Sport

Missed chances cost college

Published

9 years ago

March 29, 2016

ECFA BCS League

Pembrokeshire College 1st XI 0

Coleg y Cymoedd 1st XI 2

Louis Thompson: Clears the danger

AFTER HEAVY overnight rain the Conygar Bridge Meadow was in surprisingly good nick as the Valero sponsored Pembrokeshire College welcomed their visitors from Coleg y Cymoedd for their last league game of the season.

The game was set up nicely as the visitors from Nantgarw arrived in good form, sitting in second place in the table, but the hosts themselves came into the game on the back of an impressive 4-2 victory against a strong Cardiff and the Vale side in their last outing.

The game started at a frantic pace with both sides eager to strike the first blow, and kicking into a strong wind, it was Pembrokeshire who were seemingly going to be up against it in the first half. However this wasn’t the case in the opening 15 minutes as the hosts’ fluent passing style allowed them to keep the ball on the deck, eliminating the effect of the wind, and allowing them to create several openings.

One such opening arrived in the fifth minute as Dan Raicu found himself one-on-one with Liam Barter in the visitors goal. The wide man seemed to have too much time as he made his way towards the goal, and as he failed to make up his mind Barter smothered the ball at his feet and the chance had gone.

The game was something of a midfield battle with the majority of the first half play fought in the middle third as the visitors began to utilise the wind with some testing balls in behind Matt Dickinson and Jacob Knox at full back.

From one such ball they created their first half chance of the game as they won a corner on the right hand side. A troubling ball into the heart of the area caused mayhem in the Pembrokeshire defence, and when the ball fell to Owain Morgan, he produced a stunning overhead kick, which shaved the paint off the upright.

With 25 minutes on the clock the visitors almost took the lead with another spectacular effort. After Ben Aldred in the Pembrokeshire goal had cleared the danger straight up the pitch, Cymoedd left back Connor Wescombe ran onto the ball on the halfway line and hit a blistering first time half volley, which was destined for the bottom corner. Luckily for the hosts Aldred was able to scramble across and produce a fine save with his feet.

After soaking up a period of Cymoedd pressure, the home side began to come back into the game, and on 32 minutes their Welsh Colleges Under 18 international Alfie Stotter, fresh from returning from the Caput Mundi tournament in Rome, found himself through on goal. But Barter in the visiting goal was proving to be inspired, and he again rushed out to smother the ball, and another Pembrokeshire chance was gone.

Just before the interval the hosts opened up Cymoedd again, with Raicu ghosting past his man on the outside before pulling a tantalising ball back across goal to the unmarked Lewis Watts, who from 8 yards dragged his shot agonisingly wide with the goal at his mercy, to send the sides in level at the break.

The second half began with Pembrokeshire in the ascendency, and with the wind now gusting crossways towards the right hand side, winger Fraser Finlay was beginning to see a lot of the ball, and the tricky wide man created several chances for his side, before a hammer blow took the wind out of the visitors sails.

Completely against the run of play, Cymoedd took the lead after venturing into the hosts half for the first time in ten first half minutes, but a brilliant goal it was. After forward Stotter had conceded possession on the halfway line, an inch perfect first time through ball released the impressive substitute Sam Jones, whose turn of pace took him beyond Matt Dickenson before he smashed an unstoppable shot high into the roof of the net to leave Ben Aldred with no chance.

The home team were left shellshocked and couldn’t rediscover their composure in a frantic five minutes, resulting in them conceding again, this time from the spot after Welsh Premier League star Spencer Williams brought down the elusive Jones for a certain foul when the Cymoedd winger was running down a blind alley away from goal.

Jones dusted himself off to take the kick himself, and his well struck effort was brilliantly saved by Aldred, but with no Pembrokeshire defenders following up, the ball fell again to the feet of Jones who dinked the ball nonchalantly over the stricken Aldred to double his sides advantage.

Pembrokeshire almost responded immediately when Finlay hit a superb 25-yard left footed effort against the crossbar after cutting in from his wing, but chances for the rest of the game were few and far between, as a demoralised home side struggled to regain their early momentum and the visitors went into cruise control, finding the corners and running down the clock at every possible opportunity.

Ultimately it was a disappointing day for Pembrokeshire College, but they can take great positives in the fact for large periods of the game they were in control, and but for some poor finishing they could well have been 3-0 up and out of sight, a lesson they will be sure to take into their next game.

Teams:

Pembrokeshire College: Ben Aldred, Jacob Knox, George Taylor, Ewan Jones, Matthew Dickinson, Dan Raicu, Spencer Williams, Louis Thompson, Fraser Finlay, Alfie Stotter, Lewis Watts.

Subs: Donovan Griffin, Ben John.

Coleg y Cymoedd: Liam Barter, Jesse White, Scott Peacock, Declan Hansen Spure, Connor Wescombe, Iefan Ball, Callum Evans, Jamie Crisp, Owain Morgan, Connor Waters, Owain Sprackling-Jones.

Subs: Tristan Notley, Sam Jones, Josh Maksimovic, Joel Ball, Joe Evans.

Sport

Fishguard boxer wins bronze at international championships

Published

19 hours 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

2 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

4 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.