Sport
Cardigan hold on to title hopes
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League Three
West St Davids 10
Cardigan 61

Strong Conversions: Cardigan
CARDIGAN remain a point behind Haverfordwest in the table as they comfortably beat St Davids 61-10 on Saturday.
The visitors took the lead early on through Tomos Evans before Iestyn Crompton converted.
Moments later the Saints added their first score of the game when Fraser Watson burst through but the conversion was missed.
Alun Jenkins then increased Cardigan’s lead and Crompton added the extra two points once more.
Crompton then added a further two points following Will Bryce’s try.
St Davids then grabbed their second try through Neil Thomas but the conversion was again missed.
Cardigan then had the final say in the first half when Ben Hughes dived over to touch the ball down and Crompton added the extras again for a 26-10 lead.
In the second half, Llyr Griffiths scored two tries while Kieran Hurley and Alun Jenkins each got in on the try-scoring action.
Replacement kicker Llyr Jones was successful with four conversions to complete a resounding 61-10 victory.
St Davids have now finished their season second from bottom in the league with three wins from their 18 games this season.
Sport
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League- Division 2: Saturday round-up
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Fishguard keep their position at the top
Solva 1- Fishguard Sports 2
In a precarious match, Solva made the initial headway with Danny Thomas scoring the first goal at the 10 minute mark.
However, Fishguard’s fighting spirit came back when Patrick Hughes scored their first goal at 23 minutes.
In the second half, Fishguard’s impressive game continued as Luke Thomas scored at 68 minutes.
Fishguard Sports have now managed to eclipse Hakin United Reserves on the league table, standing at 42 points compared to Hakin’s 40.
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Mid-table tussle sees Neyland dominate Camrose
Camrose 0- Neyland 2
Neyland continued to fight for a place in the upper-half of the table and showed their complete dominance in the game against Camrose.
The first goal was scored by Dylan James at 53 minutes in.
The second half saw Neyland in control of the match, leading in their determination to score and holding the majority of ball time.
Camrose gave away a penalty goal at 65 minutes in, with Jay Johnstone scoring for Neyland.
Despite Neyland’s impressive game, they still sit side by side in the middle of the table with Camrose: 30 points to Neyland, 31 points to Camrose.
Next weekend’s matches are a crucial deciding factor for both teams, as to who will rise to the top.
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Sport
Wales show fight but Ireland’s class prevails in Cardiff thriller
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IRELAND continued their march towards another Six Nations title with a hard-fought 27-18 victory over Wales at the Principality Stadium. While Andy Farrell’s men ultimately secured the win, the hosts delivered their best performance of the tournament so far, proving far more competitive than many had anticipated.
First half: A competitive opening
From the first whistle, Wales showed an energy and cohesion that had been missing in their previous matches. A sell-out Cardiff crowd roared them on as they matched Ireland’s early intensity, refusing to allow the visitors to dominate proceedings as they so often have in recent encounters.
It was Ireland who struck first, with Jack Conan powering over the line in the seventh minute after relentless pressure inside the Welsh 22. Sam Prendergast, stepping in for Johnny Sexton’s long-term successor Jack Crowley, slotted the conversion to make it 7-0.
However, unlike in previous matches where Wales had struggled to respond to early setbacks, this time they hit back almost immediately. A pinpoint cross-field kick from Sam Costelow found Rio Dyer, who soared above James Lowe to touch down in the corner. Costelow’s conversion attempt drifted wide, but at 7-5, Wales had sent a clear message: they were here to fight.
The remainder of the half saw Ireland’s trademark structured play tested by Wales’ aggressive line speed and improved breakdown work. While the visitors added a penalty through Prendergast, the Welsh continued to press, forcing errors from an Irish side that is usually so clinical. Costelow’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking, and at halftime, Ireland led by a slender 13-11 margin.
Second half: Ireland’s quality tells, but wales stay in the fight
With the match finely poised, the second half began in breathless fashion. Ireland sought to assert their authority, and their cohesion in attack began to stretch the Welsh defence. A moment of brilliance from Caelan Doris, breaking through a tired Welsh defensive line before offloading to Dan Sheehan for a crucial try, shifted momentum back towards the visitors.
Prendergast’s conversion made it 20-11, and for a brief moment, it looked as if Ireland would pull away. But this new-look Welsh team had other ideas. Gareth Thomas epitomised their resilience with a thunderous hit on Bundee Aki, forcing a turnover that led to another attacking opportunity. A flowing backline move saw George North slice through before offloading to Tomos Williams, who dotted down under the posts. Costelow’s conversion closed the gap to 20-18, setting up a grandstand finish.
Wales, sensing an opportunity for an upset, surged forward, but crucial handling errors at key moments allowed Ireland to escape unscathed. As the clock ticked down, the visitors’ superior squad depth and game management proved decisive. A penalty won inside the Welsh half provided the platform for one final assault, and a slick move off a rolling maul saw Josh van der Flier crash over to seal the victory. Prendergast’s conversion added the final gloss to the scoreline, but the margin of victory did not reflect the closeness of the contest.
Final thoughts: A step forward for Wales, a step closer for Ireland
For Ireland, this was another significant step towards retaining their Six Nations crown and securing the Triple Crown. Their ability to withstand pressure and execute clinically in key moments was the difference, with players like Doris, Sheehan, and Prendergast making telling contributions.
Yet, despite the loss, Wales can take great encouragement from this performance. Interim head coach Matt Sherratt had demanded a response from his side, and he got one. This was a display full of grit, intelligence, and attacking ambition—qualities that had been missing in recent matches. Young talents such as Costelow and Dyer shone, while the experienced core of North, Williams, and captain Dafydd Jenkins provided the leadership needed to challenge one of the world’s best teams.
Though they remain winless in the tournament, this was a performance that should instill belief in the squad and fans alike. If they can replicate this level in their remaining fixtures, that first victory may not be far away.
Final score: Wales 18-27 Ireland
(Cover photo: via WRU)
Sport
Wales XV confirmed for sold-out Ireland clash
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MEE TO MAKE DEBUT
WALES head coach Matt Sherratt has named his team for Saturday’s (Feb 22) Six Nations match against Ireland at a sold-out Principality Stadium (KO 2:15pm, live on BBC and S4C).
Ellis Mee is set to earn his first cap on the wing, becoming the 1,211th player to represent Wales at international level.
Jac Morgan captains the side from blindside flanker, with Tommy Reffell making his first start of the tournament at openside. Taulupe Faletau completes the back row at No. 8.
In the front row, Nicky Smith starts at loosehead prop, Elliot Dee is named at hooker, and WillGriff John makes his Six Nations debut at tighthead. Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins form the second-row partnership.
Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, while Gareth Anscombe, called up this week, starts at fly-half. Max Llewellyn, also a late squad addition, partners Ben Thomas in the midfield.
Tom Rogers joins debutant Mee on the wing, with Blair Murray named at fullback.
Jarrod Evans, who could make his first Wales appearance since summer 2021, is among the replacements alongside Rhodri Williams and Joe Roberts. Forwards Evan Lloyd, Gareth Thomas, Henry Thomas, Teddy Williams, and Aaron Wainwright complete the bench.
Sherratt said: “We’re looking forward to the challenge of facing Ireland. We have spoken this week about being brave but not reckless and making sure everyone knows their roles.
“We also know that keeping our discipline will be huge. The atmosphere at Principality Stadium is incredible, and playing at home is something the players really look forward to.”
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