Sport

Mark Taylor steps down

Published

8 years ago

July 12, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Stepping down: Mark Taylor with the U20 squad after their win over Scotland

FORMER Wales Captain , Mark Taylor , has stepped down as Wales U20 Team Manager to spend more time with his family . The team’s 42-19 victory over Scotland marked his final match in the role.

The former Centre who won 52 Wales caps, scored the historic first try at the Millennium Stadium and successfully captained Wales on four occasions, has been a Wales international pathway team manager since hanging up his playing boots in 2008, first with Wales U18, and for the last six years with Wales U20.

Taylor, who also toured with the Lions in 2001, has decided to spend more time with his family and other work commitments, but admits he will certainly stay involved in rugby in some capacity.

“It’s been a massive experience for me over the past eight years . It’s been a pleasure for me to be part of the development of young players, especially when you see them go onto play for the senior Wales side.

“There have been a lot of highs and some lows in that time, which from a results point of view come down to a few heavy defeats to New Zealand, in 2011 and earlier this week.

“One of the biggest achievements was reaching the Junior World Championship final in 2013, when we probably should have beaten England in the final. Hallam Amos, Sam Davies, Steff Hughes and Jordan Williams were key to that campaign, especially in beating South Africa in the semi-final. It was the culmination of two year period under Danny Wilson as coach and the players learned a huge amount from the experience.

“One of the highlights of my career, including my playing days, was being involved with the first side to beat New Zealand U20 in 2012. Our team had gone from losing to New Zealand by 92 points the year before, with the likes of Liam Williams and Kirby Myhill in the side, to come back 12 months later and turn them over. The likes of Tom Prydie, Samson Lee and Rob Evans were in that side, the match was played in some of the worst conditions imaginable and that victory was right up there in terms of special moments.

“Despite a few results going against us during this tournament in Manchester, the current crop of Wales U20 players also created something special in winning the Six Nations Grand Slam.

“The way they came back to win in Ireland got them off to a great start, and the desire they showed to stay in the Scotland and France games showed what they are made of. The highlight of the campaign though was the big victory over England, producing excellent rugby for 80 minutes.”

The team manager role started quite small with Wales U18 , but a number of players who have gone on to become household names were in Taylor’s sights from the start.

Tom Prydie, George North, Eli Walker, Aled Davies, Matthew Morgan and Rhodri Jones were in the first Wales U18 squad Taylor was involved with in 2009, with Samson Lee, Rob Evans and Ellis Jenkins joining the party a year later.

“I was asked if I wanted to take on the role and I saw it as a good way to stay in touch with the game. I was involved with talent identification and also some of the backs coaching under Darren Edwards, who was with London Welsh at the time.

“Tom [ Prydie ] was outstanding for us in a Five Nations tournament in Italy and went on to become capped by Wales in the Six Nations the following year , before playing for us again later that season in the next Five Nations tournament. George North was the star of that tournament in Llandovery and was capped by Wales later that year.

“The day -to -day role involves a lot of organisation and coordination between the team, the rest of the Welsh Rugby Union rugby department, the other National Squads, the Regions and clubs, along with other Unions and tournament organisers. Basically everything that enables the coaches and players to get on with their job of preparing for matches. I will miss it but I owe my family some quality time after going straight into team management after ending my playing career. I will no doubt be drawn back to rugby as I still feel I owe the game a lot after everything it’s given me, but it will be more of a home -based role for the time being. I’d like to thank all the coaches and support staff I’ve worked with in my time with the 18s and 20s.”

WRU Head of Rugby Performance , Geraint John , paid tribute to Mark Taylor’s contribution to the Welsh Rugby Union over the last eight years.

He said: “It has been a pleasure working with Mark since my return to Wales and he will be a great loss. He is an excellent Team Manager, well respected by all players and staff and is well loved in the office with his professionalism, passion and humour. We totally understand the reasons why Mark is stepping down as family is very important.

“Even though he is leaving his current role I am hoping that in the future we will see Mark involved with our teams in some capacity. He is an excellent person with great values and we wish him the best but we will certainly be staying in touch.”

Sport

Fishguard boxer wins bronze at international championships

Published

2 days 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

3 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

5 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.