, precision and power to overwhelm a Wales side that simply could not live with the hosts’ intensity, particularly during a devastating first half that effectively settled the contest before the break.

The tone was set early.

England dominated territory from the kick-off, fly-half George Ford dictating play with clever tactical kicking and sharp distribution. After an early penalty nudged them ahead, the first try followed when quick hands released wing Henry Arundell in space and he raced clear down the touchline.

It was the first of three.

Arundell’s pace repeatedly exposed the Welsh edge defence and he completed a clinical first-half hat-trick, twice finishing sweeping backline moves and once chasing down a perfectly weighted kick in behind.

Wales’ task became even harder when discipline deserted them. Prop Nicky Smith and hooker Dewi Lake were both shown yellow cards within minutes of each other for repeated infringements, leaving the visitors down to 13 men at one stage.

England ruthlessly punished the numerical advantage.

Ben Earl crashed over from close range after a series of pick-and-go carries, before Tom Roebuck finished smartly in the corner as the ball was spun wide at pace. By half-time England were 29-0 ahead and in complete control.

To their credit, Wales national rugby union team showed more fight after the restart. A sustained spell of pressure finally produced their only score when Josh Adams gathered a cross-field kick to dot down in the corner, briefly lifting the travelling support.

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But any hopes of momentum were short-lived.

England struck back almost immediately. A powerful maul marched deep into Welsh territory, leading to another close-range score, and matters worsened for Wales when a clear try-scoring chance was illegally stopped, prompting the referee to award a penalty try.

Tommy Freeman added the final flourish late on, slicing through tired defenders to cap a dominant afternoon.

Ford added four conversions and a penalty from the tee to keep the scoreboard ticking.

No players were sent off, but the two sin bins proved hugely costly, coming during the period when England built their decisive lead.

For England, it was close to the perfect start to the championship. Their pack won the collisions, the breakdown was slick, and their back three looked dangerous every time they touched the ball. The blend of control and cutting edge suggests they will be genuine title contenders.

For Wales, it is back to the drawing board. Defensive lapses and ill-discipline were punished at the highest level, and conceding seven tries will concern the coaching staff ahead of their next fixture.

Scorers
England: Henry Arundell (3), Ben Earl, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, penalty try. Conversions: Ford (4). Penalty: Ford.
Wales: Josh Adams. Conversion: Edwards.

Sport

Vice-chair steps down at Haverfordwest County AFC

Published

18 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Herald Sport

Mared Pemberton leaves board role after years of service

HAVERFORWEST COUNTY AFC has confirmed that Mared Pemberton has stepped down from her role as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors due to personal commitments.

Pemberton has played a key role in the club’s development in recent years, most notably leading the delivery of the Ogi Bridge Meadow 3G pitch project.

She has also been closely involved in the club’s community work and fan engagement initiatives, helping to strengthen its reputation and position as a focal point within the local area.

Pemberton will continue her involvement with the club as Head of Trustees for the Bluebirds Foundation, the official charitable arm of Haverfordwest County AFC.

A club spokesperson said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Mared for her loyalty, hard work and dedication over many years, and we wish her well for the future.”

Sport

Camrose girls head to Portugal after major community backing

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Herald Sport

A CAMROSE Under 13s girls’ football team has travelled to Portugal for a once-in-a-lifetime tour, supported by a funding boost from Wales & West Utilities.

The squad, made up of twenty-four players aged between eleven and fourteen, set off during the Easter holidays after five months of determined fundraising efforts.

The trip forms part of a wider international learning programme funded by Taith, the Welsh Government-backed scheme promoting global exchange opportunities for young people.

During their time abroad, the team will take part in cultural and sporting activities, including matches against local sides, social events with host clubs, and a coaching session with Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica. The group will also attend a professional football match.

Organisers say the tour is about far more than football, with a strong focus on confidence-building, teamwork, and cultural exchange. Around forty per cent of the players and coaching staff come from underrepresented backgrounds, including young carers, those in care, and families on low incomes.

While Taith funding has supported much of the programme, additional financial help from Wales & West Utilities has been vital in bridging a £3,000 shortfall. The funds have also enabled the purchase of a dedicated tour kit, helping keep players safe and identifiable in busy environments.

Volunteer coach Joanne Battelley said the support had made a real difference.

She said: “This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our girls, both on and off the pitch. The support from Wales & West Utilities has helped ensure more of our players can take part and benefit from the opportunity.”

Bethan Jones, Head of People and Customer Experience at Wales & West Utilities, said the company was proud to support the initiative.

She said: “Football is about more than just the game. This trip will help build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories for these young players.”

Wales & West Utilities provides gas emergency and pipeline services to more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England.

Sport

Lloyd and Reynolds take on France with Supra GT4 challenge

Published

4 days ago

March 28, 2026

Herald Sport

WELSH drivers Rhys Lloyd and Harri Reynolds are set to take on Europe as they launch their 2026 campaign in the French GT4 Championship.

The pairing will compete in the Championnat de France FFSA GT – GT4 France, driving a Toyota Supra GT4 run by Circuit Toys in partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing France.

The highly competitive series features five rounds across some of France and Belgium’s most iconic circuits, with the season getting underway at Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro over Easter weekend (April 5–6).

European step up

Both drivers bring experience as teammates, having competed together in the 2024 Britcar Trophy Championship and earlier this year in the Dubai 24 Hours — giving them a solid platform heading into their first full European campaign.

The FFSA GT4 series also offers a significant incentive, with a €150,000 prize fund available through the SRO Motorsports Group’s GT Academy programme, aimed at helping drivers progress to higher levels such as GT2 and GT World Challenge Europe.

Aiming for the title

Reynolds, from Narberth, said he was eager to build on the pair’s recent success.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” he said. “After the Dubai 24, Rhys and I have built a strong understanding of how the team operates, and they now know how we work as drivers.

“Taking our first proper step into European racing, it’ll be exciting to experience the competition and get to know new drivers and teams.

“We’re aiming to put ourselves in a position to fight for the championship. As drivers, that’s always the goal. Rhys and I have worked well together, and if we can continue that momentum, we’ll be right in the mix.”

He added that racing abroad would bring new challenges, including travel demands and adapting to unfamiliar circuits and conditions.

Motivated return

Lloyd, from Carmarthen, said he was relishing his return to racing after time away in 2025.

“I’m super excited about the 2026 season,” he said. “Having taken a year out, I’m more motivated than ever to be back.

“The Toyota Supra GT4 is an incredible car, and to be back driving with Harri is a great partnership.

“It’s a big step for us both to race in France — all the circuits and competitors will be new — but I’m really looking forward to getting started in Nogaro.”

Further announcements about the team’s 2026 campaign are expected in the coming months.