Sport

County relegated after 4th straight loss

Published

9 years ago

April 28, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Dafabet Welsh Premier League

Aberystwyth Town 3

Haverfordwest County 1

Aber’s Chris Venables: Pressured by Bluebirds Nicky Palmer

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY were relegated on Friday (Apr 8) as they returned from their trip to Aberystwyth Town with a fourth straight defeat, meaning they have only picked up two points since the league split in January.

Their only hope of remaining in the league now stands with the potential relegation of Port Talbot, who have failed to obtain a license for next season, or with clubs in the promotion places from the divisions below also failing to obtain a license.

Man of the Match Craig Williams opened the scoring for Aber on 10 minutes, only for Luke Borelli to level the scores six minutes later.

The Black and Greens improved after the break and Williams created the chance for Chris Venables to lob a second on the hour, before sending in a corner, which Rhys Griffiths headed goal bound, for Sean Pemberton to complete the scoring with a headed own goal on 71 minutes.

On a drizzly night a pre match Club Photo ensured a decent turnout of 404, and a lively Friday night atmosphere at Park Avenue. Visitors Haverfordwest created the first chance when Borelli’s ball in from the left fell for stand in centre forward Sean Pemberton, but he could only tap it back to Mike Lewis in Aber’s goal.

Another Borelli cross was gathered by Lewis, but then came the first moment of real quality when Geoff Kellaway picked out Craig Williams out on the left, and the Taff’s Well Touchline Terror hit a sumptuous lob first time over Craig Morris’ head to open the scoring: a brilliant strike. Chris Venables tried another lob minutes later, but then the visitors equalised when the impressive Greg Walters managed to pick out Borelli at the back stick, and he tapped home. Pemberton headed wide again, Kellaway had a flick saved as did Borelli, and then Ross Stephens picked out Venables at the back post, but he headed inches wide, and a generally disappointing first half ended 1-1.

The second half started with the visitors creating most of the chances, with Pemberton having a low shot saved, and heading wide, but then on the hour the game turned when Williams cut inside from the left after a positive run and his low shot brought a save from Morris which spooned the ball into the air, and Venables managed to hook the ball over the goalkeeper to score with an instinctive lob which brought his season tally to 17, back on top of the Golden Boot List.

With the Dias Stand dancing, Rhys Griffiths released Kellaway through with a deft touch, and his shot was parried inches wide by Morris, but then the killer third came when Williams’ corner from the left was perfect for Griffiths to direct a strong header goal bound, which deflected in off the unfortunate Pemberton’s head.

Aber still had some defending to do, with Stephens, Lee Surman and Antonio Corbisiero making crucial blocks to defend their lead. Walters curled an effort wide, and then late on sub Liam Jaques set up Williams for another blocked effort, and the game ended at 3-1: a testament to Wyn Thomas and his Players’ desire to get a result when it really mattered.

This precious victory keeps Aber right in the running for the UEFA Europa League Play Offs, and with seventeen points garnered from their eight post split game to date, the Black and Greens can confidently look forward to another important clash at Carmarthen Town next Saturday afternoon.

For County it is a huge match against fellow relegated side Rhyl, as a victory would move them level on points, with the hope of leap-frogging their opponents on the final day of the season and giving them a slim hope of survival by bureaucratic means.

Sport

Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

4 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