HAVERFORDWEST RFC’s youth and junior sections enjoyed a proud weekend, with cup success, a festival win, milestone appearances and strong performances across the age groups.

The club’s Youth side led the celebrations after beating Aberystwyth Youth 23-12 on Friday night.

Supporters praised the squad’s performance, team spirit and togetherness following the win, with congratulations shared widely online for the players and coaches.

The occasion was made even more special by a guard of honour from the Under-10s, who lined up to support the Youth team before the match.

There was also success for the Blues Under-12s, who won the St Clears Festival against teams from across South Wales.

Coaches said the boys impressed not only with their rugby, but also with their commitment, manners and sportsmanship, representing the club and the shirt brilliantly.

Milestone for Freddie

Another proud moment came as Freddie Jones, one of the club’s original players from Under-7s, made his 100th appearance.

Freddie, now with the Under-11s, has enjoyed an excellent season, earning selection for county and West Wales.

He was described by the club as a “gentle giant” away from the pitch, but a fierce competitor on it, leading the way with his ball carrying and tackling.

The club also shared its latest Team of the Week, recognising young players from across the age groups who impressed during the weekend’s fixtures.

With cup success, a festival win and milestone appearances across the age groups, it was a memorable weekend for everyone involved with Haverfordwest RFC’s junior and youth sections.

YOUNG AMMAN SIDE IMPRESS DESPITE DEFEAT

AMMAN UNITED may have suffered another defeat, but the Reds ended the week with plenty of encouragement after pushing Tumble hard in an entertaining Division Three West clash.

Playing their second away fixture in three days, Amman travelled to Parc y Mynydd Mawr with a side showing clear signs of the club’s future direction.

United had introduced a number of players from their Welsh Youth Cup-winning squad across two away matches, with several making their senior debuts.

Eight of those youngsters were involved in the midweek 26-12 defeat away to high-flying Division Three Cup winners New Dock Stars, where Dyfan Llewellyn marked his debut with a try.

Harvey Duncan, Ioan Booth, Hefin Davies, Ceian Lewis, Tom James, Aled Davies, Kennedy Richards and Cole Lacey were also introduced across the two games, giving Amman supporters real cause for optimism.

Youth given chance

At Tumble, Amman started with five members of the victorious youth side in the pack, with Tom James making his debut at lock under captain Rhydian Jones.

In bright sunshine, both sides served up an open and entertaining game full of running rugby.

Tumble, however, largely controlled the first half and built a 30-14 lead by the interval.

The Magpies crossed through Owen Bunford, Jack Morris, Iwan Morgan and Rhys King to secure their try bonus point before the break.

There was also a notable family moment for the Gwendraeth Valley side, with brothers Ellis and Zak Payne playing together for the first time.

Reds rally after break

Amman, safe from relegation because of league restructuring, came roaring back in the second half and gave their higher-placed hosts a real scare.

Back-row nuisance Cole Lacey was rewarded for an excellent performance with his first senior try for the club, while wing Dylan Matthews and impressive flanker Alun Lewis also crossed.

United’s five-try display brought them to within two points at 35-33, earning them a deserved bonus point and threatening a remarkable comeback.

Tumble, however, held their nerve in the closing stages.

After Dafydd Thomas had earlier crossed for the Magpies, late tries from Ifan Samuel and James Owens finally put the game beyond Amman and secured a 49-33 home victory.

It was a fine advert for grassroots rugby, with both sides contributing to an exciting, attacking contest.

Amman were due to complete their league campaign away at Cardigan on Tuesday night, while Tumble finish at home to Neyland on Saturday.

Haverfordwest County beat Barry Town United 3-1 on spot-kicks after 1-1 draw at Jenner Park

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY are one win away from another European adventure after a dramatic penalty shootout victory away at Barry Town United on Sunday (Apr 26).

The Bluebirds booked their place in the JD Cymru Premier European play-off final after beating Barry 3-1 on penalties at Jenner Park, following a 1-1 draw after normal time.

It is the third time in four years that County have reached the European play-off final, continuing their remarkable record in the end-of-season format.

Barry made the perfect start and went ahead after just three minutes through Ollie Hulbert, leaving Haverfordwest with a difficult task in front of them.

The home side held that lead until the interval, but County stayed in the contest and continued to push for a way back.

Their reward came midway through the second half when Greg Walters found the net to bring the Bluebirds level and set up a tense finish.

Neither side could find a winner before the end of normal time, meaning the tie would be settled from the spot.

Haverfordwest held their nerve when it mattered most, winning the shootout 3-1 to spark celebrations among the travelling support and send the club into another major play-off final.

County will now face Penybont in the final on Saturday (May 2), with kick-off at 5:25pm. Penybont reached the final after beating Colwyn Bay on penalties in the other semi-final.

The final will be hosted by the higher-ranked semi-final winner, meaning Haverfordwest are set for another away trip as they look to secure Wales’ final place in next season’s UEFA Conference League.

For manager Tony Pennock and his players, it is another huge moment in the club’s recent history.

After falling behind early in Barry, the Bluebirds showed character, patience and composure before delivering once again in a pressure shootout.

Now only Penybont stand between Haverfordwest County and a return to European football.