Sport
Otters seal bonus point victory

By Jonathan Twigg
A GD Harries sponsored Narberth maintained their second place in the Championship at the Lewis Lloyd Ground on Saturday (October 28) with a bonus point 27-3 victory over bottom side Glynneath.
Head coach Sean Gale was delighted with the result saying his players ‘delivered all I asked of them’.
He added: “We were expecting a gritty performance from Glynneath but we knew we had a strong set piece which would allow us to maintain enough possession to press for victory. We are a developing side with many new faces gelling together and we are in the same position as last year. We could have been more clinical with our execution as we tried to keep the ball in hand but it’s important to remember we took maximum points.”
Defending into a strong breeze the dominant set piece came to the fore from the start as the Otters forwards disrupted their opponents scrum with captain Alex Jenkins and his fellow second row Ryan Banner winning the early line out battle.
Glynneath were robust in their tackling, rowing very close to a line which referee Chris Oliver monitored carefully. Full back Ianto Griffiths pinged over his first penalty attempt for an indiscretion after ten minutes when visiting hooker Craig Tennant was deemed to have committed a high a tackle.
Flanker Pat Roberts alongside props Bradley Davies and Tom Slater made inroads into the visitors’ territory and the pressure of swift hands and a visionary performance from outside half Jack Rogers eventually saw the game’s opening try just beyond the quarter of an hour mark.
Jenkins again won clean line out ball before picking up a pass after his fellow forwards went through several phases of gaining yards close to the halfway line. He made 20 metres before finding wing Liam Hutchings on the outside who drew the final man after a 25 metre blast, putting number 8 Richie Rees clear into the 22 and a 10-0 lead thanks to the trusty left boot of Griffiths extended.
Glynneath got themselves on the scoreboard five minutes later when centre Jack O’Reilly kicked a penalty in front of the posts after the home pack were guilty of putting hands in a ruck after Tennant and flanker James Perry drove the red and blacks back into the game.
Narberth’s game management suited the conditions as they defended a strong breeze, working around scrum half Nick Gales lead with close passing to their surrounding ‘pods’.
This frustrated the visitors with further indiscretions conceded as their passion affected their play and hooker Tennant saw yellow for holding the ball after a tackle ten metres short of his own line, from which Rogers set up an attacking line out.
The ball was moved around the field as the Otters burrowed for a try, which came with a minute of the half remaining.
Glynneath were punished after their scrum disintegrated without Tennant and Gale took a quick penalty to thrust towards the line, Roberts on his shoulder to set up time for Rogers to put a cross field kick into the hands of winger Hutchings to cross wide out, for a 15-3 half time lead.
An expectant home crowd anticipated the blue and blacks to cruise towards victory in the second period although this didn’t materialise as rugged defence accompanying a plethora of stoppages for injuries sustained by Glynneath prevented any continuity.
They failed to take the ball further than the home 22 yard line not allowing much action for the ‘Balcony sponsors’, The Glenn Hotel to watch over as their ‘mine host’ Slater plied his trade below.
For the final fifteen minutes the side who have popular entertainer Max Boyce as their President opted for uncontested scrums which diminished a threat from the back row of Roberts, Rees and flanker Tom Powell playing off the front foot.
Griffiths at full back was playing with a skills set which would fit at a higher level and the introduction of a dynamic replacement scrum half Lewys Gibby asked questions of a tiring side, with Hutchings and centre pairing Paul Davies and Joe Hutchings finding space to run into.
Replacement Ryan Davies finished off a move after man of the match Roberts again did the hard yards for a 20-3 lead and the finale was completed to cement the bonus point victory as the game edged towards its end as the flanker claimed a try of his own. He intercepted the ball as Glynneath ran the ball from deep and coasted in under the posts for Griffiths to convert.
Narberth make the trip to Port Talbot on Saturday (Nov 4) to take on Tata Steel, two places and two points below them.
Sport
Rugby Previews 9/12/23

Last weekend the county’s rugby was victim to the cold weather, with frozen pitches the issue. This weekend we hope waterlogged pitches don’t prevent too many games from going ahead.
We start our preview in the championship where unbeaten Narberth travel to mid table Trebanos. The Otters are In outstanding form and are only a single point behind leaders Brecon who have also won all 9 of their league games so far. A bonus point win will be the Otters focus on Saturday in the Swansea Valley.
A mouthwatering affair in the second division as unbeaten Tenby travel to top of the table St Clears. Tenby have impressed this season so far and are six wins from six. St Clears despite being top have lost two games this season, they’ve played ten games to Tenbys six: the table maybe slightly misleading. Tenby will be under no illusion however that this’ll be an easy game, it’s going to be a tough game between two of the best teams in this division. This is our one to watch this weekend.
Division three west has a few mouthwatering derbies itself. Llangwm travel to St Davids who will be full of confidence following recent results. For that reason Saints go into this one as slight favourites however Llangwm will be confident of brining the points home to the village. Elsewhere Neyland host Pembroke Dock Quins in what’s set to be a passionate and fairly evenly matched affair. It’ll be a day for the forwards Saturday and the battle between these two packs will be key.
Haverfordwest travel to struggling Llanybydder and perhaps an opportunity to rotate a few players. The Blues are strong favourites for this and anything other than a bonus point win would be a shock. Pembroke host high flying Laugharne another very tough game for the Scarlets as they struggle to make their mark on this season so far.
Sport
Spotlight: Herald Sport speaks with referee Marty Jones

MARTY JONES swapped his boots for the whistle a couple of years ago now and has become a well known referee through the county. With fellow former players Mark Hicks and Mikey John also following in his footsteps this season, we sat down with Marty for an insight into the life of a Pembrokeshire Referee.
Herald – Marty, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. By now you’re a well renowned and respected ref in the county. What inspired you to take up reffing?
Marty – Renowned, maybe, respected ..by most. I love footy and after my playing days I wanted to keep doing something, and reffing seemed the logical step. I had reffed some junior games over the years as my lads played for Hakin youth, and quite enjoyed it, so figured why not? I qualified just before COVID and have done as many games as possible.
Herald – With former team mates Mikey John and Mark Hicks recently following in your footsteps, it’s a good sign for the game. What do you enjoy about being the man in the middle?
Marty – It’s great to see ex players take up the whistle, it’s vital for grassroots that we get new refs, and keep them! No ref, no game and all that. I hope that by seeing the likes of me, Hicksy & Mikey reffing, more players coming to the end of their playing career will think about it. For me I enjoy still being involved with footy on a Saturday (and whatever mid week games there are) and you are kept active and on your toes at all times. For me, it’s just about being involved with grassroots footy. If I could play still, I would, but I’ll ref until I either don’t enjoy it anymore or can’t physically do it.
Herald – Would you say the referees association in the county is in a good place? Attracting former local players is definitely a positive.
Marty – I can only speak as I have found, and the Pembs Refs association has been excellent for me. Loads of experienced heads to ask any questions, no judgements when you mention mistakes made (not that I have of course) and there’s always somebody there who will help. To a man, they are great people.
Herald – I’d like to think refs are given a warm welcome across the county. However are there any grounds in the county where you particularly look forward to visiting?
Marty – Again, only speaking in my experience, I’ve been welcomed at almost every ground. People know I’m not particularly shy, so if there’s a problem I’ll tell people. But, respect works both ways, so I’ve learnt to be more respectful too. For me (and the Hakin fans won’t like this much) Goodwick have always been great, fantastic facilities, always a good crowd and a brilliant pitch.
Fishguard as well, a great club where I get a cuppa at half time and full time so that’s always welcomed, Neyland always a great club as well. It’s unfair to name just a couple because in all my games I’ve only been made to feel unwelcome at one ground (which shall remain nameless at this stage). I don’t ref Hakin games, but obviously The Obs in pre season is my favourite (although maybe not so much when Milford beat them in the Joe Lennon this year).
Herald – Finally have you got any message for anyone considering doing the refs course?
Marty- Yes. If you love football, seriously consider reffing after you’ve played. Pembs League is always in need of more refs, and as players you know how the game works and will likely make a great ref. For younger people, it’s a gateway to a great pastime, something you can make a career out of. 99% of the time it’s brilliant, get yourself on the course and speak to anybody from the Pembs Refs Association and have a chat with them. You need to be a certain type of crazy, but you’ll love it!!
A great insight into local refereeing there from Marty, and if anyone is interested in becoming a referee simply contact Pembrokeshire Referee Association. You’ll be sure to see Marty on a pitch somewhere before Christmas, clubs who don’t supply a ‘cuppa’ at half time now know what’s required of them.
Sport
Spotlight on Milford United Football Club

WE RECENTLY sat down with Milford United manager Steve Parks, we timed it well on the back of an outstanding 7-1 win at Marble Hall. The season has started extremely well for Parks’ men, many may have predicted a relegation dog fight this season. However as the weeks and games tick by this seems to be very unlikely as the boys from Marble Hall prove they belong in the top division.
Herald Thanks for your time Steve, a fantastic win for you yesterday beating Tenby 7-1, how do you reflect on that?
Steve Yesterday was a great win against a good Tenby side who have been strong this season. To win this tie and score 7 was a true reflection of our ability as a team and our willingness to play the ball through the right channels.
Herald Assuming stabilising division one status is your priority this season? You seem to have had a very positive start, is that how you see it?
Steve To progress into the last 16 of the West Wales Cup is a true reflection of our cup performances this season beating three first division teams, one from Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire with 21 goals scored and only 2 conceded.
This seasons objective was to remain in the 1st Division and gain valuable experience along the way . We have a mixture of youth and experience in our squad and potential to improve as a team as the season progresses.
Herald Who have been your stand out players so far this season?
Steve As a Manager I am conscientious about
naming stand out players, all squad members have had a part to play this season. We have a young talented goalkeeper who is growing with confidence with every game he plays. We are very strong in defence and have creative midfield players that offer our forwards plenty of opportunities in front of goal.
Herald With the two cup competitions still alive for you and mid table in the league so far. What would be deemed a successful season for you this season?
Steve A successful season for Milford united would be to finish mid table in the League, have a good Senior Cup and West Wales Cup run. The season started well winning the Joe Lennon Cup which we haven’t won for a very long time. We as a club are looking forward to the challenges ahead of us for the rest of the 23/24 season and hope to be as competitive as we can.
-
News6 days ago
Decades-old naval shell in front garden prompts bomb squad alert
-
News7 days ago
Concerns raised as council social worker charged with child sex offences
-
Sport5 days ago
Spotlight on Milford United Football Club
-
News6 days ago
Deep Space Radar base to be built in Brawdy, creating 100 jobs
-
Sport5 days ago
West Wales Cup Round Up 02/12/23
-
Sport1 day ago
Spotlight: Herald Sport speaks with referee Marty Jones
-
News1 day ago
Police probe after outboard motor stolen in Neyland
-
News7 days ago
Future for Wales: Navigating Major Climate Changes for Sustainability