Sport

Haverfordwest Ladies in Bowl delight

Published

10 years ago

May 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

WRU Women’s Bowl Final:
Haverfordwest 1 7
Ynysybwl 8

Celebration: WRU Women’s Bowl winners Haverfordwest Ladies. (Pic. Brian Sandow)

ON SUNDAY (May 10), Llandovery RFC played host to the final of the WRU Women’s Bowl, which saw Haverfordwest Ladies lift the silverware after a tense game against a gritty and determined Ynysybwl side who continued to push until the final whistle.
The Blues came into the game knowing they had beaten their opponents in the group stages, but this gave little comfort to coaches Gareth Charles and Ben John, who knew nothing is predictable in a cup final.
In atypically shaky start for a cup final, with both sides not wanting to take too many risks, it was Ynysybwl who got on the scoreboard first as the notched a penalty kick to lead 3-0.
Haverfordwest then began to find their feet, and with their powerful runners they began to test the Ynysybwl defence.
The Blues were rewarded as scrum half Sophie Rees managed to snipe her way over for a try, but the conversion was wide.
This was followed by a try from captain Clodagh Llewhellin, who sped away from the opposition defence to cross the whitewash. Jo Price was successful with the conversion as the sides went into the break with the Blues leading 12-3.
The second half began in much the same fashion as the first, and it was Ynysybwl who grabbed the first points of the half with an unconverted try.
However, Haverfordwest Ladies felt they were on the verge of cup glory and spurred on by their loyal supporters the Blues managed a third try from winger Charlotte Morgan, which put daylight between themselves and Ynysybwl.
This was followed by some resilient defence from Haverfordwest, as their opponents threw everything at the Blues in an attempt to break through, but Haverfordwest Ladies held firm, and celebrations followed after the referee blew the whistle for the end of the game.
Haverfordwest Ladies would like to thank their sponsors for the season: The Bristol Trader, E and C Rewinds, West Wales Karting, Cleddau Cabs, The Glen Bar & Restaurant Haverfordwest, Sarah’s Boot Camp, SJ’s Pig Roast and Outside Catering, M&SDP Roofing Services Ltd, The Slate Centre Ltd., The Rising Sun, Cut by Doc, The Welcome Travellers Inn, Ambition Sports and donations by Dicky Parrys Services and John Dockerty.

Sport

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

14 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHEN TOWN AFC’s long-serving manager, Mark Aizlewood, has announced that he will not be renewing his contract, marking the end of an era for the club. In a heartfelt statement released on January 14, 2025, Aizlewood revealed this season would be his last at the helm of the Old Gold.

Aizlewood expressed gratitude to the players, staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors, and supporters who have supported him throughout his tenure. “The people of CTFC have made me one of their own,” he said, despite living 60 miles away. He also extended heartfelt thanks to his wife and family for their understanding and unwavering support.

Two decades of success

Aizlewood has been a defining figure in the club’s history, holding a UEFA Pro Licence for over 30 years and leading Carmarthen Town AFC to consistent top-six finishes in the Welsh league, as well as cup victories and European qualifications. “In my 20+ years at the club, these achievements became the norm, and we were at the very top of the football ecosystem in Wales,” Aizlewood remarked.

However, he acknowledged that the current situation at the club has shifted, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not the case any longer. The ship is pointing in the right direction, and the destination is agreed by all, but perhaps now is the right time for a new captain to steer the club along its agreed journey.”

Looking ahead

Aizlewood assured fans he remains passionate about football, declaring he will retain his UEFA Pro Licence and remain involved in the sport. As Carmarthen Town AFC prepares for a new chapter, Aizlewood wished his successor and the club every success in the future.

A legacy of dedication

Mark Aizlewood’s departure signals the end of one of the longest managerial tenures in Welsh football, a career marked by dedication, achievement, and an unyielding love for the game. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Carmarthen Town AFC.

The search for a new manager begins as the club aims to build on Aizlewood’s formidable achievements and continue its proud tradition in Welsh football.

Cover image credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

Sport

Letterston marksman wins junior athlete award

Published

4 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TALENTED young athlete from Letterston has been honoured at the British Shooting Awards 2024.

Seren Thorne was shortlisted for the prestigious awards and attended the gala event held at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. To the delight of her family and supporters, Seren was named the winner of the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award.

This accolade highlights Seren’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking her as one of the rising stars in British shooting.

Her mother, Sian Thorne, expressed immense pride in Seren’s achievement, sharing photos of the memorable evening.

The British Shooting Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the sport, with a full list of winners available on their official website.

PHOTO CAPTION: Champion marksman: Seren Thorne receiving the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award (Pic: Supplied).

Sport

Previewing the 2025 Super Bowl

Published

4 days ago

January 20, 2025

Staff Writer

Each year millions of people across the world gather to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. Last year, 3.4 million people in the UK watched the Super Bowl, up 1.1 million from the previous year. Considering the growth in popularity of American football in the UK, we anticipate the viewership will be even higher for 2025.

The 2025 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on 9 February 2025 at Caesars Superdrome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NFL teams

12 teams began competing for a spot in the 2025 Super Bowl when the playoffs began on January 11. At this point, four teams were eliminated. This now leaves eight teams to compete in the Divisional playoffs. Four of these will make it to the Conference Championships before contesting for a spot at this year’s Super Bowl.

The eight teams left with a shot at competing in the 2025 Super Bowl are:

Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Washington Commanders

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs took the title for the second year in a row. However, the latest Super Bowl odds puts the Detroit Lions as the favourites to win this year’s Super Bowl, following a series of impressive performances in the regular season.

The national anthem and halftime show

Before the game commences, a special guest performs the national anthem. Last year, Reba McEntire offered a moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and this year the task falls to jazz singer Jon Batiste.

It’s not just the football match that people look forward to. Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle in themselves and many look forward to the performance as much as the game itself. This year, 17-time grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show. Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl in 2022.

How can I watch the Super Bowl in the UK?

The Super Bowl is being broadcast to fans free on ITV, including live online via ITVX on your laptop, mobile, or tablet.

Sky Sports is also broadcasting the event which you can watch online via Sky Go, NOW TV, or using the Sky Sports mobile app. You could also head to your local pub as plenty of pubs in Pembrokeshire will be showing the big game.

Will you be tuning in?

With a surge in popularity for American Football, it’s anticipated that more people from the UK than ever before will be turning their TVs on for the big event this year. Will you be watching this year’s Super Bowl?