Sport

College cruise to Vale victory

Published

9 years ago

March 3, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire College 4 Cardiff and Vale College 2

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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

Sport

Fishguard boxer wins bronze at international championships

Published

2 days ago

November 17, 2024

Herald Sport

A YOUNG Pembrokeshire boxer has achieved international recognition for his prowess in the ring.

Eighteen-year-old Mikey O’Sullivan, from Fishguard, secured a bronze medal in the 55kg class at the World Boxing Organisation World Championships held in Colorado. His remarkable performance included victories against opponents from Kyrgyzstan and Canada before being eliminated by the eventual gold medallist.

O’Sullivan, who trains with Cardigan ABC, was presented with a certificate by former International Boxing Federation featherweight world champion Lee Selby to honour his achievement.

Speaking about his success, O’Sullivan expressed pride in representing his hometown on a global stage, further solidifying his reputation as one of Pembrokeshire’s rising sports stars.

ROYAL NAVY BOXER TRIUMPHS

In another notable achievement, former Cardigan ABC boxer Ceri Glover, 20, from Aberporth, marked his senior 57kg debut for the Royal Navy with an impressive victory.

Glover defeated Tatenda Tapfuma of Titchfield ABC in his first bout since his February win for Cardigan ABC, showcasing his continued dominance in the ring.

Both boxers highlight the growing prominence of Welsh talent in the world of boxing, bringing pride to their communities and clubs.

*Ceri Glover from Aberporth (Image: Cardigan ABC)*

News

2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards Finalists announced

Published

3 days ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

5 days ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

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.