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The future is bright for Wales

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By Jonathan Twigg

A NEW look Wales team with an average age of under 22 conceded a last minute equaliser at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday (Nov 14) to first time World Cup qualifiers Panama.

The South American country, playing their first game against the ‘Red Dragon’ qualified through the Concacaf group for Russia but struggled against a Welsh side manager Chris Coleman selected with one eye on the future, despite this possibly being his last game in charge.

Tom Lawrence had opened the scoring for his side striking a low drive into the opposite corner after cutting in from the left wing, a just reward for the efforts of his team mates who dominate the game with nearly 70% possession.

Lawrence may have scored the goal, but it was Sheffield United winger David Brooks who stole the plaudits for a sensational performance where he was confident to run directly at opposition defenders before supplying quality balls into the danger area for youngster Ben Woodburn and the venerable Sam Vokes.

Vokes missed a first half penalty after Dave Edwards was tumbled over in the box, as Belgium referee Bert Vertenten issued four yellow cards as the game became a little feisty.

Neil Taylor was one of the Welsh cards alongside 17 year old Ethan Ampadu, as the Chelsea player was another youngster who gave a performance which belied his tender years.

When Wales next turn out in five months’ time for a competitive fixture in the China cup, injuries permitting, he could be the fulcrum of a midfield trio which will allow Arsenals Arron Ramsey and Joe Allen more freedom to push forward in support of Gareth Bale.

At 27 years of age Pembrokeshire born Joe Allen has become an international players of undisputed acclaim, held in high esteem by colleagues, press and the supporters; the Stoke City midfielder was recently voted the supporters’ ‘Player of the Year’ for the second season in succession.

He has come a long way since his formative years, educated at Narberth Primary School and then Ysgol Y Preseli to making his Swansea City debut in May 2007 and becoming a key name on Chris Coleman’s team sheets.

Such is the level headedness of Allen his eloquent tones were humble when he stated: “It’s extra special to win it from the fans; they’ve been amazing home and away so thanks to everyone who voted. They’re just so positive, they embrace the whole occasion.”

The popular midfielder has however come in for some rough justice in recent times, perhaps cynically deposed off in the World Cup play-off defeat to Ireland in Cardiff last month which raised the eyebrows of Coleman.

Allen is essential to the sides he plays in, being a quick thinking, quick passing and now in more recent times, an enforcer. Allen didn’t start out that way, and it wasn’t until a £15 million move to Liverpool in 2012 that his demeanour changed, mentally and physically, taking on an appearance to suit his new style.

Growing out his hair and beard, the baby faced ‘assassin’ Allen started to look a little like Jesus. This prompted fans to start calling him the Welsh Pirlo and is not akin to standing tall defying his stature; ask Troy Deeney of Watford who felt the rath of Allen when he decided not to return a ball which had been kicked out of play so one of his team mates could receive treatment.

Pirlo, an impressive Italian who himself is leaving New York City at the end of the season after plying his trade with assurance at Inter Milan then Juventus, there is more than just the looks which many see as a comparative to Allen, winner of 31 international caps and a representative in the Great Britain 2012 Olympic team.

In a career that now sees him playing for former Welsh manager Mark Hughes Allen has played champions league football for Liverpool on top of wearing the captain’s armband for his country, exciting times lie ahead for the Wales and Allen will be a key component.

During their failed attempt to reach Russia, Wales lost just their final game shoot out with the Republic of Ireland, but it was the fact they dropped points in five draws which undid their progress.

If Allen can play in a more advanced role then those draws could become victories and the Euro championship may see another rendition of ‘please don’t take me home’, although Cardiff could be one of 13 Cities which hosts games as UEFA celebrate 60 years of the tournament which will cumulate with a Wembley final.

Sport

Division 3 (West) & Division 4 (West A) – Weekend Rugby Round-Up

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Haverfordwest 64 – Amman United 24
HAVERFORDWEST ran in ten tries to claim a dominant home win over Amman United. Winger Scott Candler crossed for a hat-trick, while Jack Evans (2), Jetman Temaki, Mike Griffiths, Matty Phillips, Liam Eaton, and Guy Barrons also touched down. Amman fought back late, earning a bonus point with two tries apiece from Dylan Matthews and Rhydian Jones.

Pontyberem 14 – Cardigan 32
Cardigan controlled proceedings to secure a bonus-point win over winless Pontyberem. Aaron Evans grabbed a brace, with further scores from Aaron Tomkinson, John Lumb, and Iwan Toft. Shaun Leonard added two conversions and a penalty. Pontyberem responded with tries from Jamie Jones and Daf Lloyd, both converted by Mike Sauro.

Narberth Athletic 27 – Pembroke Dock Harlequins 22
Narberth Athletic held off a spirited Quins comeback to remain second in Division 4A after a thrilling Friday night encounter. Brad Cramb crossed twice, with further tries from Declan Cole and Jac Norcross. Shane Rossiter kicked two conversions and a penalty. Jack Price (2), Owain Turner, and Craig Barnett replied for the visitors, with Ben Hathaway converting once.

St Davids 77 – Llanybydder 22
St Davids produced a 13-try blitz to overpower Llanybydder in a one-sided contest. Harvey Lavin, Nathan Foster, Mike Gurney, George Raymond, and Ben Perkins all bagged braces, with Kiron Mason, Morgan Griffiths, and Bob Froy also on the scoresheet. Llanybydder salvaged a bonus point with four tries, including two from Steffan Griffiths.

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Seasiders and Seagulls soar with big wins in Division One and Two clashes

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Division One (West)Tenby run riot with ten-try demolition of Felinfoel
Tenby United 64 – Felinfoel 19

TENBY UNITED kept up the pressure on Division One (West) leaders Aberystwyth with a ruthless 64-19 victory over Felinfoel at Heywood Lane on Saturday.

The Seasiders delivered a scintillating attacking display, crossing for ten tries in a match that underlined their title credentials. Tenby raced into a 31-7 lead at the break and never let up, blending pace, precision, and power throughout.

Dan Colley and Gwion Jones were among the standout performers—Colley scoring twice and Jones bagging a hat-trick from the wing. Jake Roberts also crossed twice, while George Rossiter and the returning Toby Smith added their names to the scoresheet. A penalty try opened proceedings.

Half-backs Dai Jones and Lloyd Thomas controlled the tempo brilliantly, with Thomas converting six of the ten tries in a composed display from the tee.

Felinfoel showed some resistance, with captain Elliot Dawe grabbing a brace of tries from the wing and full-back Tom Cadell powering over for another. Fly-half Tom Allen added two conversions, but the visitors were outgunned by Tenby’s relentless tempo and attacking ambition.

The result keeps Tenby firmly in the title race and sends a clear message as the season heads into its final stretch.

Tenby United team:
Geraint Jones; Matthew Lewis, Liam Price, Toby Smith, Gwion Jones; Lloyd Thomas, Dai Jones; Ethan Morgan, Kyle Rossiter, Rob Luly; Alex Jenkins, Tom Barrass (capt); Jack Brown, Max Brindley, Dan Colley.
Replacements: George Rossiter, Luke Dedman, Jake Roberts, Dom Colman, Jordan Asparassa, Max Boswell.


Division Two (West)
Captain Lewis leads Seagulls to seven-try rout
Fishguard & Goodwick 67 – Betws 12

FISHGUARD & GOODWICK put in a dominant display to sweep aside Betws 67-12 at home, with new captain Rhys Lewis marking the occasion with a hat-trick from the back row.

The Seagulls were in fine form from the outset, racing to a 41-0 lead by half-time. Their sharp handling, quick recycling and clinical finishing were too much for Betws, who struggled to keep pace.

Lewis led from the front with a superb treble, while Max Jones crossed twice. Dom Sinnet, Mark Jones, Simon James, and Ed Rathbone also got on the scoresheet. Mark Jones was faultless with the boot, kicking eight conversions and adding two penalties for a personal haul of 27 points.

Betws showed heart in the second half, registering two tries through Jonathan Hier, one of which was converted by Andrew Gosnold, but the damage had long been done.

The emphatic win highlighted the growing depth and confidence in Fishguard’s ranks, with young leaders like Lewis showing they can deliver on the big stage.

Fishguard & Goodwick try scorers: Rhys Lewis (3), Max Jones (2), Dom Sinnet, Mark Jones, Simon James, Ed Rathbone
Conversions/Penalties: Mark Jones (8 cons, 2 pens)
Betws try scorers: Jonathan Hier (2)
Conversion: Andrew Gosnold (1)

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Manderwood Pembrokeshire League – Division 1 Round-Up

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Merlins Bridge edge Kilgetty in tight encounter

Merlins Bridge leapfrogged Kilgetty into seventh place with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Kingsmoor. Hayden Dimond opened the scoring with a stunning 25-yard free-kick, before Jason Griffiths doubled the lead early in the second half. Kilgetty hit back quickly through Richard Tebbutt, but the Wizards held firm to take all three points.

Swifts see off Carew to climb fourth

Monkton Swifts picked up their tenth win of the season with a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Carew. Connor Davies opened the scoring in the first half, and substitute Jason Finnegan sealed the win late on. Carew remain third from bottom, still in danger as the season nears its conclusion.

Hakin overcome battling Pennar

Hakin United defeated a spirited Pennar Robins side 3-1 at the Obs. Shane Walsh teed up Ashley Bevan for the opener, but Pennar responded through Ben Adams. After the break, Bevan and Liam Parks combined for Hakin’s second, before Parks added a third to secure the win for the Vikings.

Tenby strike late to beat Tish

Tenby claimed a dramatic 2-1 win over St Ishmaels at the Clicketts. Joey Leahy fired the hosts ahead early on, but Tish levelled through Finley Armstrong. The visitors were reduced to ten men late in the game, and in stoppage time Jerome Williams struck the winner. A vital goal in Tenby’s fight for survival – and one that Milford United would have celebrated as the relegation battle intensifies.

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