Sport

Late drama earns Hakin draw

Published

8 years ago

March 17, 2017

Hakin United 1

Goodwick United 1

Goal: Ryan Wilson scored Hakin’s equaliser in thick fog on Saturday afternoon

A LATE goal from Hakin’s Ryan Wilson earned a point for his team in their titanic clash with champions Goodwick United last Saturday (March 11).

The game was played with a thick fog enveloping the Observatory Field but referee Kevin Milich deemed the conditions suitable for a game of football.

Goodwick had the first chance of the match as the ball fell to Llyr Tobin on the edge of the box but his effort went wide of the post.

Hakin’s James Stanmore then made his way into the box beating two players but his effort was saved by Goodwick keeper Casey Walters.

Nicky Woodrow then had two chances for the Vikings but his first effort was straight at the keeper and he volleyed a second shot over the bar.

Steven Dockerty then crossed into the box which Hakin failed to clear and the ball fell to Johnny Horgan at the back post but he shot over when it looked like he should have scored.

Midway through the first half Goodwick came closest to opening the scoring as they sent a free kick into the box but Hakin keeper Steven Hartley missed the ball and it would have bounced in had it not been for Craig Nicholson who got back to clear the ball off the line.

Hakin then had another series of chances and from a corner Gareth Fawcett headed towards goal but his effort was also cleared off the line.

Stanmore then passed to Woodrow who spotted the keeper off his line but his effort went over the bar.

Jordan Griffiths then shot wide for Goodwick as did Horgan as both sides battled to find the opening goal.

It remained 0-0 at half time and both sides were still in with a chance of picking up the victory.

Just three minutes into the second half, it was Goodwick who made the all-important break-through as the ball fell to Tony Evans in the box and he poked home to give the away side the lead.

James Stanmore then saw a shot blocked before he also shot over after being played in by Woodrow as the home side looked to get back on level terms.

Ryan Wilson then looked to curl a shot in from the edge of the box but his effort was blocked.

Goodwick’s keeper then had to be alert as a cross from Stanmore looked to be going in and he pushed the ball over the bar.

With 20 minutes to go Goodwick had a chance to double their lead but Tony Evans shot over the bar.

Hakin made a number of changes and put Gareth Fawcett up front and he almost scored the equaliser when his shot bounced out off the post.

With three minutes to go, Woodrow crossed from the left and Fawcett challenged for the ball but it spilled out to Ryan Wilson who poked the ball into the net to give them the goal they had deserved.

They even came close to winning it with a late corner but the ball went out of play from a corner and moments later the referee called time on an exciting game.

The draw for Hakin means they are now two points behind leaders Merlins Bridge with a game in hand on their rivals.

Goodwick stay third in the table, five points off top spot but having played a game more than the Wizards.

On Saturday (Mar 18) Goodwick are at home Merlins Bridge in what will be an exciting game with Merlins Bridge having beaten the champions in the first game of the season.

On the same day, Hakin United are away to Carew.

Sport

Pembrokeshire teen and her horse take top honours at UK equestrian finals

Published

2 days ago

February 8, 2025

Herald Sport

A YOUNG Pembrokeshire rider and her horse have made their mark on the equestrian world with a stunning performance at one of the UK’s top shows.

Seventeen-year-old Chloe Owen and her five-year-old horse, Tarr Dauntless – better known as Rodney – took top honours at the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) Rising Star finals at London’s Excel.

The pair, the youngest competitors in their class, not only won their category but also claimed the prestigious hunter championship. Their performance was hailed as “sublime” and “faultless” by leading equestrian magazine Horse & Hound.

Chloe, an A-level student at Haverfordwest High, has an unbreakable bond with Rodney, having helped raise him after his mother tragically died when he was a foal.

Rodney was bred by Chloe’s parents, Charles and Charlotte Owen of St Brides. His bloodline traces back to the first Holsteiner imported by the Hunter Improvement Society more than 50 years ago, a lineage carefully maintained by Chloe’s family.

However, Rodney’s early life was fraught with tragedy. His mother was attacked by a badger when he was just a few days old, suffering severe injuries that left her in a full plaster cast for three months before she succumbed to colic.

Charlotte said: “It was horrific. We bottle-fed Rodney, but his mum couldn’t play with him, so Chloe took over. They have such a lovely relationship – he’s a proper softie.”

The pair have had a remarkable debut season in the show ring, winning five out of seven championship titles, including Supreme Horse at the Pembrokeshire County Show.

“The London show in December was the first time Rodney had ever left Wales,” said Charlotte. “The furthest he’d travelled before was the Royal Welsh! But he just took everything in his stride.”

“I’ve never had a horse with a temperament like his—he’s so professional and so special. I knew from when he was a yearling that there was something different about him.”

Proud mum Charlotte added: “There were a lot of happy tears shed that day in London. There’s a very exciting future ahead for Chloe and Rodney—their first year together has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Sport

Bluebirds head to Caernarfon for second Championship Conference away fixture

Published

2 days ago

February 7, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will be looking to build on their solid start to the JD Cymru Premier Championship Conference as they travel north to face Caernarfon Town on Saturday.

Recent form and last encounter

The Bluebirds come into this fixture following a hard-fought goalless draw against Penybont last weekend at the SDM Glass Stadium. Meanwhile, Caernarfon Town picked up a strong 3-1 victory away at Bala Town last Friday, with TNS loanee Josh Lock netting twice and Adam Davies adding another to extend their winning streak.

The sides last met in October, playing out a 0-0 draw in front of the Sgorio cameras at LHP Stadium in Carmarthen. Earlier in the season, Haverfordwest secured a 2-1 victory at the Carling Oval, with a late goal from Owain Jones sealing the win after Ben Ahmun’s opener had been cancelled out by Matty Jones.

League standings

Tony Pennock’s men currently occupy third place in the standings, sitting seven points behind second-placed Penybont and seven points ahead of Caernarfon Town in fourth. A win on Saturday would strengthen their grip on a top-three finish.

Caernarfon Town – At a glance

Founded: 1937
Ground: Carling Oval
Manager: Richard Davies
Captain: Darren Thomas

Recent meetings between the sides

October 26, 2024: Haverfordwest County 0-0 Caernarfon Town
August 17, 2024: Caernarfon Town 1-2 Haverfordwest County
December 16, 2023: Caernarfon Town 0-1 Haverfordwest County
August 26, 2023: Haverfordwest County 1-1 Caernarfon Town
March 25, 2023: Haverfordwest County 2-2 Caernarfon Town

Form guide

Caernarfon Town: L L W W W
Haverfordwest County: W W D W D

Key player to watch

Josh Lock – The Caernarfon Town forward has been in fine form, scoring twice in their recent win against Bala Town. The Bluebirds’ defence will need to keep a close eye on him.

Match officials

Referee: Alex Livesey
Assistants: Martin Roberts, Chimezirim Iwueke
Fourth official: Nick Pratt
Observer: Kevin Parry

Kick-off at the Carling Oval is set for 2:30pm. Haverfordwest County will be hoping to return home with three points as they continue their push in the Championship Conference.

News

Pembrokeshire rowers set off on Atlantic challenge after weather delays

Published

2 days ago

February 7, 2025

Herald Sport

A TEAM of Pembrokeshire rowers has finally embarked on their gruelling 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic after being held back by rough weather for over a week.

Team Cruising Free—comprising Sophie Pierce from Johnston, Miyah Periam from Milford Haven, Polly Zipperlen from Llangwm, and Janine Williams from Neyland—departed from Lanzarote on Saturday, February 1, as part of the 2025 Atlantic Dash.

The first few hours at sea proved punishing, with towering waves and relentless seasickness making the transition to life on the water anything but smooth. However, in a message to supporters, the rowers reassured everyone that they were adjusting and settling into a rhythm.

***The Atlantic Dash team lines up before the adventure starts (Pic: Supplied)***

Making history on the waves

The four-woman crew is one of only four teams competing in this year’s Atlantic Dash and is rowing in aid of three charities: Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and Emily’s Entourage—a charity supporting research into cystic fibrosis.

For team member Sophie, the challenge is particularly personal. As someone living with cystic fibrosis, she hopes to become the first person with the condition to row the Atlantic. Meanwhile, 70-year-old Janine is aiming to set her own record as the oldest woman to complete the crossing.

Speaking before their departure, Sophie shared the team’s mix of excitement and nerves. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, so we’re focusing on taking it step by step rather than thinking about the entire journey to Antigua in one go.”

A tough start at sea

Once underway, the rowers quickly felt the brutal reality of their mission. Sophie described the opening stretch as exhausting, with the team rowing in two-hour shifts.

“The waves are huge, and we’re all shattered,” she said in a voice note home. “We’re covered in bruises, and I managed to smack my rib with an oar in the swell, so that’s sore. Miyah has been really seasick, but she’s finally managed to eat, which is a good sign. Polly’s also struggling with seasickness, but we’re pushing through.”

Despite the challenges, the team remains positive, helped by favourable wind and swell conditions that are carrying them in the right direction.

Community support driving them forward

The rowers have expressed immense gratitude for the backing they’ve received, particularly from their lead sponsor, Bluestone, as well as Dale Sailing, which supplied new solar panels to ensure their boat was fully prepared for the crossing.

Sophie also highlighted the camaraderie among the Atlantic Dash teams, describing the past month as a time of mutual support and encouragement.

Team Cruising Free is documenting their journey via Facebook, where supporters can follow their progress across the Atlantic.