Sport

Under 18s on brink of 4th title

Published

9 years ago

March 7, 2016

Closing in on the title: Some of the side after the game

Scarlets Ladies U18s 40

Dragons Ladies U18’s 10

SCARLETS LADIES Under 18’s have put themselves on the brink of a fourth consecutive regional title by outscoring a determined and resolute Dragons outfit by 6 tries to 2 in difficult conditions at a damp and windswept Ammanford on Sunday afternoon to triumph 40-10.

Leading the way for the Scarlets with two tries apiece were centre Carly Jones and scrum half Lucy Packer, with ever impressive back row forward Lleucu George converting three of the six tries scored.

The Scarlets began the game with a strong wind at their back and were immediately put on the front foot by the powerful ball carrying of the red pack. The determined defence of the visitors held the home team at bay, before the back line of the Scarlets finally broke the defensive shackles and released flying winger, Katie Thicker on a 40-meter sprint to the line to open the scoring. George added the extras to give the Scarlets a 7-0 lead on 10 minutes.

Despite the home team dominating territory and possession, the Dragons defence, led superbly by India Berbillion and flanker Eve Jones refused to buckle under the pressure and indeed began to exert pressure of their own forcing the normally fluent Scarlets team into several uncharacteristic handling errors.

Eventually, the Scarlets backs finally clicked, a half break by centre Libby Jones, released her co-centre Carly Jones who outpaced the cover defence to score near to the posts. Outside Half Sioned Phillips converted the try giving the home team a 14-0 lead with five minutes until half time.

The Scarlets failed to deal with the restart, which allowed the Dragons to mount their first serious attacking opportunity. The ball was eventually released to full back Imogen Shide to score out wide with the last play of the half.

The girls in red began the second half in dynamic fashion. With barely a minute on the clock, Packer evaded several would-be defenders to touch down and give her team the perfect start.

Seven minutes later, a moment of individual brilliance saw centre Carly Jones gather the ball inside her own half and race in, to score the bonus point try under the posts. Lleucu George converted the try to extend the Scarlets lead to 26-5.

Strong running by second row Ffion Howells and prop Ruby Roberts once again put the Scarlets deep inside Dragons territory. Packer, fed her half back partner Megan Beech, who’s delicate pass put the impressive Carys Lloyd through the gap and power her way over for the Scarlets fifth try of the day. Again George adding the extras.

The Dragons refused to lie down and went on the offensive from the kick off. The powerful running of their pack once again took play up to the Scarlets’ try line, with the pressure eventually leading to flanker Eve Jones to score a thoroughly deserved second try for the visitors.

The Scarlets responded immediately from the kick off. Excellent defensive work by Scarlets winger Caitlin Lewis, eventually led to the home team turning the ball over at the contact area. The forwards drove powerfully up to the Dragons try line where Packer sniped her way over the line to score wide out. The excellent conversion by Lleucu George rounded of the scoring, giving the Scarlets an excellent win over a vastly improved Dragons squad.

The Scarlets Girls are next in action on March the 6th against the Blues in Ystrad Mynach, where they will be hoping to secure their fourth title in four seasons.

Sport

Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France

Published

19 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Adams, Williams, and Jenkins return

WALES head coach Warren Gatland has named his team for the opening match of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations against France at the Stade de France, Paris, on Friday (Jan 31). The game kicks off at 8:15pm GMT and will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.

Josh Adams, Liam Williams, and Dafydd Jenkins return to the starting XV, with Adams on the wing, Williams at fullback, and Jenkins in the second row.

Jac Morgan leads the side

Captain Jac Morgan starts at openside flanker, joining James Botham at blindside and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8 in the back row. Will Rowlands partners Jenkins in the second row.

In the front row, Evan Lloyd earns his first Test start at hooker, while Henry Thomas is named at tighthead prop for his first start and his first Wales appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead.

Ben Thomas makes Six Nations debut

Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, with Ben Thomas making his Six Nations debut at fly-half. Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins form the midfield pairing, while Tom Rogers is named on the wing alongside Adams.

Among the replacements, Nicky Smith is set to win his 50th cap, while fly-half Dan Edwards could make his senior Wales debut. Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray are in line for their first Six Nations appearances, having made their senior international debuts in the Autumn Nations Series.

The front-row replacements include Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, and Smith. Tommy Reffell covers the back row, and Rhodri Williams provides scrum-half cover.

Gatland said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that, and start our championship well.”

Wales team to face France

Starting XV:
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) – 92 caps
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets) – 5 caps
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens) – 38 caps
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) – 42 caps
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby) – 59 caps
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby) – 7 caps
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby) – 59 caps
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys) – 35 caps
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby) – 5 caps
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets) – 4 caps
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92) – 36 caps
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs) – 19 caps
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby) – 16 caps
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys) – 18 caps (captain)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) – 52 caps

Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) – 51 caps
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers) – 49 caps
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby) – 10 caps
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby) – 1 cap
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers) – 23 caps
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons) – 5 caps
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys) – uncapped
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets) – 3 caps

This version is more structured, concise, and in line with a professional sports news style. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!

News

Fun free sport sessions for kids in Fishguard

Published

21 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

YOUNGSTERS can discover new sports to love at a free multi-sports session starting next week.

The sessions for children aged 5-8 will be held every Monday in term time between 4.15pm-5pm at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

The first session is this Monday, February 3rd.

Delivered by Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People officers and assisted by

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, the event is an opportunity to try fun activities, new sports and develop fundamental movement skills.

All are welcome to come along.

Contact [email protected] for more information or to register your child.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association: Week 14 Results

Published

3 days ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association, also known as “The Friendly League,” has released the results for Week 14 of the competition.

Match Results

Hundleton 8 v Badgers 2
Llanteg 2 v St Johns 8
Reynalton 8 v St Twynnells 2
East Williamston 8 v Carew 2

The match between Cosheston and Kilgetty was postponed, while Lamphey had the bye.

League Table (Week 14)

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	12	11	0	1	167	92
Carew	12	8	1	3	111	79
Reynalton	12	8	0	4	48	70
Hundleton	13	7	0	6	61	68
St Johns	11	8	0	3	76	66
Cosheston	11	6	0	5	33	54
Llanteg	11	3	1	7	-29	51
St Twynnells	13	3	1	9	-125	48
Badgers	11	3	1	7	6	45
Kilgetty	11	3	0	8	-129	40
Lamphey	11	2	0	9	-142	29