Sport

Heart & Soul: A fans view of the Scarlets’ victory against the Cardiff Blues

Published

8 years ago

October 31, 2017

By Jonathan Twigg

PARC Y Scarlets was the venue on Saturday (Oct 28) evening for the second ‘Welsh Derby’ as the Scarlets eventually defeated the Cardiff Blues 30-17 to remain top of the Guinness Pro 14 Conference B table.

Leading 18-3 at half time through tries from man of the match Hadleigh Parkes and hooker Ryan Elias a buoyant home side were pegged back to 18-17 after an hour as the visitors scored tries from New Zealand born winger Willis Halaholo and replacement scrum half Lloyd Williams to go with conversions from former ‘man of Hendy’ Stephen Shingler.

At this stage the fire under the saucepan needed rekindling and the ‘hwyl’ found its voice from the Hydro North stand, be it water or something stronger to inspire replacement full back to fly over and score with his first touch, thanks to winger Steff Evans grubber kick following a flowing home sides move through the hands of their back division.

A bonus point victory was secured ten minutes from the end as Evans crossed to complete the scoring with Leigh Halfpenny striking a conversion and two penalties and Rhys Patchel a conversion.

Playing in deepest West Wales has often been revered as playing in heaven and the support given from the home faithful is legendry across the globe. Be it the folk song Sospan Fach synonymous to Stradey Park and now Parc Y Scarlets or a rendition of Calon Lan the close knit community spirit associated to this Welsh Region is special.

Have you wondered how a person goes from being a supporter, to being a fan to becoming a fanatic? Stationed in the Hydro North stand, which was inspirational after an hour of the game to push the Scarlets to victory, it was a question answered by Mick Haltam, a former three quarter with Haverfordwest and Llangwm, who hails from the Midlands, but is now firmly ensconced in the local sporting scene.

“As a child I grew up in the 70’s when Welsh rugby was such a joy to watch. Even as an Englishman I used to marvel at the skills of Phil Bennett, JJ Williams, Delme Thomas and Ray Gravell who used to play for this magical team way out west that I could not pronounce. Players like these and the romance of games, like beating the ‘All Blacks’ made me an admirer of Llanelli RFC from afar.”

Mick arrived in Pembrokeshire when he was posted to Cawdor Barracks, in 1996 and he fulfilled his dream of living the magic at Stradey Park. “I would be an irregular visitor to Stradey as I was still playing the game” said Mike. With partner Joanne Phelps equally smitten from the pull of ‘Johnnie Bach’ it took little persuasion for them to take their son Olly when the Club introduced the ‘supporters’ village’ in 2010. Hooked immediately with the family match day experience, that first against Leinster, when Olly was just three years old was the start of a love story.

Now season ticket holders, the family are committed to the pilgrimage from their home in Narberth by car or train, depending on the kick off time. Mick recalled when he went from being a fan to a fanatic, after the 24-15 Heinekein Cup quarter final victory over Munster in 2007.

He has been to every Pro 12 ground, with the exception of Treviso and now with the introduction of South African sides the Southern Kings and Cheetahs, plans are already in place to finance the those memory making trips. “European games have also allowed us to get to all the English Premier clubs, except Newcastle, plus Perpignan, Brive, Clermont and Toulon in France.”

At the end of the 2013 season when the Scarlets made the play-off semi final away to Ulster, Olly was a mascot and savoured the atmosphere at Ravenhill for the first time holding Rob McCusker’s hand. As proud as they were, it was surpassed last season with the Pro12 Final mauling of Munster as it rekindled the ‘magic’ which first drew Mick’s attention in a bygone era.

Mick recalls with delight that ‘Priestland’ try v Perpignan in 2010 as readily as any victory over the Ospreys, including last spring, alongside European victories at Northampton and Harlequins whilst Glasgow is undoubtedly a family favourite destination. A definition of fanatical can be summed up with Micks explanation of how he and Olly had planned a ‘dads and lads’ visit to the last scheduled away game of last season in Connacht.

“Olly and I took my motorbike via the Fishguard ferry and rode to Galway, experiencing a fantastic away trip. Of course, winning this game meant we’d qualified for the play-offs and pitched us away to Leinster two weeks later. A family weekend followed, flying from Bristol to Dublin before a third Irish away trip in four weeks hit the wallet hard [but it was worth every penny], as we left Pembroke on the 3am ferry and drove to Dublin for the European Final.”

In true partnership Mick and Joanne shared the driving; Mick taking the wheel on the journey into Dublin from their hotel half an hour outside the City, with Joanne driving back! Not even Steve Martin could have perceived Micks voyage of discovery in supporting the Scarlets; through ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’, plus bikes and ferries, experiencing first hand the Heart and Soul of Scarlet Fever.

“We are all part of the Scarlets family” said Joanne, “including the staff and players; we always find time for each other. Today we’ve had a day out, firstly the obligatory shopping experience at Trostre before a family meal and the early arrival at the ground.” A chuckling Mick, who himself is now coach of Narberth Under 11s after representing the Army with aplomb as far afield as Romania, summed up the victory over the Cardiff Blues with a splattering of ‘Calon Lan’ from his still notable Midlands cadence, alongside friends Steve Barnett and Tom George.

Rest assured there is more fever to come from the Scarlets family; Mick, Joanne and Olly will undoubtedly reminisce for time and memorial.

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Sport

Rider list announced for Lloyds 2025 National Road Championships

Published

1 day ago

June 12, 2025

Herald Sport

TWENTY former national road champions are set to headline the provisional rider list for the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships, which gets underway on Thursday 26 June in Wales.

Cat Ferguson (Movistar Team) will be one to watch in the women’s elite road race and under-23 time-trial. Ferguson is fresh off the back of an impressive 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women campaign where she claimed both the points classifications and best young rider jerseys, the best British rider accolade and a career-first stage win in Kelso.

Three-time national road race and 2022’s under-23 time-trial champion Pfeiffer Georgi (Team Picnic PostNL) is set to defend her title, as well as Anna Henderson (Lidl-Trek), who won the time-trial last year in preparation for her silver-medal winning performance in the Olympic time-trial later that summer.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Max Walker (EF Education–EasyPost), looking to do one better after winning silver last year in the national road elite time-trial, while Seb Grindley (Lidl – Trek Future Racing) will look to build on his junior silver at worlds last year in the under-23 time-trial.

A host of Welsh riders are entered to be some of the crowd favourites in the event, including Owain Doull (EF Education – EasyPost), sisters Zoe Backstedt (CANYON-SRAM zondacrypto) and Elynor Backstedt (UAE Team ADQ), Elinor Barker (Uno-X Mobility) and Megan Barker (Tekkerz CC).

Two-time national champion, two-time Olympic champion and 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) is entered in the road race and time-trial in his home country in what would be his last National Road Championships, after announcing he is due to retire at the end of the year.

Aberaeron’s hometown hero Josh Tarling (INEOS Grenadiers) is hoping to return to make it a hattrick and defend his time-trial title from the previous two years, while Tomos Pattinson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development) will aim to defend his U23 men’s time-trial title from last year.

The 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships provides a fantastic platform for British riders to enjoy the home roads and experience the support of friends, family and local fans.

A total of 10 coveted national champion’s jerseys are up for grabs across three days of racing, with the time-trial on Thursday 26 June 2025, the circuit race on Friday 27 June 2025, and the road race concluding the action on Sunday 29 June 2025.

The full rider list for the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships can be found here: START_LIST_-_2025_Lloyds_National_Road_Race_Championships.pdf.

Councillor Clive Davies, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration said: “We are pleased to see such an exciting line up for the Lloyds National Road Racing Championships and we look forward to welcoming the riders and supporters to Ceredigion.”

To discover the routes of all three stages of this year’s Lloyds National Road Championships in more detail, and more information about the race, host venues, and participating teams, please click here: Routes revealed for the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships

The 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships starts off with a challenging time-trial in Aberaeron on Thursday 26 June. Starting in Ffos-y-Ffin, the elite women, under-23 women and under-23 open will take to 27km of road, while the elite open will have to battle over 41km.

Aberystwyth plays host to both the circuit race on Friday 27 June and the road race on Sunday 29 June, allowing fans to come down and watch their favourite national riders battle for the title.

Sport

Haverfordwest announce first summer signing as Luc Rees joins Bluebirds

Published

2 days ago

June 11, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Luc Rees, with the 22-year-old joining the Bluebirds ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Rees becomes the club’s first addition of the summer transfer window and arrives at the Ogi Bridge Meadow on a two-year deal. He most recently played for Barry Town United in the JD Cymru Premier.

The Swansea-born keeper came through the youth ranks at Swansea City, before going on to feature for Forest Green Rovers, Fleetwood Town and Widnes. During his time at Jenner Park, he made 34 appearances in all competitions.

Now, Rees links up with a Haverfordwest side preparing for their second European adventure in three seasons. The draw for the first qualifying round is scheduled to take place at UEFA headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday 17 June.

Speaking about the new signing, manager Tony Pennock said: “I’ve known Luc for many years and have always kept an eye on his career.
He’s had a variety of experiences for a young goalkeeper and has worked under some excellent coaches.

I believe in strong competition for places, and having two young but talented goalkeepers is a crucial part of our squad going forward. I’d also like to thank Steve Jenkins and Barry Town United for their cooperation throughout the transfer.”

Commenting on his move, Rees said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be joining such a fantastic club. From everything that’s happening both on and off the pitch, there was only one place I wanted to be. I can’t wait to meet the players, staff and supporters – it’s going to be a big, exciting summer.”

Sport

Carew continue dominance as Lawrenny and Whitland bounce back

Published

5 days ago

June 8, 2025

Herald Sport

CAREFULLY constructed innings and dominant bowling displays were the story of Week 7 in the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League.

In Division 1, leaders Carew maintained their perfect record with a comprehensive 104-run win over Herbrandston, powered by Tim Hicks’ unbeaten 115 and a six-wicket haul from Sam Harts (6-24). Shaun Whitfield also impressed with a half-century and two wickets.

Neyland climbed with a dominant 102-run victory at Llangwm, bolstered by a commanding 108 from Dia Davies and a five-wicket haul from Alan Webster (5-22).

Whitland made a statement by thrashing Haverfordwest by 84 runs, thanks to a team effort led by Kevin Pearce (52) and Iwan Bevan (4-12).

Cresselly narrowly edged Saundersfoot by 2 wickets, with key contributions from Phil Williams (54) and Tom Arthur (4-35). Despite a valiant 106 not out and four wickets from Sam Franklin, Saundersfoot slipped to third.

At Burton, Lawrenny bounced back with a solid 67-run win, as Rob Williams (31 & 3-23) and Jamie Lewis (3-26) delivered with both bat and ball.

Division 1 League Table:

Team	Pld	Points	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Runs For	Runs Against	Wkts Taken	Wkts Lost
Carew	7	134	7	0	30	34	1629	974	69	41
Cresselly	7	130	7	0	25	30	1246	975	62	35
Saundersfoot	7	111	5	2	26	28	1175	1156	58	35
Neyland	7	109	5	2	27	30	1396	1360	63	46
Lawrenny	7	80	3	4	21	27	991	994	56	53
Herbrandston	7	78	3	4	23	25	1070	1319	51	50
Whitland	7	63	2	5	25	18	1177	1042	37	67
Haverfordwest	7	63	2	5	22	19	1049	1124	41	60
Burton	7	56	1	6	22	24	1029	1273	50	64
Llangwm	7	32	0	7	17	15	798	1343	34	70

Division 2 League Table:

Team	Pld	Points	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Runs For	Runs Against	Wkts Taken	Wkts Lost
Narberth	7	136	7	0	33	33	1385	1061	67	55
St Ishmaels	7	109	5	2	28	31	1089	891	64	35
Pembroke	7	103	4	3	33	30	1339	1240	63	54
Hook	7	95	4	3	28	24	1114	1094	50	50
Johnston	7	93	4	3	26	27	964	1102	57	37

Division 3 League Table:

Team	Pld	Points	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Runs For	Runs Against	Wkts Taken	Wkts Lost
Fishguard	7	125	7	0	29	21	1111	1012	45	27
Pembroke Dock	7	108	5	2	24	30	875	798	60	28
Hundleton	7	106	5	2	24	28	896	801	57	36
Stackpole	7	96	4	3	29	24	1068	1031	48	37
Haverfordwest II	7	91	3	3	30	26	981	1035	55	52

Division 4 League Table:

Team	Pld	Points	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Runs For	Runs Against	Wkts Taken	Wkts Lost
Saundersfoot II	7	132	7	0	30	32	998	767	66	32
Pembroke II	7	125	6	1	30	31	1142	701	63	31
Crymych	7	104	5	2	32	22	1062	974	47	42
Haverfordwest III	6	98	3	3	27	21	772	892	43	45
St Ishmaels II	7	97	4	3	30	27	1023	865	54	46

Division 5 League Table:

Team	Pld	Points	W	L	Ab	Tied	Bat	Bowl	Runs For	Runs Against	Wkts Taken	Wkts Lost
Herbrandston II	7	123	6	1	0	0	26	31	831	776	63	32
Llechryd II	7	114	5	1	0	1	29	27	897	832	57	40
Pembroke Dock II	7	106	5	1	1	0	27	27	816	823	56	24
Haverfordwest IV	7	74	2	4	0	1	27	19	922	896	41	55
Whitland II	5	73	2	3	0	0	20	11	567	564	23	33

Division 6 League Table:

Team	Pld	Points	W	L	Ab	Bat	Bowl	Runs For	Runs Against	Wkts Taken	Wkts Lost
Pembroke III	6	93	5	0	1	17	21	480	472	44	15
Llechryd III	4	77	3	1	0	15	15	510	385	30	24
H’West/Cresselly	6	73	3	3	0	17	20	509	538	42	36
Whitland III	6	53	2	3	1	14	17	437	436	34	33
Lamphey II	6	52	2	3	1	17	12	516	529	28	37