Sport
Whitland women named in Welsh squad
ALISHA BUTCHERS and Sioned Harries were celebrating on Wednesday (Jan 13) after being named in Rhys Edwards’ Wales Women’s squad for the forthcoming Six Nations Championship.
It will be Butchers first time in the set-up after previously representing her country in sevens, and she will be hoping to win her first caps during the tournament which will see Wales kick off against Ireland in Dublin, meet England at the Twickenham Stoop and host Scotland, France and Italy at The Gnoll, in Neath. Rachel Taylor will again lead the Welsh Women’s team into the Six Nations with six uncapped players included among the 28-strong squad. The campaign will also confirm the teams who qualify for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. England, Ireland and France have automatically qualified and the top two of the remaining teams over last season and this, will qualify for the tournament in Dublin in 2017. Wales are currently second in that qualification process, Italy leading the way with three wins and Scotland third without a win.
“We are looking to improve on last year’s campaign and recreate the momentum we built at the start with two wins in a row. We are targeting our home games against Scotland, France and Italy and we’d love to notch our first win on English soil and make it successive victories over the world champions for the first time in our history,” said the Wales Women head coach, Rhys Edwards. “We have a good blend of experience and some talented newcomers and all of the uncapped players have worked hard to get into the squad. Alisha Butchers has progressed from the U18 pathway and played for the Wales Sevens side in Dubai last month. “Bethan Dainton has proved herself to be a consistent try scorer on the sevens circuit and played for Wales in all the European tournaments in 2015 and Rhian Nokes makes the national 15-a-side squad for the first time having been a mainstay of the sevens side in recent seasons. “Cerys Hale has forced her way back into contention after missing out on a cap when she was included in the Rugby World Cup squad in 2014, Cara Hope is a product of the ever improving regional programme and Ospreys skipper Siwan Lillicrap has worked hard for her opportunity with consistently good performances.”
The squad has been pulled together from 13 different clubs with Skewen providing eight players. There are three each from Llandaff North and Pontyclun, two each from Penybanc, Bristol, Caernarfon and Maesteg Celtic and one each from Pencoed Phoenix, Whitland, Richmond, Wasps, Worcester and Blaenau Gwent- Ynysddu. Wales Women kick-off the Six Nations against reigning champions, Ireland, in Dublin. They are also playing the Irish side, who completed the Grand Slam in 2013 for the first time, in a warm-up friendly at Ystrad Mynach on Sunday 24 January.
News
2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards Finalists announced
THE finalists for the 2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards have been announced.
In total, 252 nominations were received and, following a selection meeting, the judging panel has named 39 finalists.
Matt Freeman, Manager of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide nominations.
“Every year it gets harder to narrow the nominations down to three finalists and once again the quality of the nominees was enormously high.
“The number and quality of nominees just shows the strength of the sporting scene here in Pembrokeshire.
All the finalists will be invited to a grand presentation ceremony at Folly Farm on Friday, November 29th, where the winners will be announced.
The ceremony will also reveal the winners of two further categories – the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award.
The awards are organised by Sport Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire County Council’s sport development team.
They are sponsored by Sport Pembrokeshire, Valero, Folly Farm and Pure West Radio.
The awards aim to recognise those people who have excelled in sport over the last 12 months, or who have given their time to coaching and organising grass roots sport.
Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2024 – Finalists
(In alphabetical order)
Coach of the Year
Francesca Morgan (Swimming)
Philippa Gale (Netball)
Tom Richards (Tennis)
Female Sporting Achievement
Gracie Griffiths (Race Walking)
Helen Carrington (Powerlifting)
Seren Thorne (Shooting)
Male Sporting Achievement
Jeremy Cross (Tennis)
Rhys Llewellyn (Athletics)
Sam Coleman (Powerboat Racing)
Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement
Carter Heywood (Football)
Hugo Boyce (Cycling)
Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)
Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement
Cerys Griffiths (Swimming)
Chloe John-Driscoll (Shooting)
Ffion Bowen (Football)
Disability Sport Award
Evelyn Thomas (Powerlifting)
Jules King (Crossfit)
Marc Evans (Cricket)
Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award
Finnley Walters (Boxing)
Jac Johnson (Gymnastics)
Lewis Crawford (Boccia)
Unsung Hero
John Laugharne (Rugby)
Owen Shanklin (Pool)
Sue Christopher (Surf Lifesaving)
Team Achievement of the Year
Alan Evans, Andrew Evans & Michael John (Short Mat Bowls)
Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club
Pembrokeshire County Bowls Team
Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year
Chaos Thunder U12’s Netball Team
Hakin United AFC u16’s
Neyland Yacht Club Junior Sailing Team
Young Volunteer of the Year
Anna May (Tennis & Surfing)
Caitlin Chapman (Netball)
George Richards (Cricket)
Club Organiser
Nadine Tyrrell (Gymnastics)
Nick Shelmerdine (Cricket)
Paul Hudson (Short Mat Bowls)
Club of the Year
Camrose AFC Women & Girls Football
Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club
Strength Academy Wales Cymru
Pictured above: The 2023 Club of the Year winner – Pembroke Cricket Club.
Sport
This week’s Herald local rugby roundup
Preseli Men concede late points to lose basement clash
Gorseinon 33 – Crymych 31
Crymych faced a heartbreaking defeat after leading 31-19 midway through the second half. Despite a promising start and a solid performance, Crymych allowed Gorseinon their first win in seven league starts due to a late try and a successful conversion. Crymych skipper Carwyn Phillips marked his milestone of 250 games with commitment alongside teammates Jon Hill, Iestyn Wood, and Llyr Davies. Osian Davies, Eilir George, and Lee Griffiths all scored tries, with George converting each, securing a 21-12 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Phillips added a bonus-point try, also converted by George, but Gorseinon surged back. Wingers Luke Evans and David Rees, centre Josh Hamer, and flankers Ben Morris and Iestyn Lewis each scored, with Tim O’Reilly’s crucial fourth conversion handing Gorseinon the win.
Premiership Division
Otters hold on to break their duck
Bonymaen 27 – Narberth 29
After six league defeats, Narberth clinched their first win in a nail-biter against fellow strugglers Bonymaen. The Otters built a 29-8 lead with tries from Will Blackburn, Ashley Sutton, and captain Tom Powell, with Jon Rogers converting and adding two more goals. But Bonymaen’s 19-point late surge nearly turned the tables as tries from Nathan Brooks, Andrew Richards, and Garin Williams narrowed the gap.
In the final moments, Narberth showed resilience to hold onto their slim lead, with hooker Tom Clarke earning the man of the match for his relentless work rate.
Division One (West)
14-man Seasiders hold on for a narrow win
Tenby United 17 – Yr Hendy 15
Tenby United preserved their perfect record, edging out Yr Hendy despite playing with 14 men after Lloyd Thomas received a red card early on. Thomas’s ejection forced tactical shifts, with Geraint Jones moving to outside half and Gwion Jones taking over at full back.
Captain Tom Barrass scored Tenby’s try after a turnover, with Geraint Jones adding a penalty for an 11-3 halftime lead. Yr Hendy’s Tyler Payne landed four penalties in the second half, but Tenby maintained their defensive discipline, securing a narrow 17-15 victory with man of the match Gethin Bradney leading with tackles.
Division Two (West)
Borderers bag deserved win
Nantgaredig 20 – Whitland 25
Whitland fought back from a 3-10 deficit to overcome Nantgaredig in a hard-fought match. After an extended break for an injury and a field switch, Whitland’s pack took control in the second half, with tries from Rhys Nicholas, Owyn Griffiths, Jack Mason, and Johnny Thomas, who also added a penalty.
Despite three tries from Nantgaredig’s Mark Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Aled Beynon, Whitland maintained their lead, showing consistency in both forwards and backs for a solid team performance.
Division Three (West)
Codd stars as Blues fend off Pontyberem
Pontyberem 13 – Haverfordwest 23
Haverfordwest centre Jack Codd’s 13 points helped his team overcome Pontyberem, who were still seeking their first win. Pontyberem took an early 10-0 lead, but Haverfordwest responded, with strong contributions from pack players Jonathan Mason, Mike Phillips, and captain Karl Busch. Rhodri Lewis opened the scoring for Pontyberem, but Codd’s accurate kicking sealed the win.
Division Four (West) A
James leads Saints to derby success
St Davids 31 – Llangwm 18
Will James shone for St Davids, scoring twice as they defeated local rivals Llangwm in challenging damp, cold conditions. Despite a strong start from Llangwm with an early try from Morgan Rees, St Davids struck back through James, who capitalized on a pass from Will Savage. Further tries from Nathan Foster and Iwan Davies extended the lead, with St Davids up 21-13 at halftime.
In the second half, Callum Jenkins scored for Llangwm, but James added his second try, and Zac Morgan secured St Davids’ fifth, sealing their 31-18 victory in this well-supported derby.
Bulls win at Bierspool
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 12 – Teirw Crymych 22
Teirw Crymych edged out Pembroke Dock Harlequins at Bierspool for their fourth win, with tries from Hedd George and Sean Wilson building a 12-0 lead. The Harlequins responded through Craig Barnett, but a late try and conversion from Adam Phillips sealed Crymych’s win, taking the margin just beyond a bonus-point range for the hosts.
Scarlets outlast Dreigiau Emlyn in thriller
Pembroke 36 – Dreigiau Emlyn 32
Pembroke pulled off a thrilling win at Crickmarren with six tries, including scores by Weatherall, Edwards, and Luke Hartland. Veteran forwards Brayford, Wiseman, and Palmer controlled the set pieces, while Dreigiau Emlyn countered with five tries of their own. Despite Emlyn’s persistence, Pembroke’s disciplined play earned them a narrow 36-32 win.
Sport
Division Three match reports: Key wins and dominant performances
Clarbeston Road II 2-3 Neyland II
Neyland II narrowly defeated Clarbeston Road II in a close 3-2 encounter. Clarbeston’s Jack Wood and Henry Lucas found the net, but Neyland II clinched the victory with goals from Zac Owen, Korey Arran (penalty), and Mason Morgans-Hurley. Despite their win, Neyland II remains near the bottom of the league, hoping to build momentum from this result. Clarbeston Road II’s defeat keeps them in 10th place with 9 points from 12 games, reflecting a challenging season thus far.
Goodwick United II 5-0 Camrose II
League leaders Goodwick United II continued their dominant form, securing a comfortable 5-0 win over Camrose II. Goals from Ifan Mathias, Gary Reynolds, Sion O’Sullivan, Thomas Phelps-Jenkins, and Tyler Booker highlighted their attacking prowess. Goodwick sits firmly at the top with 34 points and an impressive +33 goal difference, showcasing their strength this season. Camrose II, however, remains near the bottom with just 7 points, struggling to improve from 11th place.
Haverfordwest Cricket Club 2-1 Pendine
Haverfordwest Cricket Club fought hard to edge out Pendine 2-1, with goals from Jordan Harrison and Liam Sheehan. This victory lifts Haverfordwest CC to 5th place on 17 points from 12 games, giving them a boost in the mid-table standings. Pendine, despite Julian Blewitt’s goal, stays in 4th place with 19 points, within reach of the top but facing stiff competition.
Letterston 6-1 Kilgetty II
Letterston put on an attacking display with a dominant 6-1 win over Kilgetty II. Simon Jones led the charge with a hat trick, while Morgan Miles, Robert Hedley, and Jordan White added to the scoreline. This result strengthens Letterston’s position in the table, bringing them to 16 points, just a point behind Haverfordwest CC. Kilgetty II, meanwhile, drops further down with 11 points and a -14 goal difference, indicating defensive struggles.
Pembroke Borough 6-2 St Florence
Pembroke Borough extended their strong form with a decisive 6-2 victory over St Florence. Jake Campbell and Jordan White each scored twice, with Luke Hendry and Jack Walker also contributing. Pembroke Borough remains secure in 2nd place with 25 points from 12 games, keeping up the pressure on league leaders Goodwick United II. St Florence, however, continues to struggle for consistency, sitting in the lower half of the table with 11 points.
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