Sport
Otters fight back against Bargoed
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/bargoedvnarberth.jpg)
Narberth 17
Bargoed 22
![Otters: Narberth’s Adam Clark battles for the ball at the line-out after an over throw.](http://pembs-herald.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/bargoedvnarberth.jpg)
Otters: Narberth’s Adam Clark battles for the ball at the line-out after an over throw.
TABLE toppers Bargoed had to withstand a second half siege by Narberth, as the Otters clawed back a nineteen point half time deficit to come within a score of beating the Blues in a thrilling encounter at the Lewis Lloyd ground. The Otters were the only club this season to deny Bargoed a bonus point victory, and they did it again, restricting the Rhymney Valley side to a three try total as the Blues continued their unbeaten run to seventeen games in the Championship.
The game couldn’t have got off to a better start for Bargoed as a scrum on the half way saw number eight Ross Coombes pick up and feed scrum half James Pizey. Jordan Purcell hit the line at pace from full back and the youngster jinked his way to the line, wrong-footing four Narberth defenders to score a brilliant solo effort from 35 metres. Josh Prosser added the extras and the scoreboard was ticking over after only two minutes.
Both sides were clearly up for a fluid game but defences were on top until just before the half hour mark, when Bargoed extended their lead. Narberth were caught offside and Prosser pinned them back in their twenty-two. A clean catch and drive saw the forwards go close, Coombes broke from the back and slipped a pass to wing Lewis Protheroe who twisted out of a tackle by a Narberth second row and his strength took him over for a try. Prosser again adding the extras.
Referee Jon Hardy, having a fine afternoon with the whistle, warned the Narberth captain after the penalty count started to mount. Prosser again opted to kick to the corner rather than take a fairly simple shot at goal. The inevitable catch and drive came on but was halted. Geraint Edmunds took it on and as he went down slipped a pass to quick thinking prop Keiron Brown and over he went for the Blues’ third try. Prosser missed his only kick of the afternoon to make it 0-19.
Prosser and Narberth outside half Ianto Griffiths swapped penalties in the final two minutes of the half and the game looked over for the home side at 3-22.
Bargoed started strongly following up a deep kick into the Narberth twenty two and charging down the clearing kick. The ball could have gone anywhere but it fell kindly for retreating Narberth centre Steve Martin who took the ball in what would have been an offside position had he not been played onside by the Bargoed charge down. The Otters surged up-field where they scored from a driving maul, flanker Stuart Worral taking advantage of a big blindside gap to score in the corner. Ianto Griffiths converted well from the touchline and Narberth were back in the game at 10-22 with only five minutes of the second half gone.
Two minutes later referee Jon Hardy having issued the earlier warning yellow-carded Narberth replacement prop Ollie Evans for a ruck infringement and equalled matters up five minutes later with Bargoed’s Geraint Edmunds getting the same treatment. Neither side could take advantage but Narberth were camped in Bargoed’s half for long periods unable to break through the Blues’ defence. Time and again they battered away without success – for their part Bargoed tried and failed to get field position and as the clock ran down, worse was to follow with influential Bargoed hooker and captain Leigh Meades got a yellow for bringing down a driving maul.
Narberth sniffed a way back and called a scrum from the penalty which the Bargoed seven repelled magnificently. However, Narberth got to within a score of Bargoed’s lead with a 79th minute try from wing Lawrence Headlam converted by Nick Gale. There was still time for a restart and the Bargoed supporters looked on nervously as they retained possession from the restart and cleared into touch to make it seventeen in a row as they ran out 17-22 winners.
Narberth sit in sixth position and travel to Llanharan on January 28.
News
WRU explores potential Anglo-Welsh rugby competition
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THE WRU is actively exploring the possibility of a future Anglo-Welsh competition. Multiple sources from both England and Wales have confirmed that preliminary discussions have occurred between key figures on both sides of the Severn Bridge.
Currently, the WRU is still under contract with the United Rugby Championship (URC) for a few more years, where it also holds stakeholder status. One proposal under consideration involves merging the URC with the Gallagher Premiership to create an Anglo-Welsh conference.
WRU Chairman Richard Collier-Keywood, when questioned about these talks by Wales Online, refrained from commenting directly but acknowledged the interest. “I’m totally aware that most Welsh people would want competition against England, and that does feel like a good direction of travel,” he said.
“At present, we remain committed to the URC. There are downsides and positives to the URC, and we aim to enhance the situation from a Welsh perspective. Our priority is to ensure stability for our four clubs and secure a sound future for them over the coming years. Once this is achieved, we can revisit and discuss future goals.”
Within Welsh rugby circles, there is a strong desire for more regular Anglo-Welsh fixtures. The URC has struggled to engage the broader public, and fixtures with English clubs would likely be more appealing and cost-effective compared to trips to South Africa or Ireland. Increased regular attendance is also anticipated.
“I’m totally cognisant that most Welsh people would want jeopardy against England, and most English people would want jeopardy against Wales,” Collier-Keywood continued. “However, we are currently committed to the URC for a few more years. It’s early days, but all options are on the table. There are benefits and downsides to the URC, and we aim to improve the situation from a Welsh rugby perspective.”
The WRU’s primary goal is to ensure the survival of its four professional clubs – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets – which face an estimated £29 million funding gap over the next five years. Previously, the WRU indicated that without a plan to bridge this funding gap by autumn, they would consider triggering the two-year notice clause on the Professional Rugby Agreement. This could mean cutting a team or implementing a tiered funding model. However, Collier-Keywood insists that retaining all four professional clubs remains the WRU’s priority.
“The arrangements we are looking at with the clubs retain four teams,” he said. “This is our stated objective because we believe four teams are necessary to consistently achieve our goal of being in the top five in the world. Reducing the number of teams would make this objective more challenging.
“The gaps mentioned are the figures we believe need bridging to maintain four competitive teams. These numbers reflect the stretch goals for our teams to be competitive in their competitions. I am optimistic we will reach this goal. We have positive engagement with the four clubs. While it’s not solely the WRU’s decision, as the clubs are privately owned, we are in good and positive dialogue to reach a favourable outcome.”
Collier-Keywood also called on regional team fans to support their teams. “The biggest thing fans can do to help is to attend matches. I recognise it’s a virtuous circle – if your team is winning and performing well, you’re more likely to attend. We need to boost our supporter base, make it vibrant, and have them present at matches.”
All four professional clubs are currently bound by a salary cap of £4.5 million, with allowances for two marquee signings outside the cap. Collier-Keywood is optimistic about increased funding for the clubs in the near future. “Absolutely, I do,” he said when asked about the potential for increased funding. “While it’s a tough ask for the very next season, we aim to ensure our teams are competitive in the years to come.”
The WRU’s exploration of an Anglo-Welsh competition represents a potential shift in the rugby landscape, promising exciting prospects for both Welsh and English rugby fans.
News
Former Welsh rugby star on trial for assaulting primary school pupil
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A former international rugby star, Matthew Back, stands accused of assaulting a primary school pupil by grabbing him so hard it left marks on his arm. The court heard that Back, 53, who played four times for Wales, was employed as a teacher when the alleged incident took place.
Prosecutor Christopher Evans outlined the case, stating that Back manhandled the child, resulting in a bruise after he forcibly took drawings away from him in the classroom. Evans argued that Back “lost control” during the altercation, mishandling the situation severely.
“Back manhandled the child. He handled the situation completely the wrong way,” Evans asserted. He further claimed that Back “didn’t de-escalate” the situation but instead “lost control on a small child.”
The court heard that the boy had been instructed to draw following a separate incident with another child. However, he rolled the paper into a “comical shape,” prompting Back to snatch the paper away. In response, the child lashed out at teaching assistants and was subsequently placed on a sofa for a “time out.”
Testimony revealed that Back kept the boy on the sofa, preventing him from leaving until he had calmed down and could be taken home. The child’s mother reported that he returned from school late, “very angry and very agitated.” Later that evening, the boy’s father discovered bruising on his arm.
When questioned by the parents, Back initially denied any knowledge of the incident, suggesting the marks could have been caused by the boy hiding in a small space or engaging in “rough and tumble” with other children. However, he later acknowledged that an incident had occurred and the child had been moved to the sofa.
Harriet Ealdon, defending, presented the court with messages exchanged between Back and the boy’s mother, illustrating their cooperative efforts to address the child’s behavioural needs. In one message, Back expressed pleasure in teaching the boy, to which the mother responded positively, noting her son’s excitement to attend school. Another message highlighted the “great teamwork” between them.
The court also heard that the child had been involved in 50 documented incidents at the school, all of which had been communicated to the parents—except for the alleged assault in question. The parents documented the bruise with multiple photographs taken over several days, leading them to raise concerns with the school. This prompted an investigation and the suspension of Back and two other individuals.
Matthew Back, hailing from Miskin, Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, denies the charge of assault. Back, who won four caps for Wales in 1995, has a notable rugby career, having played for Pontypridd, Bridgend, Swansea, Bristol, and Aberavon.
The trial, presided over by Recorder Bruce Gardiner, continues.
News
Haverfordwest County AFC launch 2024-25 away kit
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Haverfordwest County AFC have said this week that they are delighted to launch our away kit for the 2024-25 season.
Inspired by the history and heritage of Pembrokeshire, the shirt features the colours of the flag of St David, which is universally recognised and proudly flown at the Ogi Bridge Meadow. The flag itself is featured across the back of the collar.
The unique design will ensure that we represent the county on our travels around Wales throughout the season, while also enabling us to stand out on the field.
The shorts will be all-black, while the socks will be all-black with two yellow stripes at the top and a yellow Bluebird in the middle.
As is the case with the home shirt, the Haverfordwest County AFC and Tor Sports logos are printed in the top left and top right of the shirt respectively, while our ‘Playing For Pembrokeshire’ logo is featured in the bottom left corner.
You can purchase the new away shirt by visiting their club shop on Tor Sports by clicking here.
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