Sport
Wanderers walloping of Crymych marred after fracas
By Jonathan Twigg
THE WRU National leagues have copped some criticism since its inception in 1995, although this game in the shadow of Stradey Park, previous home of the Scarlets, showed the raw side of Club rugby at its uncompromising best and unfortunately its worst on Saturday (Jan 20).
Llanelli Wanderers emerged 44-12 victors over Crymych as both sides saw it as a crunch relegation encounter, the first at the ground since the renovation work undertaken by the community club.
The game was marred when Crymych prop Jason Nicholls took a punch when exposed in the scrum in the final minute and resulted in a trip to Morriston hospital where he was diagnosed with a fractured eye socket, nose and cheekbone.
Both sides entered the fixture with players associated to their respective clubs; no permits, no dual registration which were not normally selected and both came to play the conditions set before them at the ‘Ranch’. It was Crymych who took on the challenge of playing against the wind and the slope, finding the tenacity of home flanker Steffan Tafetsauffer, No 8 Nicky Harries and scum half Josh Weeds difficult to deal with in the opening exchanges.
The visitors lost influential scrum half Jonathan Rogers at the end of the first quarter, which was pointless despite continual penalties awarded by Cwmtwrch based referee Efryn Morris-Roberts to the home side through the ten and twelve channels. Morris Roberts, originally from Bala and teaching in Ystradgynlais was frim in his opinions as the underfoot conditions played their part. He didn’t endear himself to the visiting support who question those marginal decisions vociferously and as the game wore on perhaps with tinted spectacles.
Outside half Jonathan George eventually landed a penalty after 22 minutes from in front of the posts to open the home sides account, which spurred the visiting ‘mountain men’ into action. Replacement scrum half Gareth Davies was a livewire and chose to take a quick tap penalty thirty metres from the Wanderers try line, feeding second row Rhys Davies who combined with flanker Aled Harries to send outside half Jake Jenkins the ball.
He drew in centres Carwyn and Ifan Phillips to make ground with ball in hand allowing No. 8 Guto Davies to pounce for the games opening try, converted by outside centre Ifan Phillips.
Crymych were on top at this stage, the home side reduced to 14 men after Harries was deemed to have overstepped the tolerance level of Morris Roberts, which allowed the visitors to secure a second try. Scrum half Davies once again took a quick penalty finding the try scorer Davies close at hand. Jenkins and the Phillips’s boys in midfield created space for full back Tomos Phillips who glided over unopposed for an unconverted try.
What epitomises club rugby best is the ability to expect the unexpected and on small decisions much wider consequences occur. As the half ended the Crymych forwards, minus teenage hooker Lee Griffiths who had been injured five minutes before lost possession when they should have put the ball clear of the touchline.
Photo by Darren Harries
The resultant turnover led to a penalty and the games second yellow card when flanker Sion collella trudged off for handling in the ruck.
Front ball to skipper James Bannister led to a drive down towards the new changing quarters, with replacement Ben Phillips touching down for an un converted try, as George effort clipped the upright for the second time in the half and 12-10 scoreline in favour of Crymych.
Replacement back row dynamo Zak France-Miller started the second period well carrying the ball, linking with his scrum half as their side tried to absorb the loss of Collella.
However, France -Miller saw his pass intercepted seven minutes into the half, which allowed centre Rhydian Morgan to scoot into the corner under pressure for an unconverted try. The Maroon shirted home side were on the charge as Bannisters second row colleague Ben Williams trampled 20 metres towards the line which put Morgan in for his second try of the afternoon, again unconverted by George.
The yellow card against Crymych had yielded three tries and fifteen points but perhaps most importantly the games and possibly Division 1 West survival in the Wanderers favour.
Crymych had lost their way, playing unstructured rugby at a tempo not suited to their game meaning they were losing the close quarter exchanges drawing incandescent commentary from diehard followers.
The home pack were buoyant with ball in hand and destructive in defence stopping the visitors in their tracks, ensuring they played the game deep in Crymych territory.
Last years Divisional runners up plundered in for their bonus point try from scrum half Josh Weeds after George had booted a penalty and Morris-Roberts reversed a free kick for back chat. Full back Lloyd Thomas crossed to finish a flowing handling move and George converted whilst also crossing the whitewash to make his travel from Cardiff worthwhile.
Flanker Sianco Morgan and man of the match Morgan crossed, the later completing a try hat trick which suggested the Max Boyce ballad relating to Morgan the Moon.
The Wanderers equivalent would have been atop of Pen Waun Twmpath after the game, 502 feet above sea level, bathed in white light and chewing a stick of Porthcawl rock. Toasted at the Ranch by Bethania and his colleagues with copious amounts of the local ale, Morgan’s team now stand 14 points clear of their opponents having lost just a single game since November 4, although a dark cloud may be hovering because of the Nicholls rumble.
They head across the Loughor bridge to tackle Gorseinon on Saturday (Jan 27); meanwhile Crymych must forget their WRU National Bowl quarter final at home to Ystalafera in March and reflect on their indiscipline as another crunch relegation fixture looms high when last seasons Division 1 West champions Kidwelly make an appearance at Parc Lloyd Thomas.
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY lifted the FAW Youth Cup for the first time in their history with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Caernarfon Town at Park Avenue in Aberystwyth.
All three goals came during a thrilling first half, with strong travelling support from both sides helping to create an electric atmosphere.
The Bluebirds started brightly and opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Ashley Watkins delivered a pinpoint free-kick from the right, and 17-year-old Dylan Maguire rose highest to head home his first goal for the club.
Caernarfon hit back just four minutes later. The ball dropped to skipper Osian Evans on the right-hand side of the box, and he produced a stunning half-volley that beat Corey Mathias at the near post.
But Haverfordwest struck again on the stroke of half-time. Sammie Vaughan-Harries, who had been a constant threat throughout the first period, fired home in stoppage time to restore the lead for Ceri Phillips’ side.
Despite a spirited second-half performance from Caernarfon, the Bluebirds dug deep and held firm. They even had chances to extend their lead, with Cameron Cridland and Dan John both going close.
Speaking after the match, coach Ceri Phillips said: “I’m delighted. We had to ride our luck at times, but that’s what you need in big games. Full credit to Caernarfon – they made it tough – but our lads stood up and gave everything. I’m incredibly proud.”
Captain Dan John added: “Everyone gave 100% – we asked for that and the boys delivered. Caernarfon are no pushovers, but we worked harder and stuck together. When you play with lads you’re willing to suffer for, it means so much more. We fought for each other and that made the difference.”
BLUEBIRDS striker and captain Dan John is relishing the chance to lead Haverfordwest County’s Development team in the FAW Youth Cup final this Sunday (April 6), as they take on Caernarfon Town at Park Avenue.
John, who has netted an impressive 39 goals in all competitions this season, says the squad is determined to seize the moment and create history by winning the trophy for the first time.
The final follows a dramatic semi-final win over Newtown, which the Bluebirds edged on penalties.
‘We’re ready for it’
“I know everyone’s really looking forward to it – it’s a massive occasion,” said John. “We’ve got a couple of training sessions to prepare and I know all the boys are excited. Hopefully we’ll be ready for Sunday.”
Leading by example
Having been handed the captain’s armband for the first time this season, John said: “It’s a huge honour to lead this team, especially in a game like this. I always try to lead by example, and I know the lads are all pushing for high standards. It means a lot to be captain of this group.”
Goal machine in top form
Reflecting on his prolific form, John credited those around him. “I’ve had great service from our midfield and defenders. Being around the first team has pushed my standards. I’ve worked with Owain [Jones] in pre-season, and that’s really helped too. Once you get one goal, the confidence grows.”
History in their sights
With last season’s league title already under their belts, John says there’s a hunger to add more silverware.
“Winning the league was massive, but this is something we’ve never done before as a club,” he said. “It would mean so much to win this final – I just love winning, and doing it with Haverfordwest would be amazing.”
Expecting a tough test
Looking ahead to Sunday’s opponents, he added: “Caernarfon look like a hardworking team, so we know it’ll be a battle. But Tony [Pennock] always tells us to focus on what’s in our dressing room – and I know we’ve got quality. It’s all about how we prepare and show up on the day.”
Final word
“For me, it’s a privilege to represent Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire at this level. Not everyone gets to play in a Youth Cup final – so we’ve got to make the most of it and show how much it means.”
Youth Cup Final
Haverfordwest County vs Caernarfon Town
Sunday, 6 April – Park Avenue
(Pics: Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Bowen family pride as Sean and James compete at Aintree
TWO Pembrokeshire brothers – Sean and James Bowen – lined up in Saturday’s (Apr 5) Grand National, continuing their family’s deep-rooted legacy in British horse racing.
Sean, 27, and James, 22, are the sons of veteran Letterston trainer Peter Bowen, a well-known figure in Welsh racing circles. Both jockeys have made names for themselves on the national stage, and their participation in the world’s most famous steeplechase marked a proud moment for the local community.
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 5, 2025
Nick Rockett wins the Randox Grand National!
Sean Bowen rode Three Card Brag for Gordon Elliott and finished a respectable 11th. Remarkably, Sean has achieved racing success despite being allergic to horses – a condition that causes sneezing and watery eyes whenever he’s in the saddle for too long. In an interview with The Telegraph, he explained: “It’s just something I’ve had to get on with… If I have a long day in the saddle I’ll feel it.”
Sean’s grit and determination have paid off. He notched his 1,000th career win earlier this year and was crowned 2023-24 Champion Jockey, despite an injury scare in January. He’s no stranger to big days either, having won the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in 2019.
His younger brother James Bowen rode Chantry House and came in 16th. James, a rising star in his own right, recently rode two winners at Warwick in a single day and is known for his calm tactical riding style. The brothers have often credited their father Peter for instilling in them a strong work ethic and passion for the sport from a young age.
Saturday’s race was a historic one, as trainer Willie Mullins secured a 1-2-3 finish. The 2025 Grand National winner was Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins at odds of 33/1. Defending champion I Am Maximus came second, and Grangeclare West finished third.
The top five finishers were:
- Nick Rockett (33/1)
- I Am Maximus (7/1)
- Grangeclare West (33/1)
- Iroko (13/2)
- Meetingofthewaters (20/1)
While victory eluded the Bowen brothers this time, their presence at Aintree reinforces Pembrokeshire’s strong connection to the racing world – and the enduring legacy of the Bowen name in the sport.
Cover image: Sean with his brother, James, who came in 16th on board Chantry House in the National (Credit: PA/David Davies)
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