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Bridge preserve unbeaten run

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MERLINS Bridge moved up to second in Division 1 as they beat Narberth 2-1 in a game that was over-shadowed by a reckless tackle which sparked a brawl between both sides.

Narberth were coming into this game off the back of their first defeat following an eight game unbeaten run and were keen to get back to winning ways.

The Bridge are also on a good run and are yet to taste defeat so far this season with eight wins and two draws.

The Jesse Road pitch was deemed playable despite early rain throughout the county.

It was Narberth who took the lead early on when they were awarded a penalty and it was Tony Evans who stepped up to score.

The Wizards then equalised midway through the first half as Richard Hughes bundled the ball home.

He could have scored a second moments later when the ball was again played into the box but Richard Hughes could not get enough on the ball as he sent it wide.

Ceri Phillips then played the ball through for Dafydd Wright who went one-on-one with the Bridge keeper but he put his effort over the bar.

There was then a flashpoint in the game as a reckless tackle from Bridge player Matthew D’Ivry saw him catch the Narberth player.

Narberth’s players were unhappy with the challenge and a brawl broke out between both sets of players.

Coaches and subs from each bench had to come on to calm their sides down as referee Paul Rooney called the game off because of what had gone on.

However, both captains persuaded Rooney, who had walked as far as the penalty area, not to call the game off.

After it had all calmed down, Bridge’s D’Ivry was shown a yellow card as was a Narberth player and the game continued.

It remained 1-1 at half time but the game had been overshadowed by the bad-tempered incident.

In the second half it was Will Haworth who put the Wizards ahead with an excellent free kick from 30 yards out.

Narberth had a number of chances to score in the second half but they could not find the net.

The Wizards held on for the victory which moves them to within two points of leaders Goodwick United with both teams having played the same amount of games.

Narberth slip to third following this defeat but they felt hard done by after failing to get something out of the game.

The sides are next in action on Saturday, December 30, when Merlins Bridge are at home to Clarbeston Road, who currently sit fourth in the table.

Narberth are away in their next game as they travel to Angle for a 2:30pm kick off.

Sport

Late Goal Ends Clarby’s Cup Run

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Clarbeston Road’s West Wales Cup run has come to an end, after they conceded a late goal which meant an end to their journey in this cup. As the game entered injury time Evans And Williams substitute Kieran Brown was free in the left hand side of the Clarbeston Road box as he struck an unstoppable effort into the top right corner of Mansell’s net to send the West Wales Premier League outfit through to the next round.

It was a slow start to game as each side struggled with the windy conditions. On 22 minutes the visitors substitute Bruno Forkouh made an instant impact as he broke down the left, drilled the ball across the 6 yard box and Tom Withers unfortunately turned ball into his own net.

Matthew Davies came close for the hosts with a well struck free kick, however it was 1-0 at the oranges.

The hosts came out for the second half on a mission and started well, against the wind. Laurie Howarth put an inviting ball across the visitors goal but there was nobody there to tap it home.

After 65 mins Clarby finally levelled with a well deserved goal. Good build up play ball lead to Matt Ellis putting a lovely ball across the opposition box was turned home by Jake Booth from 8 yards.

However it was heartbreak for the Pembrokeshire side in the last minute when Evans and Williams scored the winner. There was no time for Clarby to fight back this time. A display that demonstrates Matthew Fox’ team can compete with anyone and are a very strong outfit. It’s back to league action next week for Clarbeston Road as they host Kilgetty.

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Sport

Rugby Previews 9/12/23

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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.

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Spotlight: Herald Sport speaks with referee Marty Jones

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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.

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