Haverfordwest Youth 54 – Narberth Youth 24

IN a thrilling Pembrokeshire Youth Cup Final Haverfordwest Youth cemented their dominance by completing the league and cup double with a commanding 54-24 victory over Narberth Youth. From the outset, the Young Blues showcased their class, but Narberth fought valiantly, showing the heart and determination their coach, Jason Jennings, had called for.

Haverfordwest set the tone early, racing to a 14-0 lead within the opening quarter. No. 8 Kieran Harries and scrum-half Alfie Thomas were the first to cross the line, both tries converted by the reliable Rio Phillips. However, Narberth responded with resolve, as a well-worked try in the left corner from Ashton O’Riorden, following a clever pass from Sam Morris and Owen Woof, got them on the scoreboard.

But Haverfordwest weren’t about to let their lead slip. Harries, who was a standout performer throughout, quickly added his second try after powerful work up front from captain Iori Curtis, Logun Young, and Zac Shaw. Phillips converted, and Young was again involved in the build-up as Haverfordwest extended their lead to 28-5 at the break.

The second half saw little let-up in Haverfordwest’s relentless pressure. Left-winger Harry Lawrence touched down for the fifth try of the match, with Phillips converting again to make it five successful kicks from five attempts. A rare miss followed, but Harries, ever the workhorse, completed his hat-trick with another outstanding solo effort.

Narberth, however, had no intention of going down without a fight. Their resilience was rewarded with a well-deserved try from No. 8 Callum Goeman, which brought cheers from the sidelines. Haverfordwest’s prop Cruz Findlay and Young responded with tries of their own, but Narberth weren’t finished yet. A late brace from hooker Charlie Reynolds, coupled with a conversion by outside half Gethin Llewellin, ensured they ended the match with their heads held high.

Despite the spirited late rally from Narberth, there was no denying Haverfordwest’s quality on the day. Steve Parry’s side were undoubtedly the standout team of the season, and as joint captains Iori Curtis and Devin Williams proudly lifted the Youth Cup, it was clear that this was a well-deserved double.

APPLICATIONS for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the 2025-26 academic year are now open.

EMA in Wales provides eligible learners aged 16 to 18 with £40 per week to help cover education-related costs such as transport, meals, and learning materials. In comparison, EMA is available at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland and was discontinued in England in 2011.

More learners are now eligible as income thresholds have been raised:

• Households with one dependent child: income of £23,400 or less
• Households with two or more dependent children: income of £25,974 or less

Raonaq, a learner at Fitzalan High School, said: “EMA has helped me to focus a lot more on school. Without it, I would have had to get a part-time job, which would have made it harder to study and revise for exams. It has helped me cover the cost of stationery, transport to and from school, and entering writing competitions. I don’t think I would have been able to afford these without EMA.”

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said: “EMA is a vital support system that helps young people continue their education without financial barriers. Learners have told me about the positive impact EMA has had on their educational journey by helping them with everyday costs.

“I was delighted to announce the extension of the eligibility range earlier this year, ensuring that more students have access to this support. I strongly encourage all 16 to 18-year-olds and their families to check if they are eligible, even if they weren’t previously.”

New and continuing learners can check their eligibility and apply online [here] or speak to their school or college for help with applications.

ONE of Europe’s longest serving guardians of a marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC), protecting waters around Pembrokeshire, is celebrating a record-breaking 25^th year in post.

Sue Burton was among the first officer appointees, and the first in Wales, working for a multi-agency partnership (a ‘relevant authorities group’) to act as a focal point for a European Marine Site at the turn of the new millennium in 2000.

Hosted by the Port of Milford Haven and supported financially by the Port, Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, she was tasked with protecting the marine wildlife along the coastline and up the Cleddau estuary, working to improve understanding and identify threats and challenges to managing this environmentally important area.

“I have loved this job… I still love this job!” said Sue on marking the anniversary. “I have been working with so many different groups on different topics…  I’ve really enjoyed that variety.

“Our role was to do the more proactive work, working with other bodies and the public to identify what could be done above and beyond the routine statutory protections at the time. We had to look for the gaps, for what we could do to improve the wildlife of the site. That included joint projects, raising awareness and education.”

“The Port of Milford Haven has always been a fantastic support, and I always felt part of the Port family. It has also become a big supporter regarding sustainability,” Sue added.

Sue’s post relied on financial and in-kind support from the other organisations in the Relevant Authority Group partnership too, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to the marine protected area by maintaining their contributions. Partner funding importantly allows Sue to apply for grants to deliver improvement work.

“Highlights for me are probably the opportunities for engagement where I remember what it is all about – the wonderful wildlife. Sharing that with people and opening their eyes to the hidden world beneath the sea is special,” said Sue. “The annual school snorkel safari is probably my best workday of the year!”

“Sadly, external pressures, including climate change, continue to take their toll on habitats across Wales. Many species remain under threat and the status of some are more at risk than they were in 2000,” said Sue.

“But what I have seen in recent years is the emergence of citizen power, with volunteer initiatives such as ‘The Cleddau Project’ fighting hard for marine wildlife and their habitats. This gives me hope that we can make changes before it is too late.

Reflecting on the past 25 years of work, Sue said: “Overall, I am just very grateful to all those bodies and volunteers who have helped me, supported the marine SAC partnership and done so much to highlight the extraordinarily special and beautiful area we live in, and a place that I’m very lucky to have worked in all these years.”

Congratulating Sue on this incredible milestone, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, Tom Sawyer, said: “We’re truly inspired by Sue for leading the way in this vital work.

“Her dedication to protecting the marine wildlife along Pembrokeshire’s unique and special coastline reflects the Port’s shared commitment to sustainability. It’s a privilege to support her efforts as we work together to safeguard our coastal waters for future generations.”