Sport

Vikings storm past Pwll into next round

Published

12 years ago

February 27, 2014

Hakin United 6 Pwll Athletic 1

A HAT-TRICK by Hakin striker Paul ‘Jonah’ Jones helped his team easily defeat Pwll Athletic to progress into the quarter finals of the West Wales Cup.

It was the first game Hakin had played since January 11 because of the bad weather, but they showed no signs of rustiness as they dominated their opponents. Pwll started brightly with Kevin Evans cutting inside with five minutes gone, but his cross-cum-shot went wide of the far post.

However, just seven minutes later Hakin took the lead. A cross from the right caught the wind and went over everybody and fell to Ashley Bevan on the left side of the box. He then cut inside before slotting the ball into the right corner of the goal. From then on it was all Hakin and ten minutes later it should have been 2-0. Bevan’s ball forward caused confusion in the Pwll back line as both keeper and defender left it for each other, but Paul Jones could only fire the loose ball over the bar.

They finally made it 2-0 soon after as James Stanmore tapped the ball into an empty net after a challenge on the keeper was judged to be a fair one by the referee. The Pwll manager told his players to get stuck in to their challenges and not to give Hakin too much respect during half time, but that had little effect as Hakin increased their lead straight from kick off.

After winning a 50-50 ball, Steven Mathias played in Paul Jones who slotted the ball under the keeper for a 3-0 lead. That goal deflated Pwll and six minutes later it was 4-0. This time Jonathan Bennett won the ball and ran through the static Pwll defence before firing low into the bottom corner. The Vikings were not finished and two minutes later they had a fifth. Bevan’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked and it fell to Jones who stabbed the ball towards goal and it squirmed in off the post.

Pwll did manage to get a consolation goal as Gavin Evans sent the keeper the wrong way placing it into the left corner of the goal. Order was restored just a minute later as a ball forward bounced in the area and caught the defence sleeping and Jones was quickest to react to poke the ball home for Hakins sixth goal and his hat-trick. He could have had a fourth moments later, but he lifted his shot over the keeper and onto the bar. Jones was subbed shortly after, but Hakin were still hungry for goals. After good play between Mathias and Stanmore the latter found Bennett but his shot was cleared off the line.

It was an excellent performance from the Vikings who will now play Tumble United or Cwmfelin Press away from home on March 1.

Sport

Vice-chair steps down at Haverfordwest County AFC

Published

1 day ago

March 31, 2026

Herald Sport

Mared Pemberton leaves board role after years of service

HAVERFORWEST COUNTY AFC has confirmed that Mared Pemberton has stepped down from her role as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors due to personal commitments.

Pemberton has played a key role in the club’s development in recent years, most notably leading the delivery of the Ogi Bridge Meadow 3G pitch project.

She has also been closely involved in the club’s community work and fan engagement initiatives, helping to strengthen its reputation and position as a focal point within the local area.

Pemberton will continue her involvement with the club as Head of Trustees for the Bluebirds Foundation, the official charitable arm of Haverfordwest County AFC.

A club spokesperson said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Mared for her loyalty, hard work and dedication over many years, and we wish her well for the future.”

Sport

Camrose girls head to Portugal after major community backing

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Herald Sport

A CAMROSE Under 13s girls’ football team has travelled to Portugal for a once-in-a-lifetime tour, supported by a funding boost from Wales & West Utilities.

The squad, made up of twenty-four players aged between eleven and fourteen, set off during the Easter holidays after five months of determined fundraising efforts.

The trip forms part of a wider international learning programme funded by Taith, the Welsh Government-backed scheme promoting global exchange opportunities for young people.

During their time abroad, the team will take part in cultural and sporting activities, including matches against local sides, social events with host clubs, and a coaching session with Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica. The group will also attend a professional football match.

Organisers say the tour is about far more than football, with a strong focus on confidence-building, teamwork, and cultural exchange. Around forty per cent of the players and coaching staff come from underrepresented backgrounds, including young carers, those in care, and families on low incomes.

While Taith funding has supported much of the programme, additional financial help from Wales & West Utilities has been vital in bridging a £3,000 shortfall. The funds have also enabled the purchase of a dedicated tour kit, helping keep players safe and identifiable in busy environments.

Volunteer coach Joanne Battelley said the support had made a real difference.

She said: “This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our girls, both on and off the pitch. The support from Wales & West Utilities has helped ensure more of our players can take part and benefit from the opportunity.”

Bethan Jones, Head of People and Customer Experience at Wales & West Utilities, said the company was proud to support the initiative.

She said: “Football is about more than just the game. This trip will help build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories for these young players.”

Wales & West Utilities provides gas emergency and pipeline services to more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England.

Sport

Lloyd and Reynolds take on France with Supra GT4 challenge

Published

4 days ago

March 28, 2026

Herald Sport

WELSH drivers Rhys Lloyd and Harri Reynolds are set to take on Europe as they launch their 2026 campaign in the French GT4 Championship.

The pairing will compete in the Championnat de France FFSA GT – GT4 France, driving a Toyota Supra GT4 run by Circuit Toys in partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing France.

The highly competitive series features five rounds across some of France and Belgium’s most iconic circuits, with the season getting underway at Circuit Paul Armagnac in Nogaro over Easter weekend (April 5–6).

European step up

Both drivers bring experience as teammates, having competed together in the 2024 Britcar Trophy Championship and earlier this year in the Dubai 24 Hours — giving them a solid platform heading into their first full European campaign.

The FFSA GT4 series also offers a significant incentive, with a €150,000 prize fund available through the SRO Motorsports Group’s GT Academy programme, aimed at helping drivers progress to higher levels such as GT2 and GT World Challenge Europe.

Aiming for the title

Reynolds, from Narberth, said he was eager to build on the pair’s recent success.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” he said. “After the Dubai 24, Rhys and I have built a strong understanding of how the team operates, and they now know how we work as drivers.

“Taking our first proper step into European racing, it’ll be exciting to experience the competition and get to know new drivers and teams.

“We’re aiming to put ourselves in a position to fight for the championship. As drivers, that’s always the goal. Rhys and I have worked well together, and if we can continue that momentum, we’ll be right in the mix.”

He added that racing abroad would bring new challenges, including travel demands and adapting to unfamiliar circuits and conditions.

Motivated return

Lloyd, from Carmarthen, said he was relishing his return to racing after time away in 2025.

“I’m super excited about the 2026 season,” he said. “Having taken a year out, I’m more motivated than ever to be back.

“The Toyota Supra GT4 is an incredible car, and to be back driving with Harri is a great partnership.

“It’s a big step for us both to race in France — all the circuits and competitors will be new — but I’m really looking forward to getting started in Nogaro.”

Further announcements about the team’s 2026 campaign are expected in the coming months.