Sport
Whitland remain unbeaten
By Jonathan Twigg
“A HAPPY camp is a winning camp” according to Coach Gareth Bennett and the GD Harries sponsored ‘Green Machine’ of Whitland were in buoyant mood on Saturday (Nov 4) after they kept their unbeaten start to the season in tact after against previously unbeaten visitors Pontarddulais.
The Borders are committed to play a style of rugby where they are willing to play the situation which falls before them, where a precarious 9-7 lead at half time in the face of a swirling wind could have led to them wilting in the face of a side intent on leaving Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn with something to show for their efforts.
They scored the only try of the game two minutes before the break when winger Gethin Williams crossed wide out for fellow winger Paul Geary to add a majestic conversion to put the ‘Ambers’ 7-6 ahead, but had to settle for a losing bonus point as the home sides outside half Nico Setaro kicked them to victory with five penalties.
Setaro took a while to settle into the flow of the game as he was guilty of some poor tactical kicking as his side were second best in the early exchanges in all aspects.
The scrum found itself disrupted from the start, as skipper Marc Thomas lost one against the head and throughout the first half they continually failed to secure line out ball which would have allowed them a platform from which to play on the front foot.
Setaro missed an effort from just beyond the 22m line after six minutes before ‘The Bont’ lost influential Loose Head prop Andrew Williams two minutes later as he found himself exposed to some rough treatment on the floor and the ebb of the game swung in Whitland’s favour.
Hooker Thomas was tenacious in his tackling and driving play supported by the ‘boiler house’ veterans Raff Williams and 47 year old Dai Ebsworth.
Ebsworth experience of playing for three decades, including at Narberth was evident both on and off the ball as he became a go to man in the line out which led to a second penalty failed penalty attempt for Setaro after winger Liam Price had run over 25m with the ball in hand.
Fellow winger Sean Coles also combined in a sweeping 50m run with Price and the home pressure finally paid dividends midway through the half when Setaro’s penalty was successful after Pontyates referee Justin Thomas marched forward for ten metres after some dissent.
The visitors were penalised eight times in the first half, mainly for not releasing the player in the tackle as they slowed the game down with many on field injury assessments.
The tactics galvanised Thomas, Ebsworth, Number 8 Jack Mason and flanker Benji Kirk to put in the hard yards for their side and a second Setaro penalty after 32 minutes extended the lead. Williams try came about thanks to second row Jordan Daniels and flanker Dean Courtney setting a platform for the winger to cross.
In time added on at the end of the first half a counter attack from their own half saw Setaro’s angled kick fielded by full back Aled Stone, a product of the Clubs junior and youth set up. Instead of putting the ball out of play to end the half he tried to run from within touching distance of his own posts to be caught by the marauding home back row and the resultant penalty from wide out for not releasing allowed Setaro to lead his side from the field with a 9-7 cushion.
Centre Josh Thomas entered the fray after half time for Whitland as ball player Johnnie Thomas moved to the wing to replace Sean Coles, victim of a dead leg.
The second half game management from the home side saw them stifle any effort by Pontardullais to get ahead with some excellent handling and miss moves shipped the ball wide to winger Thomas and Price ensuring the game was played deep in the visitors territory.
Setaro and full back Scott Newton are composite ball handlers and kickers from hand, alongside Thomas and Price as they dictated both the tempo and tactical play which saw them combine and travel at times over sixty metres with ball in hand.
Coach Dan Mason was complimentary of this play as ‘the players are encouraged to express their ability at all times’.
He added: “There may have been a hangover from our last game at Tumble alongside nerves due to the ‘magnitude of the game’ at the start of the afternoon but we are all confident in our own and our team mates skills. Bennett, added ‘there is no better feeling for a front five forward to get up from the battle on the floor to see the ball 40m downfield and it keeps a spring in our step and a smile on our faces.”
Replacement Thomas also added a new dimension to the play after the break by taking and carrying the ball to the first defender with fellow centre Alun Davies enjoying the freedom created to ensure Setaro and the back three could perform.
Flanker Ryan Michael was instrumental in leading a high defence line alongside scrum half Adam Davies who edged out his more experienced counterpart Adrian Killa or the visitors as the game wore on, which restricted the ability for Stone et al to run back from deep, resulting into the kicks into the hands of Newton, Setaro and Thomas.
Setaro landed two more penalties as the graft of his forwards put their side 15-7 ahead with ten minutes remaining although it could have been different had Geary not slipped when attempting a straight forward penalty attempt a minute later; he made amends with five minutes left after work from Daniels drew Michael offside as his side felt the loss just when his side most needed him most of Number 8 Jacob Miles, an attacking dynamo alongside his scrum half Killa all afternoon.
A vociferous visiting contingent in the stands became frustrated as the play couldn’t transfer to give their idols an opportunity to win the game where a Club spokesman at the end of the game praised ‘Whitland’s second half performance, which ended our unbeaten league start, although the losing bonus point may prove crucial as the season draws to its climax.”
The final word on an absorbing Whitland Ladies sponsored top of table encounter was left to Bennett. “As coaches it’s a case of osmosis as these players just want to take everything we are giving them onto the pitch. We have no expectations beyond our next game and we are able to use players out of position when the need arises; our philosophy of trying to play rugby beyond our outside centre will remain.”
Next week Pontarddulais entertain St Clears whilst the unbeaten Green Machine travel to Mumbles to take on a side which were unable to field a team last weekend.
WALES HEAD coach Matt Sherratt has named his team to face England in the final round of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations at a sold-out Principality Stadium on Saturday (Mar 15, KO 4:45pm, live on BBC and S4C).
There are two changes to the starting line-up that played Scotland last weekend.
In the back row, Aaron Wainwright starts at blindside flanker, with captain Jac Morgan moving to openside. Taulupe Faletau retains his place at No. 8.
Joe Roberts is named on the left wing for his first start of the tournament, pushing Ellis Mee to the right wing. Blair Murray continues at fullback.
In the front row, Nicky Smith starts at loosehead prop, Elliot Dee at hooker, and WillGriff John continues at tighthead prop for a third consecutive match.
Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins maintain their second-row partnership.
Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, with his club teammate Gareth Anscombe at fly-half.
Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn once again form the midfield combination.
Nick Tompkins returns to the matchday squad and joins Rhodri Williams and Jarrod Evans as the replacement backs.
Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, and Tommy Reffell provide forward cover.
Sherratt said: “Wales versus England is always a special occasion, and we know the atmosphere at Principality Stadium will be incredible. We’re excited to finish our campaign at home and want to deliver our best performance on Saturday.”
Wales team v England
- Blair Murray (Scarlets – 7 caps)
- Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 2 caps)
- Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 7 caps)
- Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 11 caps)
- Joe Roberts (Scarlets – 4 caps)
- Gareth Anscombe (Gloucester Rugby – 41 caps)
- Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 63 caps)
- Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 53 caps)
- Elliot Dee (Dragons – 55 caps)
- WillGriff John (Sale Sharks – 4 caps)
- Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 40 caps)
- Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 22 caps)
- Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 56 caps)
- Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 22 caps) – captain
- Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 107 caps)
Replacements:
- Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 19 caps)
- Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 39 caps)
- Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 13 caps)
- Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
- Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 26 caps)
- Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 8 caps)
- Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 10 caps)
- Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 40 caps)
2025 Guinness Six Nations results:
Friday, Jan 31: France 43-0 Wales (Stade de France, Paris)
Saturday, Feb 8: Italy 22-15 Wales (Stadio Olimpico, Rome)
Saturday, Feb 22: Wales 18-27 Ireland (Principality Stadium, Cardiff)
Saturday, Mar 8: Scotland v Wales (Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh)
Saturday, Mar 15: Wales v England (Principality Stadium, Cardiff) KO 4:45pm GMT
Whether you’re new to the world of football or a lifelong fan, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest standings, upcoming fixtures, and more. With this in mind, here’s an update on the current status of the 2024-25 Premier League season, including which fixtures to look out for and predictions for who will claim the title.
Current standings
Liverpool are currently topping the Premier League table, having amassed 70 points over the course of the competition. They have won 21 out of their 29 matches in the season so far. Conversely, Southampton are sitting at the bottom of the league table, with just nine points. They have lost 23 out of 28 of their games.
But remember that the league table is always changing, so be sure to check in regularly, particularly as many teams have matches to catch up on due to Champions League and FA/League Cup commitments. So, things can change quickly.
Upcoming fixtures
April is packed with some highly anticipated matches. The month will kick off with Arsenal vs Fulham on April 1 at 19:45 at the Emirates Stadium. This fixture is followed by several matches the next day, including Brighton vs Aston Villa and Liverpool vs Everton.
Towards the end of the month, exciting matches such as Nottingham Forest vs Brentford and Liverpool vs Spurs will keep fans on the edge of their seats as the final league positions are decided. Make sure you keep an eye out for all upcoming matches, so you don’t miss out on any of the action.
League predictions
Chelsea are currently in the top four. However, they are the most likely to drop out of contention over the course of the remaining games – partially because they’re already 21 points behind Liverpool. The favourites to win the 2024/25 league are Liverpool at 80%, followed by Arsenal at 25%, Manchester City at 2.4% and Nottingham Forest at 1.2%. Despite some poor performances recently, Newcastle United are still in with a small chance of glory at 0.8%.
Where can I watch Premier League football?
The go to place to watch Premier League football is Sky Sports and TNT Sports. However, these packages can be costly.
As a result, in recent years, many fans have turned to online streaming solutions, such as Hesgoal TV. These streaming sites show the games for free, but they’re illegal to use and you may face a penalty for watching or broadcasting matches.
Will you be watching?
Whether you enjoy football via Sky Sports, use a streaming service or watch games down at the pub with your mates, keep an eye out for your favourite team and see how they perform in the final few matches of the season.
PEMBROKESHIRE’S own Sean Bowen, hailing from Letterston, has cemented his place among the UK’s top jockeys, ranking fourth on the all-time career earnings list for British National Hunt riders. With a staggering £11.5 million in prize money to his name, Bowen continues to make waves on the biggest stage—Cheltenham Festival 2025.
Bowen’s rise to the top
The latest rankings, compiled by racing experts at OLBG, highlight Bowen’s remarkable achievements:
Top-Earning British Jockeys
- Sam Twiston-Davies – £21,968,167
- Harry Skelton – £18,837,862
- Harry Cobden – £17,717,810
- Sean Bowen – £11,520,715
- Charlie Deutsch – £7,071,208
Bowen, 26, has quickly become one of the most respected jockeys in the sport, following in the footsteps of his father, Welsh trainer Peter Bowen. His younger brother, James Bowen, also ranks among the top-earning jockeys, sitting in seventh place with £5.6 million in career winnings.
With major wins in the Grand National and multiple Grade 1 victories, Sean Bowen is a name synonymous with Welsh racing success.
Cheltenham Festival 2025: Bowen in Action
This week, Bowen has been front and centre at the Cheltenham Festival, competing in multiple high-stakes races:
- Heads Up – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) (March 12): Bowen guided Heads Up to a strong second-place finish, proving his ability on one of the festival’s biggest stages.
- Western Zephyr – Grand Annual Chase (March 12): In one of the most unpredictable handicap chases, Bowen put in a solid ride aboard Western Zephyr.
- The Goffer – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (March 12): Tackling Cheltenham’s unique Cross Country course, Bowen took on the gruelling challenge with The Goffer.
- Might I – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (March 12): Competing in one of the festival’s most competitive handicap hurdles, Bowen demonstrated his versatility.
- Jane Eire – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (March 13): Bowen will look to add another big festival win to his name in this prestigious event.
A Pembrokeshire jockey on the big stage
As one of Wales’ top sporting figures, Sean Bowen’s continued success keeps Pembrokeshire in the spotlight of British horse racing. With Cheltenham still in full swing, local fans will be hoping for more triumphs from the Letterston star.
His incredible career earnings, combined with his continued performances at the festival, show why he is one of the most respected and successful jockeys in the UK today.
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