Sport

Judgement Day sales soar

Published

8 years ago

March 24, 2017

TICKET sales for Judgement Day V have broken through the 40,000 mark with just under a month still to go until Wales’ stars meet in regional colours under the Principality Stadium roof – on Saturday, April 15.

There’s always a Lions ‘bolter’ and there’s every chance that player will be someone on show at Judgement Day this year

The double-headed clash is held days before the British & Irish Lions squad announcement (April 19) and also comes at a critical time in the run in for the four professional Welsh teams in the Guinness PRO12 with top four play-off places at stake.

Prices have been frozen for the third year running at just £10 per head for each seat in the house, as Welsh Rugby pools resources for the fifth incarnation of its Judgement Day extravaganza.

Another impressive turn-out is expected after last year’s 68,262-record attendance and supporters are advised to buy in advance for the showpiece Guinness PRO12 double-derby day.

Cardiff Blues take on the Ospreys in the first match of the day, kicking off at 2.45pm, swiftly followed by Newport Gwent Dragons versus Scarlets at 5.15pm.

Both middle and lower tier seating has sold-out already, and hospitality at Principality Stadium is also approaching capacity, with the prospect of the players from the four pro teams making a late run for British & Irish Lions squad selection an interesting prospect for Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies.

“The 6 Nations has created a momentum which will climax with the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand this summer – selection for which will be just days away by the time Wales’ regional players take to the Principality Stadium pitch for Judgement Day V,” said Davies.

“There’s always a Lions ‘bolter’ and there’s every chance that player will be someone on show at Judgement Day this year.

“It’s a prospect that should really capture the imagination of supporters around the country and we expect the crowds that have flooded into Cardiff to play their part in the 6 Nations Championship, to once again return in their droves to support the club double header next month.

“Judgement Day has become a must-see event in the rugby calendar giving fans the opportunity to see the Welsh rugby’s stars facing each at our iconic national ground.

“Welsh Rugby has worked hard together on this event and Judgement Day has grown in size and stature year on year since its inception in 2012, when 36,000 supporters turned-out for the inaugural double derby day.

“Every year since, the crowd has significantly increased and last season the event really came of age as a true celebration of the professional game in Wales.”

Before JDIV the previous Welsh domestic record saw 58,000 fans attend the Neath v Llanelli WRU Challenge Cup Final in 1989.

The record attendance at any match involving a region had been 65,756 – when the Ospreys beat Leicester Tigers at Twickenham in the EDF Energy Cup Final in 2008.

Mark Davies, chief executive of Pro Rugby Wales which represents the four Welsh professional rugby teams, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets said: “Judgement Day is a high profile rugby occasion for both players and supporters to show what their clubs and rugby regions mean to them, but crucially it is at the business end of our club rugby season with everything to play for and much at stake.

“It’s great to see that two of our Welsh teams are contesting at the top of an incredibly tight Guinness PRO12 Championship and currently ahead of highly competitive teams across the four nations including last year’s champions Connacht and 2015 winners Glasgow Warriors.

“The run in from now to the end of the club season in May is critical for our PRO12 teams, so the Judgement Day contests on the field are hugely significant and will be highly competitive, as well as being a successful rugby spectacle in the capital which attracts wider audiences and one we are all proud to be a part of in partnership.”

At last year’s Judgement Day contest the Ospreys took the spoils (Cardiff Blues 27 Ospreys 40) in the first derby with the Scarlets victorious against Newport Gwent Dragons (Newport Gwent Dragons 20 Scarlets 34).

Tickets are available at £10 per person from www.wru.wales/tickets (where print-at-home is available), or by calling 0844 847 1881, in person from the WRU Ticket Office on Westgate Street or from each of the four Regions.

Sport

Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6

BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.

The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.

St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.

Team line-ups

Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.

St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.

Sport

Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 7-0 Carew

Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.

Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports

Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.

Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United

Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.

Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road

In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.

Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers

Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.

Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins

Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.

Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes

Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.

Analysis:

Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Sport

Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Broad Haven 4-4 Solva

In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.

Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports

Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.

Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II

Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.

Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II

The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.

Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth

Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.

Analysis:

The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.