Sport
College cruise to Vale victory
Pembrokeshire College 4 Cardiff and Vale College 2
[metaslider id=22216]
On a freezing, wet and windy day at the Bridge Meadow the Valero sponsored Pembrokeshire College welcomed their counterparts from Cardiff and Vale College in what promised to be a testing encounter.
The hosts got off to the perfect start when after just 90 seconds a free kick was awarded just inside the left hand touchline. Winger Fraser Finley delivered a teasing ball into the heart of the penalty area and when the Vale defence was unable to clear the danger, Lewis Watts capitalised to stab home from close range and give his side the lead.
With 15 minutes gone Pembrokeshire suffered a blow when Jordan Kilby went off injured after a crunching tackle in midfield left the midfield man nursing an ankle injury.
This allowed the Vale to move into the ascendency for a 5 minute spell as the hosts adapted to the change, but the solid Pembrokeshire backline repelled the danger the visiting attack threw at them, and when the Vale did manage to create a shooting opportunity they could only find the arms of Ben Aldred in the Pembrokeshire goal, playing out of his usual position of centre midfield.
They were made to pay for their inability to turn chances into goals when the hosts doubled their lead after 25 minutes when right sided midfield player Jake ‘Leon’ Luby was given time to pick out a cross into the box, when it went just over its intended target, the home defence failed to react to the bouncing ball, and it made it’s way through to Louis Thompson who had all the time in the world to control the ball before slotting it under Patrick Lane in the Vale goal.
With the soft surface cutting up a frustrated Vale side started to put in some zealous challenges, and when one of these challenges strayed over the boundary of acceptable, there was a flare up between the two sides, which was soon extinguished by referee Colin Newberry.
The visitors were now looking ragged and just after the half hour mark the college’s Haverfordwest Welsh Premier League star Spencer Williams was afforded an eternity of space 25 yards out, and the visitors were taught that you simply cannot allow a player of his quality that sort of time. They sat back and watched as he unleashed a ferocious shot into the far corner of the net. Despite the pureness of the strike, it is not one that Lane will want to see again however, as the Vale stopper put his arms up nonchalantly as if to suggest the shot was heading wide, only to be left red faced when it nestled inside the post.
With forages into the Pembrokeshire half now something of a rarity it was something of a surprise when the visitors got themselves back into the game, albeit thanks to a rather soft penalty. As Mikey George attacked through the right hand channel, he went down under an innocuous challenge by George Taylor and the appeals from his teammates were enough to see a penalty awarded. Luke Davison stepped up to confidently slot past Aldred to send the Vale in at the break with a lifeline.
After the break the Vale came out with renewed intent following their lift before the interval, and they were unfortunate not to score when Khalid Yousef saw his shot brilliantly tipped over by Aldred with just a minute played.
With the Vale attacking there was plenty of pace on the counter, with left-winger Finlay in particular enjoying a lot of space to attack, and through his outlet the college always looked a threat.
The game turned into a midfield battle with the hosts shading the possession, and with the visitors now out of ideas, the game was put beyond them when a hopeful ball through by Thompson caused confusion in the Vale defence. Failing to give a clear shout, the onrushing Lane took out his own centre back, allowing Luby to run through unopposed and tap the ball into the empty net.
With the game now won there was still time for some late drama as substitute Donovan Griffin got onto the end of a deep cross from first team debutant Ben John, but the diminutive wide man saw his header come back of the underside of the bar before being hooked clear.
The drama didn’t stop there, as with the game all but over the impressive Yousif in the Vale midfield struck the goal of the game as he glided forward from deep before curling a beautiful effort into the top corner of the goal past Aldred from fully 25-yards.
Next Wednesday (Mar 9) the College take on top of the table Coleg y Cymoedd (Nantgarw) at the Bridge Meadow, 1.30pm kick off.
Pembrokeshire College Team:
Ben Aldred, Jacob Knox, George Taylor (C), Ewan Jones, Matthew Dickinson, Jake ‘Leon’ Luby, Spencer Williams, Jordan Kilby, Fraser Finlay, Lewis Watts, Louis Thompson, Donovan Griffin, Dan Raicu, Will Bateman, Ben John
Pembrokeshire sailor Micky Beckett has once again cemented his place among the sport’s elite, securing his fourth consecutive victory in the ILCA 7 men’s dinghy class at the prestigious Trofeo Princesa Sofia regatta.
Hailing from the coastal village of Solva, Beckett sealed the title with a day to spare — a remarkable feat that underscores his dominance on the international circuit and sends a strong signal ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic campaign.
His win was one of nine medals earned by the British Sailing Team in Mallorca, with Great Britain finishing top of the medal table ahead of Australia and China.
Beckett, who has steadily climbed the ranks in recent years, is now one of the standout figures in British sailing. Known for his consistency and calm approach on the water, the 29-year-old has made the ILCA 7 fleet his own, and his continued success reflects the strength of both his individual talent and the support around him.
“If this week is anything to go by, the future is bright for the British Sailing Team,” said performance director Mark Robinson — a nod to Beckett’s influence and the broader success of the squad.
While Beckett led the charge, fellow Brit Emma Wilson also delivered a standout performance. The two-time Olympic bronze medallist won 14 of 21 races in the iQFOiL foiling windsurfing class, earning her the prestigious Princess Sofia Trophy — the event’s top honour.
“It’s crazy – I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Wilson, 25. “There are names on this trophy like Ben Ainslie, people I’ve looked up to since I was a kid. To have my name on there now is pretty cool.”
The British team also took home gold in the 49erFX (Saskia Tidey and Freya Black), 470 (Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris), and Nacra 17 (John Gimson and Anna Burnet). There were silver medals for Lily Young (Formula Kite) and Elliot Hanson (ILCA 7), while Ellie Aldridge (Formula Kite) and Daisy Collingridge (ILCA 6) each claimed bronze.
Kilgetty 0 – Goodwick United 3
GOODWICK United are just one game away from completing a flawless league campaign after a dominant 3-0 victory away at Kilgetty.
Nathan Greene opened the scoring with a thumping header on 13 minutes, meeting Will Haworth’s pinpoint corner. Haworth then turned scorer just before half-time, glancing in Luke Hayward’s free-kick to double the lead.
Rhys Jones wrapped things up from the penalty spot after Rhys Dalling was brought down in the box.
Manager Chris O’Sullivan now turns his attention to the final fixture at Phoenix Park against Tenby, where his side will aim to complete an unbeaten league season.
Pennar Robins stay in top-four hunt
Pennar Robins 3 – Clarbeston Road 1
PENNAR Robins kept their hopes of a top-three finish alive with a solid 3-1 win over Clarbeston Road at Bush Camp.
Ben Adams struck twice, either side of a Jamie Wilkes goal, to seal the win. Adams and Wilkes gave the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break, but Richard Bevan pulled one back for the visitors in the second half.
Adams netted his second in the 88th minute to put the result beyond doubt and keep Pennar in touching distance of Monkton Swifts, with two matches left to play.
Swifts confirm Milford relegation
Milford United 0 – Monkton Swifts 4
MILFORD United’s relegation from Division One was confirmed on Saturday as Monkton Swifts cruised to a 4-0 win at Marble Hall.
Paul Miller was instrumental for the visitors, assisting goals for Billy Davis and Liam Butland before scoring one himself. Jack Clarke added a fourth after the break, converting from Ben Steele’s cross.
Monkton remain third, just ahead of Pennar Robins, with both sides battling for a top-three finish in the final weeks.
Milford now turn their attention to the Senior Cup Final against Hakin United.
Wizards and Vikings share derby spoils
Merlins Bridge 0 – Hakin United 0
A TIGHT and tense derby between Merlins Bridge and Hakin United ended in a goalless draw at the Pembrokeshire Sports Ground.
Both teams had opportunities, with Mark Jones going close for Hakin and Mason Dolling striking the side netting. For the Wizards, substitute Ben Davies had the ball in the net, only for the flag to go up for offside.
Hakin now shift focus to the Senior Cup Final against Milford United, while Merlins Bridge can take heart from a resilient defensive performance.
Narberth Athletic 61 – Llangwm 10
NARBERTH Athletic delivered a dominant display to defeat Llangwm 61-10 in their latest Division Four (West) fixture.
Llangwm showed promise in the early exchanges, particularly at scrum time, where their front row of Ieuan Power, Ben Elrick, and Matthew Rees competed well. However, it was the home side who controlled the scoreboard.
Narberth opened the scoring after 31 minutes with a converted try from prop Shay Norcross. That breakthrough was followed by a blistering five-minute spell in which captain Harry Phillips crossed three times, all converted by Shane Rossiter, giving the hosts a commanding 28-0 lead. Llangwm responded before the break with a penalty from Breig Matthews.
In the second half, Narberth extended their lead with tries from Brad Cramb and Stephen J Brown, the latter again converted by Rossiter. Llangwm briefly rallied with a converted try from No 8 Matthew Rees, but Narberth’s bench provided a strong finish. Will Davies touched down twice, while Rossiter added another try and two further conversions, finishing the match with a personal haul of 21 points.
St Davids 31 – Pembroke 24
ST DAVIDS sealed a league double over Pembroke with a thrilling 31-24 home win, a match that also marked the unveiling of the John James Memorial Scoreboard, in honour of a much-loved club stalwart.
The visitors struck first through a penalty from Jarred Sharratt, but St Davids hit back with a try from captain Nathan Foster, converted by Bob Froy. Pembroke regained the lead when Barry Alderman-John crossed for a try in his final game, also converted by Sharratt.
St Davids responded before the interval through player-coach Morgan Griffiths, who scored his first try of the afternoon, again converted by Froy.
The second half saw the momentum swing back and forth. Evan Davies put Pembroke back in front with a try, before a Froy penalty levelled the scores. A converted try from Fraser James gave Pembroke the lead once more, but Griffiths proved the difference, completing his hat-trick with two more tries—both converted by Froy—to secure victory for the Saints.
The win also saw St Davids lift the Willington Slate, an annual trophy contested between the two clubs.
Teaching assistant forced to act after child left in locked toilet cubicle for hours
Boy shut himself in to avoid assembly A CLASSROOM assistant used a 20p coin to unlock a toilet cubicle and...
Haverfordwest man remanded over strangulation charge
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been remanded in custody after denying a string of serious domestic abuse allegations, including the intentional...
Port issues urgent statement following Milford Haven laser incident
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has issued an urgent public statement about the serious risks and legal consequences associated with...
Milford man denies GBH assault on ex-partner’s 70-year-old grandfather
A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm on his ex-partner’s 70-year-old grandad. Tommy...
Baby number two on the way for critically endangered rhino at Folly Farm
PREGNANCY is always a reason to celebrate, but when it involves a critically endangered species like the Eastern black rhino,...
Floating wind farm boom could bring jobs bonanza to Pembrokeshire
Milford Haven among ports shortlisted for turbine assembly as £1.4bn Celtic Sea energy project nears final stage PEMBROKE PORT in...
Carmarthenshire kidnap victim speaks out: ‘I thought I was going to die’
THE MUSIC producer lured to West Wales and brutally assaulted in a staged kidnap plot has spoken publicly for the...
Welsh pensioners to receive state pension increase amidst mixed reactions
STARTING this month, over 600,000 pensioners across Wales will see their State Pensions rise by up to £470 annually, following...
Spot checks uncover taxi issues in Milford Haven and Neyland
Six suspensions, untaxed vehicle and missing badges found SPOT checks on taxis and private hire vehicles in Milford Haven, Neyland...
Fire chief praises crews for response to grass fires
Over 250 incidents tackled during dry spell THE CHIEF Fire Officer of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service...
-
Crime4 days agoHakin drug dealer caught twice in two counties
-
News7 days agoWales faces deepening housing crisis as new figures show drop in home building
-
Charity7 days agoRoyal visit celebrates Pembrokeshire charity’s community impact
-
Crime7 days agoFined for dropping cigarette at Milford Haven Tesco
-
Crime7 days ago
Pembroke woman sentenced for drug possession and assault on PC
-
News6 days agoPembroke Dock boy walks out with Spurs captain at Stamford Bridge
-
Crime7 days agoPembroke man denies cocaine drug-driving charge
-
News2 days agoMotorcyclist airlifted with serious injuries after A40 roundabout crash