Sport
Goodwick seal historic treble with draw at Hakin
GOODWICK UNITED are champions of the Pembrokeshire League after they drew 1-1 with Hakin United on Friday night.
One of the biggest crowds ever for a Pembrokeshire League game gathered at the Observatory Field and they were treated to an excellent game.
Goodwick didn’t have it all their own way as they were a goal and a man down before securing the point they needed to win the league.
The draw also seals a memorable and historic treble following their successes in the West Wales Cup and the Senior Cup.
Going into the game Hakin knew they needed a win to seal a fourth-straight title in what was manager Gary Dawes’ last game in charge of the club.
Goodwick started the game well with Chris O’Sullivan going close with a free kick before Johnny Horgan headed wide after Rhys Dalling’s cross.
Hakin grew into the game and almost scored when Matthew Broome squared the ball for Ben Steele but his shot was over the bar.
James Stanmore came closest to scoring after 27 minutes but James Gwilt produced a stunning one-handed save to deny the fierce effort, which was heading for the top corner, before getting up to stop the rebound from Nicky Woodrow.
Stanmore then crossed into the box but Gwilt made another excellent save to deny Woodrow again.
Then with ten minutes to go until half time Hakin made the break through as Ashley Bevan played a neat through ball for Nicky Woodrow who ran on to slot the ball under the keeper.
They almost doubled their lead soon after but Bevan’s low drive was tipped round the post.
It remained 1-0 at half time but Goodwick knew they just needed a goal to put the title back in their hands.
Within two minutes of the restart Hakin should have doubled their lead again when Woodrow was put through but he blazed his shot wide of the right hand post.
Woodrow was at it again moments later crossing to the back post and with no one on the end of it the ball dropped just wide of the post.
Both sides were giving their all but ten minutes into the second half tempers boiled over when a late tackle came in.
Players squared up to each other and Chris O’Sullivan appeared to lean his head towards a Hakin player and after talking with his linseman, referee Angus Scourfield produced a red card for the midfielder.
After both sides had calmed down play resumed and Ben Steele came close but his shot was saved by Gwilt.
With twenty minutes to go Goodwick equalised despite being a man down as Adam Raymond’s free kick was headed in by Kieran O’Brien.
That goal meant Goodwick were back in pole position but Hakin responded well.
Ashley Bevan crossed for Nicky Woodrow but after he turned his shot was saved by Gwilt.
Matthew Broome sent a free kick into the box and Ashley Bevan’s header went over off the bar but it wouldn’t have counted had it gone in with the linesman raising his flag for offside.
Going into the final ten minutes, Goodwick seemed content to keep the ball in the corner but Hakin piled forward whenever they got the chance.
After seeing a header go narrowly over, Bevan had another free kick two minutes from time but his curled effort was headed away.
Goodwick held on and the final whistle went to spark jubilant scenes among the players, coaches and many fans who had made the trip from Goodwick.
Speaking after the match Goodwick manager Nigel Delaney said: “Unbelievable. We’ve won the treble, it’s never been done before and to win the league down here is just unbelievable.
“We had a bit of a chat at half time because we didn’t come out of the changing rooms, the team were well under the kosh and they were well on top. We needed to score a goal, we only needed the draw, we knew we’d get a chance and in the end we got the chance and defended like Trojans.”
Asked what’s next for Goodwick, Nigel added: “I don’t know really, this has never been done before and will probably never be done again, it’s just unbelievable.”
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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