Sport

Woodrow wins it for Hakin

Published

7 years ago

September 18, 2017

HAKIN UNITED reached the second round of the Pembrokeshire Senior Cup on Saturday (Sept 16) as a Nicky Woodrow hat trick secured a 4-1 victory over Division 3 hosts Camrose at the Martin Mathias Memorial Ground.

It took the Division 1 champions 71 minutes to regain the lead through a Woodrow tap in following a rasping free kick from 25 yards out on the left hand side by Ryan Wilson, which goalkeeper Geraint Sergeant fumbled.

The goal was a crucial breakthrough for the visitors who had dominated possession throughout the game but their frustration at their own lack of quality at key times was evident.

The game, for a potential David v Goliath encounter lacked any ferocity in the opening quarter of an hour as Hakin settled into a style which worked their wing backs, Steele and Bradley Barrett into positions where as the spare man could dictate the pace and direction of play.

Both had excellent games which encouraged their team mates to keep the ball moving on a greasy surface, even playing short free kicks from which Woodrow combined with Wilson who shot wide from the right of the goal after 11 minutes.

Young Camrose centre back Callum John, sitting between the experienced Simon Gilderdale and captain Richard Nash in a back five was directed to pick up the prolific Woodrow, which he did well until the seventeenth minute when the deadlock was broken by the striker who planted a header from eight yards into the bottom left of Sergeants goal.

Barrett, Justin Harding, Adam John and Wilson had combined brilliantly in the midfield to send the ball across the pitch with one touch passing and movement which dragged Nash into going to ground on the right hand touchline, missing the flying Fawcett who whipped in the perfect cross for Woodrow to finish.

Hakin were on the front foot, forcing three corners in quick succession and it took all of Gilderdale’s experience as a Schoolboy international and Welsh Premier player to keep them at bay, with his side unable to move the ball out of their own half as the mid-point of the half passed.

Ben Aldred also began to become influential in the centre of the field combining well with Wilson and Harding before Steele was played in just before the half hour mark from wide on the right, only to fire over the top.

Camrose had been down to ten men for five minutes after winger Finn Thompson had a blooded nose after an innocuous challenge on Woodrow but on his return he created a chance from himself picking the ball up forty yards from goal and driving a right foot effort to the left of Adrian Devonald’s goal.

It gave Camrose some confidence which developed as seventeen year old Jordan Williams and Dan Phillips were not averse to standing tall in the midfield tussle whilst James Williams and Jay Johnson enjoyed picking up the loose ball.

With six minutes to go Sergeant made a smart save to his right from Harding following a sweet Steele delivery, with the goalkeepers long clearance causing Hakin centre half Daniel Armstrong to slip.

Mikey Loveridge accepted the opportunity to latch onto the mistake to round the advancing Devonald and score from the edge of the eighteen yard box despite pressure from Ryan Mansell.

The sides were equal going into the half time break and the second half followed a similar pattern to the first as Hakin dominated the play, with the home sides Thompson doing his best to drive them forward with some neat touches and dribbles.

Manager Kristian Bennett switched Steele into the centre of the field, pushing Aldred wide on the right with the former Monkton Swifts player pulling the strings which drew a continuum of free kicks for the ‘Vikings’ which they didn’t capitalise on until Woodrows tap in, just after Thompson had to be withdrawn with a recurrence of his nose bleed.

Camrose’s Sion Williams had picked up a yellow card in the first half for a late tackle but benefitted from his manager, Jamie Gilderdale’s brave change of formation which saw former Narberth star Nash push into the centre of the field as they went in search of an equaliser.

Williams found time on the ball and combined with the home sides own ‘Edgar Dravids’ James Williams who rang a track down the left side of the field which Hakin couldn’t stop.

Loveridge had a tame free kick from 20 yards saved by Devonald following Aldreds tackle on the flying ‘Dravids’ as the Hakin frustration built; Williams worked hard to keep a ball in play on the left side of the Hakin goal area to send in a cross which Nash would have relished in his Narberth prime but couldn’t direct it into the unguarded net as Mansell challenged him.

Hakin themselves had become reliant on skipper Woodrow, who was a constant outlet from dead ball situations throughout the game but he was nullified by Dan Phillips who sat in front of his defence after Gilderdales tactical switch.

Half chances fell at either end to the tireless working Loveridge for Camrose and Harding, Fawcett and Adam John for Hakin, before the blue touch paper was lit with fifteen minutes left following a bought between John and Camrose full back Johnson following the Hakin wingers lunge over the ball.

With both receiving red cards for violent conduct after exchanging more than a hand shake with each other, it raised the shackles for the final interlude as Mansell was cautioned for handball, Steele for unsporting behaviour and Camrose’s Callum John for a late tackle.

Jordan Williams had been booked for dissent after Woodrow put Hakin 2-1 ahead, which caused a five minute delay after Badger had consulted the home linesman who was flagging for offside and calmly sorted out the ensuing melee.

The nomadic Matthew Price entered the scene as Gilderdale searched for a goal to get back in the game with the former Dragons player manager running lines which allowed Loveridge, substitute Will Bateman and Nash some half chances before Harding broke free with seven minutes remaining and fed Fawcett allowing the youngster to sublimely chip Sergeant to extend the lead to 3-1.

Woodrow had a chance to complete his hat trick but was denied by a great challenge in the penalty box by Callum John, before he finally notched his third and his sides fourth in injury time.

Speaking post-match home manager Jamie Gilderdale stated: “The result didn’t reflect the game and whilst we didn’t do enough to win the game the score line flattered them. At 2-1 we went for an equaliser and they exposed the gaps we left but Dan Phillips, Simon Gilderdale and James Williams were superb. We had our half chances and our boys are far from despondent as they knew we have given a super Hakin side a game. The objective from day one this season has been promotion from Division 3 and it would be great to be sitting at the top table alongside Hakin in the not too distant future.”

Kristian Bennet was pragmatic is his analysis, saying: “We’re delighted to be in the next round. We have gone off the boil in the last two weeks and are missing the injured James Stanmore [slipped disc] and Craig Nicholson [hamstring] which has affected our tempo. Credit to Nicky and Ben who are driving forces for us and every one of the players deserve respect and praise for their performance in what could have been a ‘banana skin’ game. We are still fighting on four fronts and this young side grows with confidence each game but they may have learnt a lesson today on not being complacent as every victory has to be fought for.”

Hakin welcome South Wales Premier League side Pencoed Athletic to the Observatory field on Saturday for the second round of the FAW Cup before a league encounter at the end of the month away at Monkton Swifts.

For Camrose, they welcome Carew seconds to Folly Cross next week before they travel to Pendine at the end of the month, with the hope of reaching October with a 100% league win record.

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Sport

This weekend’s Division 4 West rugby roundup

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE latest fixtures in Division 4 West delivered intense clashes, narrow escapes, and exhilarating victories as teams showcased their determination and skill. Here’s a breakdown of the matches and standout moments.

Dreigiau Emlyn 7-10 St Davids

St Davids claimed a narrow 10-7 win over Dreigiau Emlyn in a hard-fought match. Celt Davies put Dreigiau Emlyn on the scoreboard with a try, converted by Llew Morgan. St Davids responded with tries from Ethan Griffiths and Dan Murphy, with Bob Froy converting one. Despite Dreigiau Emlyn’s strong defensive stand, St Davids held on for a slim victory.

Llangwm 23-21 Pembroke Dock

In a thrilling contest, Llangwm edged out Pembroke Dock by just two points, finishing 23-21. George James led Llangwm’s scoring with a try, two conversions, and three penalties. Gethin Thomas added a try, pushing Llangwm into a narrow lead. Pembroke Dock fought back with tries from Harry Owen, Danny Wilkes, and Morgan Rogers, all converted by Ben Hathaway. However, Llangwm’s precise penalty kicks clinched the close contest.

Llanybydder 24-31 Pembroke

Pembroke emerged victorious in a high-scoring 31-24 match against Llanybydder. Llanybydder displayed resilience with tries from Arwel Williams, Matthew Rollings, Ifan Mason-Evans, and Griff Morgans, two of which were converted by Rollings. Pembroke’s offense proved too strong, with tries from Robin Badham, Jack Oliver, Fraser James, Dai Rogers, and Toby Edwards, alongside three conversions by Josh Greenwood. Pembroke’s offensive depth secured the win in this lively encounter.

Neyland 20-23 Narberth Athletic

Narberth Athletic pulled off a close 23-20 victory over Neyland, with Shane Rossiter at the heart of the action, scoring all of Narberth’s points through three tries, two penalties, and a conversion. Neyland responded admirably, with tries from Luke Griffiths-Dawes (2) and Josh Watts, while Oli Rothero added a conversion and a penalty. Rossiter’s consistent performance under pressure proved decisive, securing Narberth Athletic’s hard-earned win.

Sport

WRU to apologise over contract dispute but denies sexism claims

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2024

Herald Sport

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION has announced it will apologise for its handling of contract negotiations with the senior women’s team but refutes recent allegations of sexism.

WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Chief Executive Abi Tierney acknowledged significant failings in the process, admitting that it is “absolutely clear” the governing body owes an apology to the players.

***WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood acknowledged ‘failings’ (Pic: BBC)***

The BBC reported this week that a leaked email showed players were threatened with exclusion from both WXV2 and next year’s World Cup as talks deteriorated. On August 2, players were given a “final offer” ultimatum with a strict three-hour deadline. If they didn’t sign, matches against New Zealand, Scotland, and Australia were set to be cancelled, and contracts withdrawn.

This episode surfaces amid recent claims of sexism and inequality, less than a year after an independent review condemned the WRU’s internal culture following a BBC Wales investigation.

“This is not a good day for us; we totally accept that. We should have done better and didn’t, but we’ve learned our lessons and will keep trying to improve,” said Collier-Keywood.

The WRU is expected to publish recommendations from a review of the negotiation process later this month, which has been fast-tracked following a Telegraph report on Thursday.

Key findings of the report

The WRU has disclosed early findings, which include:

A failure to recognise the growth and change in the women’s professional game.
An error in issuing the three-hour signing deadline.
Strong differences on how to develop women’s rugby in Wales.
Players were inexperienced in negotiations and left isolated.
Players considered striking before a match against Scotland on September 6.
Poor communication and lack of transparency escalated tensions, worsened by inappropriate behaviour at various stages.

The report states that sexism was not a factor behind the failings.

“There are sweeping criticisms in the report along with clear recommendations for change,” Collier-Keywood said, emphasizing the need for an apology and further engagement with the national team.

‘Sexism not apparent’

Independent board members Alison Thorne and Claire Donovan, who conducted the review, stated that while inappropriate behaviour was noted, sexism was not evident.

“After more than 50 hours of discussions with everyone involved, I did not sense that sexism was part of the issue,” said Donovan. Reflecting on her own 15-year rugby career, she acknowledged the past prevalence of sexism but said the grievances in this case appeared to stem from “a lack of respect and understanding of power dynamics.”

The WRU has also committed an additional £6 million toward women’s and girls’ rugby over the next five years, raising the total investment to £26 million.

Accusations of ‘blackmail’

Despite the WRU awarding 37 full-time contracts, Jess Kavanagh, a former Wales wing, criticised the WRU, suggesting the contract process bordered on “blackmail.” She questioned if the WRU had genuinely learned from past mistakes.

“We’ve heard apologies for years about various issues in the WRU, but apologies mean nothing until we see real change,” Kavanagh said. “Being forced to sign a contract under threat – that’s blackmail. In 2024, that should not happen in any workplace.”

Performance impact

Wales’ performance has suffered during the dispute, with the team finishing at the bottom of the 2024 Women’s Six Nations, managing only one win against Italy. Collier-Keywood acknowledged that the tension surrounding contracts may have contributed to the poor performance.

“There was unnecessary stress, which I believe affected performance. People were distracted, and that’s on us,” he stated.

The contracts were eventually signed just before Wales traveled to South Africa for WXV2 in September, although they lost their opening two matches.

The Welsh government, previously critical of the WRU over a misogyny scandal last year, expressed concern over these latest issues, calling for an urgent meeting with the WRU.

A spokesperson added: “We expect our national sporting bodies to lead by example.”

Government response

On Monday (Nov 5) Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills & Social Partnership made a statement in The Senedd. He said: “Today, I met with the Chair of the Welsh Rugby Union, Richard Collier-Keywood, Chief Executive Officer, Abi Tierney, and Nigel Walker, Executive Director of Rugby. This meeting was arranged urgently following media focus over the weekend regarding allegations of sexism faced by the women’s national team in their contract negotiations.

“I expressed my disappointment that Welsh rugby was in the headlines for the wrong reasons, especially in the context of recent history. The aim of the meeting was to seek clarity around the circumstances that have taken place in relation to contract negotiations for women’s players and how improvements to existing process can be taken forward more positively in future.

“The WRU is in the process of concluding an internal review and has already accepted some failings of process and areas for improvement have been identified. I have not yet seen a draft of the review, but a summary has been published by the WRU. The WRU will be looking to meet with the players shortly to issue an apology for those aspects of the process that fell below the standards we would all expect.

“Over coming days, I will be seeking to understand various perspectives on this process and to satisfy myself that lessons are being learned. I am offering to meet with the players to understand directly from them the nature of their concerns and see how we can help all parties move forward constructively. I will also be seeking a meeting with the review’s authors.

“I want to see Welsh rugby, at all levels, grow and thrive. I am committed to working closely with the WRU and the players to deliver a successful sustainable game in Wales which provides better outcomes for everyone.

“I will keep members updated as we make progress matters over the coming weeks.”

Sport

Swansea sign free-agent defender Cyrus Christie

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2024

Herald Sport

SWANSEA CITY have bolstered their defence with the signing of 32-year-old Cyrus Christie on a contract until the end of the season.

The former Hull City defender, who has been a free agent since his departure at the close of last season, has been training with Swansea since early October. Head coach Luke Williams views Christie as a versatile addition, capable of covering any position across the backline.

Christie returns to Swansea for a second stint, having previously impressed during a loan spell in the second half of the 2021-22 season. During that period, he made 23 appearances and scored three goals after joining from Fulham. While former Swansea boss Russell Martin had shown interest in making Christie’s move permanent, the Republic of Ireland international ultimately opted to sign with Hull City.

“He is experienced at this level, a powerful athlete who can both defend and attack, so I am really happy,” Williams commented. “We lack some Championship experience, and Christie provides a physical presence that’s especially valuable in the absence of players like Ben Cabango and Harry Darling.”