CARMARTHEN Kings Basketball Club have capped a remarkable first league campaign by reaching the SWBA Division 3 Cup Final while remaining unbeaten in all domestic competitions this season.

The West Wales side booked their place in the final with a commanding 76-58 away win over Pontypridd Panthers, who are currently third in the East division.

That victory followed an earlier cup success against Caerphilly Cobras, another of the East division’s strongest sides, meaning the Kings have now beaten the top two challengers from the opposite side of the league on their way to the showpiece final.

The SWBA Division 3 Cup Final will be played at Cardiff University on Saturday, April 25, giving supporters from Carmarthenshire and across West Wales the chance to watch a local side compete for regional honours on a major stage.

The club’s run to the final has come alongside an outstanding league campaign. Carmarthen Kings remain unbeaten in SWBA Division 3 West, having recorded home and away wins over teams including Swansea Troopers, Llanelli Steelers and Amman Valley Wild Boars, as well as being awarded a recent victory over Port Talbot Spartans.

Head coach George Spencer said: “Everything seems to be falling into place for the end of the season. Over the last few games we’ve played some of the best basketball I’ve seen us play, ever.

“The boys have bought into what we’re trying to do, and we’re proud to be taking Carmarthen to a cup final in Cardiff.”

The club’s success on the court has been matched by progress off it, with growing home crowds, a developing junior section and increasing backing from local sponsors.

Kings say their appearance in the final is not only a reward for the players and coaching staff, but also a boost for basketball in West Wales and an inspiration for the next generation of players in Carmarthenshire.

Supporters are being encouraged to follow the club’s social media channels for confirmation of the tip-off time ahead of the final later this month, where Carmarthen Kings will hope to crown an unbeaten season with their first SWBA silverware.

Photo caption: Carmarthen Kings squad ahead of their run to the SWBA Division 3 Cup Final. Top row, left to right: Richard Rees, Jonty Toland, Giacomo Moretti, Zack Daniel, Junior Manhede. Bottom row, left to right: Andrei Remec, Tal Remec (captain), Mckenzie Callard, George Spencer (team coach).

A PLANNED extraordinary general meeting of the Welsh Rugby Union could now be called off after the district that pushed for it said its main objectives had been achieved following two high-profile departures from the game’s leadership.

Central Glamorgan Rugby Union had secured enough backing from clubs to force the WRU into holding the meeting on Monday, April 13. The district had tabled three motions, including votes of no confidence in WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board chair Malcolm Wall.

But the district has now written to clubs saying it intends to withdraw all three motions, arguing there is no longer a need for the EGM in its current form. That follows confirmation that Collier-Keywood will step down on July 16 after deciding not to seek a second term, while Wall left his role in March at the end of his tenure.

In its letter, Central Glamorgan said the exits of both men, together with the prospect of fresh talks with the WRU board over governance reform, meant the campaign had already achieved its key aims. The district said it now wanted constructive engagement with the WRU over future governance changes, including the way council representatives are elected to the board.

A WRU spokesperson said the union was aware of the letter sent to member clubs and was awaiting direct correspondence from Central Glamorgan.

The row had developed against the backdrop of deepening unrest in Welsh rugby over the WRU’s controversial proposal to reduce the number of professional teams from four to three by June 2027. Those plans have triggered fierce criticism, protests and legal action, particularly over fears for the future of the Ospreys.

While the latest letter did not directly settle that issue, Central Glamorgan urged the WRU to pause its plans for the professional game and publish all the evidence behind any decision before moving forward. The district also called on the union to engage with an alternative proposal aimed at preserving all four professional sides.

Central Glamorgan thanked clubs across Wales for their support, saying they had come together to safeguard the future of the game. The district added that Welsh rugby remained at a critical moment, but said it hoped the latest developments would lead to greater openness, respect and transparency between the WRU and its member clubs.

I can also give you a sharper Herald-style headline and subheadline for this.

AMMAN UNITED’S crucial Division 3 West clash with Neyland was abandoned after 70 minutes on Wednesday night following a fight on the touchline.

The home side had led 20-12 under the lights at Cwmamman Park and were on course for a vital win that would have kept alive their hopes of survival.

Amman made the brighter start and enjoyed most of the territory and possession in a strong first-half display. They went ahead within minutes when wing Dan Thomas crossed in the corner.

Outside half Iestyn Griffiths then extended the lead with a well-struck penalty as the Reds continued to dominate. Jordan Poole, Keelan Griffiths and Alun Lewis all made good ground, and Amman looked certain to score again at one stage, only to be held up over the line.

Neyland, however, hit back against the run of play. Scrum half Owen Hamer seized on turnover ball, stepped clear of the defence and raced in from halfway. Rio Phillips added the conversion to cut the gap.

Amman responded well and regained control before the break. From a lineout catch-and-drive, front row forward Matthew Madge powered over, with Griffiths converting to give the hosts a deserved 15-7 lead at half-time.

The home side made full use of their bench after the restart, with Kieran Mackey, Caian Francis, Liam Brooks and Alex Williams all introduced. Youngster Harvey Duncan also came on in the centre for just his second senior appearance.

Captain Rhydian Jones again impressed with a tireless display around the park as Amman piled further pressure on the Neyland try line. That spell was rewarded when wing Dylan Matthews squeezed over in the far corner to make it 20-7.

To their credit, Neyland then enjoyed their best spell of the game, forcing Amman onto the back foot with sustained pressure under the posts. Centre George Williams and wing Josh Watts were prominent as the visitors went through the phases, but Amman’s defence held firm for long periods.

The visitors eventually found a way through when flanker Josh Hamer spotted a gap and touched down under the posts to bring the score back to 20-12.

But before the conversion could be taken, a fight broke out on the touchline. Once order had been restored, the referee decided to abandon the match immediately.

The game will now have to be replayed at a later date.