Sport
Scarlets seal victory over Connaught
By Jonathan Twigg
SCARLETS won their Guinness Pro 14 encounter on Friday (Sept 29) at Parc Y Scarlets 34-27 against a spirited Connaught side in a game which saw the teams share nine tries and secure maximum points.
The first half saw seven of those tries, with the Scarlets leading 26-22 thanks to their fourth try of the night, scored by British & Irish Lions full back Leigh Halfpenny.
The Scarlets had opened the scoring after seven minutes following a clean line out ball from second row David Bulbring, where the ball was moved out to an advancing Rhys Patchell, the outside half running a high attacking line, from which he popped the ball into the hands of centre Jonathan Davies, who broke his tackle and created enough space for winger Johnny Mcnicholl to circle around under the posts for Halfpenny to convert.
From the restart, secured by home flanker Wil Boyde the Scarlets moved the ball along their back division until an unfortunate mix up in midfield between centres Scott Williams and Davies saw the ball pop into the hands of outside half Jack Carty who ran in unopposed under the posts and convert his own try.
The mix up typified the game where many errors restricted the momentum in play, with an expectation that both sides would have been frustrated by their inability to take control of the game despite the fact they served up a nine try thriller.
Wales full back Halfpenny also missed two attempts at goal, the first a conversion of man of the match Stefan Evans try on 17 minutes.
The winger was on hand to finish a move which the Scarlets ran nine passes of play before Williams opened the space for Evans to dance around and finish from 40m out.
With Wales coach Warren Gatland and his management team in the stands Evans has now put himself into the slot to be involved in the Autumn International series as the diminutive winger expressed his desire and hunger to run at the opposition defence line, reflecting images of Shane Williams in his heyday.
Carty brought the score back to 12-10 with a penalty conceded from the scrum, with replacement prop Dylan Evans guilty having just come on for Wales international Rob Evans, side lined with a head injury.
Smarting from the setback of losing Evans and three points the Scarlets won possession back as the half hour mark approached thanks to the endeavours of skipper Ken Owens who charged down a clearance from full back Darragh Leader.
Number 8 Will Boyde combined with Josh McCleod and replacement Evans before further good work from Aaron Shingler and Jake Ball put flanker McCleod clear allowing Rhys Patchell to accept an inside pass from Steff Evans to score and Halfpenny to find his kicking boots gain and convert after missing a 40m penalty on 11 minutes.
Referee Nigel Owens took an age to award the try as the TMO viewed numerous angles of the play much to the discontent of the crowd and whilst applauding the innovative way technology can ‘get the decision right’ thought must be given to keeping the game live.
Connaught came back with a try after some sustained phases of play through their pack to release winger Cian Kelleher after good hands from centre Bundee Aki which Carty converted and a mistake from Mcnicholl allowed visiting number 8 John Muldoon to charge 45m through the midfield, linking well with Aki who was tackled and the ball recycled through the efforts of flanker Jarred Butler allowing winger Tim O’Halloran to score an unconverted try.
With the Scarlets behind for the first time in the match with two minutes of the half remaining the they managed to work space once again for Evans to set his wheels in motion and he drew the covering defence for Halfpenny to score and convert for a half time lead of 26-22.
The second half became a much dourer affair as both coaching teams rung the changes and the handling mistakes which epitomised the absorbing first period were there for the 7693 spectators to witness.
Halfpenny extended the lead close to the hour mark with a penalty as Aki was penalised for a double movement in the tackle, with the game drifting aimlessly as both sides were guilty of kicking possession away to allow them to regroup their defensive patterns.
Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac used all his replacements, the last of which was prop Simon Gardiner, who returned to a Scarlets shirt with just under ten minutes remaining.
The former Wales Under 21 star last played for the Region in September 2011 and after a journey which took him around Britain he has this season put in some excellent performances for Llanelli in the Principality Premiership and deservedly earned a recall to the match day squad.
On 74 minutes Connaught brought themselves back into contention of winning the game thanks to a second unconverted try by O’Halloran after he combined well with fellow wing Kelleher before the crescendo for a nervous home crowd saw replacement back row Irishman Tadhg Bierne stride over after second row Jake Ball collected the ball in midfield and make a 30m unopposed run, for Halfpenny to convert and the game end 36-27.
On Saturday (Oct 7), the Scarlets take on rivals Ospreys in the Pro 14 at the Liberty Stadium, before welcoming Cardiff Blues to Park Y Scarlets at the end of the month after they travel to Toulouse and entertain Bath in the European Cup.
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY lifted the FAW Youth Cup for the first time in their history with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Caernarfon Town at Park Avenue in Aberystwyth.
All three goals came during a thrilling first half, with strong travelling support from both sides helping to create an electric atmosphere.
The Bluebirds started brightly and opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Ashley Watkins delivered a pinpoint free-kick from the right, and 17-year-old Dylan Maguire rose highest to head home his first goal for the club.
Caernarfon hit back just four minutes later. The ball dropped to skipper Osian Evans on the right-hand side of the box, and he produced a stunning half-volley that beat Corey Mathias at the near post.
But Haverfordwest struck again on the stroke of half-time. Sammie Vaughan-Harries, who had been a constant threat throughout the first period, fired home in stoppage time to restore the lead for Ceri Phillips’ side.
Despite a spirited second-half performance from Caernarfon, the Bluebirds dug deep and held firm. They even had chances to extend their lead, with Cameron Cridland and Dan John both going close.
Speaking after the match, coach Ceri Phillips said: “I’m delighted. We had to ride our luck at times, but that’s what you need in big games. Full credit to Caernarfon – they made it tough – but our lads stood up and gave everything. I’m incredibly proud.”
Captain Dan John added: “Everyone gave 100% – we asked for that and the boys delivered. Caernarfon are no pushovers, but we worked harder and stuck together. When you play with lads you’re willing to suffer for, it means so much more. We fought for each other and that made the difference.”
BLUEBIRDS striker and captain Dan John is relishing the chance to lead Haverfordwest County’s Development team in the FAW Youth Cup final this Sunday (April 6), as they take on Caernarfon Town at Park Avenue.
John, who has netted an impressive 39 goals in all competitions this season, says the squad is determined to seize the moment and create history by winning the trophy for the first time.
The final follows a dramatic semi-final win over Newtown, which the Bluebirds edged on penalties.
‘We’re ready for it’
“I know everyone’s really looking forward to it – it’s a massive occasion,” said John. “We’ve got a couple of training sessions to prepare and I know all the boys are excited. Hopefully we’ll be ready for Sunday.”
Leading by example
Having been handed the captain’s armband for the first time this season, John said: “It’s a huge honour to lead this team, especially in a game like this. I always try to lead by example, and I know the lads are all pushing for high standards. It means a lot to be captain of this group.”
Goal machine in top form
Reflecting on his prolific form, John credited those around him. “I’ve had great service from our midfield and defenders. Being around the first team has pushed my standards. I’ve worked with Owain [Jones] in pre-season, and that’s really helped too. Once you get one goal, the confidence grows.”
History in their sights
With last season’s league title already under their belts, John says there’s a hunger to add more silverware.
“Winning the league was massive, but this is something we’ve never done before as a club,” he said. “It would mean so much to win this final – I just love winning, and doing it with Haverfordwest would be amazing.”
Expecting a tough test
Looking ahead to Sunday’s opponents, he added: “Caernarfon look like a hardworking team, so we know it’ll be a battle. But Tony [Pennock] always tells us to focus on what’s in our dressing room – and I know we’ve got quality. It’s all about how we prepare and show up on the day.”
Final word
“For me, it’s a privilege to represent Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire at this level. Not everyone gets to play in a Youth Cup final – so we’ve got to make the most of it and show how much it means.”
Youth Cup Final
Haverfordwest County vs Caernarfon Town
Sunday, 6 April – Park Avenue
(Pics: Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Bowen family pride as Sean and James compete at Aintree
TWO Pembrokeshire brothers – Sean and James Bowen – lined up in Saturday’s (Apr 5) Grand National, continuing their family’s deep-rooted legacy in British horse racing.
Sean, 27, and James, 22, are the sons of veteran Letterston trainer Peter Bowen, a well-known figure in Welsh racing circles. Both jockeys have made names for themselves on the national stage, and their participation in the world’s most famous steeplechase marked a proud moment for the local community.
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 5, 2025
Nick Rockett wins the Randox Grand National!
Sean Bowen rode Three Card Brag for Gordon Elliott and finished a respectable 11th. Remarkably, Sean has achieved racing success despite being allergic to horses – a condition that causes sneezing and watery eyes whenever he’s in the saddle for too long. In an interview with The Telegraph, he explained: “It’s just something I’ve had to get on with… If I have a long day in the saddle I’ll feel it.”
Sean’s grit and determination have paid off. He notched his 1,000th career win earlier this year and was crowned 2023-24 Champion Jockey, despite an injury scare in January. He’s no stranger to big days either, having won the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in 2019.
His younger brother James Bowen rode Chantry House and came in 16th. James, a rising star in his own right, recently rode two winners at Warwick in a single day and is known for his calm tactical riding style. The brothers have often credited their father Peter for instilling in them a strong work ethic and passion for the sport from a young age.
Saturday’s race was a historic one, as trainer Willie Mullins secured a 1-2-3 finish. The 2025 Grand National winner was Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins at odds of 33/1. Defending champion I Am Maximus came second, and Grangeclare West finished third.
The top five finishers were:
- Nick Rockett (33/1)
- I Am Maximus (7/1)
- Grangeclare West (33/1)
- Iroko (13/2)
- Meetingofthewaters (20/1)
While victory eluded the Bowen brothers this time, their presence at Aintree reinforces Pembrokeshire’s strong connection to the racing world – and the enduring legacy of the Bowen name in the sport.
Cover image: Sean with his brother, James, who came in 16th on board Chantry House in the National (Credit: PA/David Davies)
Floating wind farm boom could bring jobs bonanza to Pembrokeshire
Milford Haven among ports shortlisted for turbine assembly as £1.4bn Celtic Sea energy project nears final stage PEMBROKE PORT in...
Carmarthenshire kidnap victim speaks out: ‘I thought I was going to die’
THE MUSIC producer lured to West Wales and brutally assaulted in a staged kidnap plot has spoken publicly for the...
Welsh pensioners to receive state pension increase amidst mixed reactions
STARTING this month, over 600,000 pensioners across Wales will see their State Pensions rise by up to £470 annually, following...
Spot checks uncover taxi issues in Milford Haven and Neyland
Six suspensions, untaxed vehicle and missing badges found SPOT checks on taxis and private hire vehicles in Milford Haven, Neyland...
Fire chief praises crews for response to grass fires
Over 250 incidents tackled during dry spell THE CHIEF Fire Officer of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service...
Man paralysed after being shot during weapons test at Pendine MoD range
Defence firm fined £800,000 over ‘devastating’ safety failure A CIVILIAN weapons expert was left paralysed from the neck down after...
Former police superintendent dismissed for gross misconduct
Misogynistic behaviour spanned three years, hearing told A FORMER senior officer has been dismissed from Dyfed-Powys Police following a gross...
Royal visit celebrates Pembrokeshire charity’s community impact
STAFF, volunteers and visiting pupils at Lower Treginnis Farm were delighted to welcome a very special guest on Wednesday (April...
Valero refinery escapes Trump’s new tariffs
Fuel imports spared as US tries to avoid price hikes THE VALERO oil refinery in Pembroke has escaped the impact...
Leaked messages point to leadership crisis at HMP Parc
Staff mocked suicide and bragged about assaults as G4S failed to intervene A CULTURE of violence, cruelty and neglect flourished...
-
Business6 days agoSpaceX eyes Milford Haven for new UK facility
-
Crime7 days agoPembrokeshire farm worker accused of threatening to burn employer’s farm
-
Crime7 days ago‘Yeah but no but’ insult to female officer lands Monkton man with court fine
-
Features7 days ago‘We weren’t wild. We were unprotected’: A generation groomed and forgotten
-
Crime6 days agoLeaked messages reveal shocking culture at HMP Parc amid misconduct probe
-
Crime7 days agoInquest reveals tragic consequences of inadequate medication in prison
-
Community7 days agoTenby boat lift signals start of tourist season in Pembrokeshire
-
Crime7 days agoPub worker gets suspended sentence for failing to do unpaid work