Sport

Team of the week: Letterston AFC

Published

12 years ago

December 5, 2013

SITUATED in North Pembrokeshire and famous for Fish and Chips is one of the county’s largest villages Letterston.

This well kept village boasts two Pembrokeshire league football teams. The first team managed by Gareth “Gaffa” Thomas are currently sitting pretty mid table in the second division, with a Division Two cup semi final to look forward to.

At present the second string are high flying in Division Five and occupying third place. The manager Gary Scott has a wealth of experience and young talent to choose from and is excited at the prospect of being the first second team manager to guide the team to promotion. We here at the Herald are convinced that this new found form is due to the fact that they have the Herald as their main sponsor. Lets have a look at some of the key players from each team:

First Team Captain: Karl Hedley. Karl has had itchy feet over the last few seasons, hopping from Goodwick to West Dragons then back to Letterston. But this season after an early injury scare is back to full fitness and form. He is leading by example and bossing the midfield.

First team goalkeeper: David “Cheese” Lawrence. Signed from Goodwick this year in a merry goround that saw James Gwilt sign for Goodwick while Carl Woodhouse put pen to paper for Merlins Bridge. Cheesy commands his box and dictates what he wants from his back four. A great signing for the Letts, but yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

First Team Defender, James George: James joined from rivals Goodwick this season. The pull of playing for his home village was enough to leave Phoenix Park. Playing most of his games at present in the left back role he can also fill in at centre half and has had the odd game middle of midfield. “A great lad, and one of the in-form players”.

First Team Defender Michael “Lunchbox” Lawrence: Known as Lunch to his team mates he has had a bumpy start to the season. Letterston through and through and playing more than 10 years as a regular in the first team Lunch has found himself warming the bench for the first time in his career. At 30 years old last years player of the year is still an important part of Gaffa’s plans.

Second Team Captain: Nick Lawrence. Former first team captain suffered a major injury near on 10 years ago and never thought he would play again. Got back to form after a lengthy period on the sidelines. Nick the retired last season. After many a conversation with team mates decided 1 more year was a must. This slight, hard tackling centre half leads by example always.

Second Team Mid-Fielder: Bernard Hearne. The little Jack Russel. Always niggling at ankles, never scared of a challenge and always gives 110%. Guaranteed to wind up the opposition with a sly pull of the shirt or a word in the ear. Bernard would be welcome in any team as his work rate is second to none. If injury hits the first team midfield I’m sure Gaffa will be monitoring Bernard as a replacement.

Second Team Striker: Brian Mathias. Brian is one of three Mathias brothers that play for the Letts. Son of Derick and nephew of the late Wayne, Brian certainly carries the family tradition of being a strong player with a undeniable presence. After a spell in the first team at the start of the season he is now scoring for fun in the seconds and is on course to win the “Tony Evans” top goal scorer award for 3rd year running.

One from the Archive: Billy Robb: A charity football match was held in honour of Letterston’s most famous retired player. This testimonial match, herald in June this year, raised money for local charities. Billy is re-nowned throughout the county as being the past goal scoring machine of Letterston. Old team mates, and family members, turned out for the game and fun day. The ex-player’s impressive 600 goal tally was celebrated. Known for his straight talking ways, he will definitely be the legend that current and new players will aim to beat for many years to come.

Sport

Narberth seconds start season in new sponsored kit

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH CRICKET CLUB’S second XI marked the start of the new season in style on Sunday (Apr 26), stepping out in their brand new playing kit.

The club thanked its shirt sponsors for their support, naming Millforge, Young Bros, Wiseman’s Bridge Inn and The Ivy Bush as backers of the new strip.

The striking blue kit was unveiled as Narberth 2nds began their campaign, with players gathering for a team photo to mark the occasion.

In a post on social media, Narberth CC said: “Narberth 2nds started the season in their brand new kit today. Special thank you to our shirt sponsors: Millforge, Young Bros, Wiseman’s Bridge Inn and The Ivy Bush.”

The club will now be hoping the new kit brings good fortune as the seconds look to build momentum in the opening weeks of the campaign.

Caption:

New kit: Narberth Cricket Club’s second XI pictured at the start of the season in their new sponsored strip.

Sport

Haverfordwest rugby youngsters celebrate cup glory and milestone weekend

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2026

Herald Sport

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.

Sport

Tumble hold off spirited Amman fightback in 12-try thriller

Published

2 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Herald Sport

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.