Sport
Seasiders lead slips away
League 1 West
Tenby United 15
Llanelli Wanderers 31
IT WAS another frustrating outcome to a game that GD Harries & Sons Sponsored Tenby Utd had played the better rugby for the most part and also lead until the hour mark last Saturday when the Seasiders failed to close out a game that they should’ve won.
Following a minutes silence before kick off in Memory and of Tenby United Stalwart and Honorary Life Member Mr Bryant Hawker who sadly passed away a few weeks ago, The United were confident that they were capable of beating the mid table Llanelli Wanderers outfit and that they’re continued improvements would at last come to fruition.
The Seasiders started well as they forced a penalty at a ruck within 2 mins of kick off and Outside Half Scott James stepped up to land the tricky touchline kick to give the home side an early lead.
Stringing some impressive phases together, the United looked to have a slight edge over their guests from Stradey Park and held onto their narrow lead until the 12th minute when two missed tackles meant that Wanderers centre Rhydian Morgan was able to cross for an unconverted try to put his side in front by 5 points to 3.
The majority of the first half turned out to be a tight affair with both teams cancelling each other out through stern defensive effort until the 36th minute when Llanelli blind side flanker Steff Taffetsauffer grounded the ball to score a try from a push over scrum. Outside half Johnny George landed the conversion to give the visitors a lead of 12 points to 3 which they held on to for the remainder of the first half.
Just before the half time whistle No8 and stand in skipper Weston sustained a neck injury and couldn’t return to the field after the half time oranges which meant that Club Captain Luke Hansford was able to make a welcomed return to the pitch as he took to the field for the first time since October 17 when he sustained a serious shoulder injury and underwent surgery.
The return of their leader certainly spurred the Seasiders on and within 3 minutes of the second half kicking off, right wing Jack Guerreiro was crossing in the corner for a terrific try.
Guerreiro’s try came when a superb break from outside half James opened up the visitors defensive line and he had the presence of mind and vision to slip the ball out of a tackle to substitute scrum half Aaron James who was on for Luke Conbeer after he sustained a cut to his eye.
Aaron James spotted the Wanderers winger was not in position and lofted a cross field kick for the flying Portuguese winger to contest, Guerreiro won the aerial battle to catch the ball as he crossed the try line for the score which went unconverted from the touch line.
Six minutes later the Seasiders took the lead with another excellent try which thoroughly entertained the spectators as 2nd Row Luke Dedman broke free and went on a barnstorming run up-field from the half way line to the 22m line where he linked with Scott James, James got the ball away to the strong running Heywood and the visiting defenders could do nothing to stop the centre as he took three of them over their try line on his back as he touched down under the posts. Scott James landed the simple conversion and the scoreboard read 15-12 in United’s favour.
With just ten minutes remaining and the Seasiders in the lead it looked as if they might hang on for victory, but frustratingly their string of bad luck continued as they had the lead cruelly taken away from them in the latter stages of the game just as it had been the week before in Loughor.
Wanderer’s winger Rhys Phillips squeezed in at the corner for the controversial try which had come from what was thought to be a blatant forward pass but the ref didn’t spot and the try was given with Johnny George converting to put the visitors ahead.
Despite fighting to the end, the United weren’t able to breach the Llanelli defence and the Wanderers lead grew even more with two tries in the final 4 minutes of the game with the first coming from Rhys Morgan and the second was scored by his centre partner Richard De Filippo with Johnny George converting the latter.
Sport
Fishguard boxer wins bronze at international championships
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.
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.
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