Friendly League – Week nineteen

LAST week saw another round of matches in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League, with several strong performances across the division.

St Twynnells recorded a maximum points win with a 10–0 victory over Hundleton, while St Johns beat Cosheston 8–2. Lamphey also secured an 8–2 result against Carew, and Badgers defeated East Williamston by the same scoreline. Llanteg claimed a narrow 6–4 win over Reynalton.

Kilgetty had the bye.

One catch-up fixture was also played, with St Twynnells beating Kilgetty 8–2.

League table after week 19

East Williamston continue to lead the table after 18 matches, having recorded 13 wins and five defeats, with a shot difference of +178 and 122 points.

St Johns sit second having played 17, with 11 wins, one draw and five losses, and 103 points.

Hundleton are third with nine wins, one draw and seven losses from 17 matches, on 91 points.

Reynalton are fourth with seven wins, two draws and eight defeats, and 85 points.

St Twynnells have climbed into fifth place after 16 matches, with eight wins, two draws and six losses, and 83 points.

Carew are sixth with eight wins and nine defeats from 17 games, with 81 points.

Llanteg have played 14 matches, winning seven and losing seven, and sit on 73 points.

Kilgetty are eighth with six wins, one draw and 10 losses from 17 matches, also on 71 points, just ahead of Badgers on shot difference. Badgers have five wins, one draw and 11 defeats.

Cosheston are tenth with five wins, two draws and seven losses from 14 matches, on 62 points.

Lamphey are eleventh with seven wins and nine losses from 16 games, on 60 points.

Special moment as player walks onto pitch with newborn daughter

A HEART-WARMING moment unfolded at the Ogi Bridge Meadow ahead of Saturday’s match, as a Haverfordwest County player had the chance to walk out onto the pitch carrying his newborn daughter for the first time.

The touching scene saw the proud father introduce baby Rita-Mabel to supporters before kick-off, with teammates and fans sharing in the celebration.

In a message posted on social media, the club said: “A lovely moment prior to yesterday’s match at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, as Greg had the opportunity to walk out onto the pitch with his newborn daughter, Rita-Mabel.

“Our congratulations to Greg and Emily — everyone at Haverfordwest County is over the moon for you both.”

Supporters quickly responded with warm wishes online, with many describing the moment as “beautiful” and “special”.

Moments like this highlight the strong community spirit surrounding the club, where personal milestones are shared and celebrated alongside the football itself.

The Herald joins supporters in congratulating the family on their new arrival.

(Pic: Geraint Nicholas/FAW)

Concerns grow over rising suicide rates among men aged 35–55

MENTAL health awareness training is being rolled out to rugby clubs across Wales as officials warn that too many men are continuing to struggle in silence.

The programme is designed to help teams, coaches and players recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing mental health difficulties, and to provide practical guidance on how to offer support at an early stage.

In Wales, the highest suicide rates are among men aged between 35 and 55. Ministers believe that providing safe, supportive environments within sports settings — where both physical and mental wellbeing are encouraged — could play a vital role in prevention.

The training forms part of wider Welsh Government efforts to strengthen suicide prevention, alongside more than £2 million of investment into the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Research at Swansea University.

The online course, delivered by UK Coaching in partnership with the mental health charity Mind, has already attracted more than 400 football clubs across Wales. Rugby clubs are now being urged to follow suit.

Speaking at a male suicide prevention summit held at Rodney Parade in Newport, Mental Health Minister Sarah Murphy said early intervention was essential.

She said: “It is crucial men have access to support before reaching crisis point.

“Sport can play a valuable role in reaching men who are struggling with their mental health. We want more sports clubs to learn how to provide their players, teams and staff with support at an early stage.”

The summit, organised by the Welsh Government, brought together organisations including the Dragons, Sport Wales, Samaritans, Mind, Lads and Dads and 2Wish.

The expansion of training into sports clubs aligns with the ambitions set out in Wales’ Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Strategy, launched last year, which aims to improve access to help while reducing stigma around mental health.

Officials say progress has already been made in widening access to support, with more than 230,000 contacts made to the NHS 111 “press 2” mental health service since its launch in Wales in 2022, allowing people to seek help without a GP referral.

Rhys Blumberg, chief executive of Dragons RFC, said the club was proud to host the summit.

He said: “We were delighted to host the male suicide prevention summit at Rodney Parade as we take mental health awareness very seriously for all our players, coaches and staff.

“As a professional rugby club that represents a huge area of Wales, we are always keen to expand the work we do to offer advice and guidance on mental health.

“We welcome news that awareness training is being rolled out to rugby clubs across Wales to provide people with the skills to help support others in the most appropriate way.”

Sports Minister Jack Sargeant added: “Sports clubs are so much more than places to play – they are places where friendships are formed, where people find belonging, and where we can look out for one another.

“With more than 400 football clubs already signed up, I know our rugby clubs will embrace this opportunity with the same enthusiasm, and I encourage them to get involved.”