Sport

Wales open 6 Nations with emphatic victory over Scotland

Published

7 years ago

February 6, 2018

WALES defeated Scotland 34-7 on Saturday (Feb 3) at the Principality Stadium with ten Scarlets in the starting line-up, plus former Pontyberem winger Josh Adams, now the Aviva Premiership top scorer for Worcester Warriors.

With the stadium roof closed it encapsulated a cauldron of emotion as the Natwest Six Nations championship got under way, with ten year old chorister Heddwin York, of Blaenavon Male Voice Choir leading the pre match build up. Later on the same day another son of Pontyberem was setting a championship record, with Nigel Owens referring his eighteenth game, at the Stade de France when Ireland came calling.

Winning the toss Scotland’s ‘Scarlet’ John Barclay got Finn Russell to kick off towards the City End and Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones sailed high to secure the ball, all before opposite number Jonny Gray had a barn storming 30 metre gallop and the afternoons tempo was set, with both Adams and fellow winger Steff Evans taking opportunities to run with ball in hand.

Not one person missed the tumultuous opening by perishing in the queues outside the ground, witnessing the opening try after five minutes; scrum half Gareth Davies intercepted a long pass and raced 70 meters towards the River Taf End to score wide out, full back Leigh Halfpenny converted.

Flanker Aaron Shingler set up a scintillating attack from the restart, featuring prop Rob Evans and Evans, who failed to catch a difficult pass from Skipper Jones with the try line at his mercy beneath the posts.

The Wales scrum won a free kick, opted for another scrum, outside half Rhys Patchell nearly reached the promised land before play swung back across the theatre of dreams and Halfpenny converted his own touchdown after 12 minutes.

Dream rugby or a defence coaches’ nightmare? Both sides played exhilarating rugby with ball in hand, as somewhere amongst this fantastic ‘hymn’ that the full house of 74,169 spectators enjoyed, a settling influence was needed.

Centres Hadeligh Parkes and Scott Williams brought that mantra to the ‘Dragons’ play, through their tackling which impacted on the Scarlets ‘front row’ of Evans, hooker Ken Owens and Samson Lee to turn the coal face red.

Having played just 25% of the game in the Scottish half coach Warren Gatland’s side built a more stable platform through phased play, nullifying Scottish momentum and hearts as they won turnover penalties.

Shingler was a key target in the lineout as the ‘Evans’ boys featured in beating despairing tackles. Halftime came and went with Wales driving forward through diminutive scrum half Davies, securing an early penalty which Halfpenny slotted over for three points.

Four Men Aloud had returned to the pitch for half time entertainment but the sweetest battle cry came from Shingler, the Hendy back row man secured a penalty on the halfway line, which the Gorseinon born kicker chalked up with confidence.

Max Boyce couldn’t have written bards to describe the expressive serenading from the stands to match the play, the Scottish talisman Stuart Hogg without influence as his peers made error after error. That ‘mould of solid gold, that once made Barry John’ hasn’t broken after all and the tint upon the flowing locks of Patchell shone as the outside half dictated play with speed, vision, kicks and tricks.

The game entered the final quarter with the Men of Harlech now dominating possession and territory and Patchells dart for the line saw Evans flick the ball to Halfpenny who crossed for his second converted try.

The flower of Scotland had wilted, the closed roof restricting their water of life as new breath revitalised the Dragons lungs, replacement hooker Wyn Jones plunge for the line ruled out by the TMO.

Aled Davies came on for his sixth cap, replacing his Scarlet team mate to feed the scrum and watch as it destroyed the now demoralised visiting pack with such ferocity it set the stadium alarms ringing towards heaven. Man of the match Shingler straightened the line with eight minutes left, Parkes made ground strongly and the flying Evans, back after an enforced lay off was airborne on the touch line to one handily place the ball for the bonus point converted try.

‘Feed me till I want no more’ was the cry from a baying Welsh crowd although Gatland et al were happy to take the Bread from Heaven to Twickenham next week. The ‘Prophet Max’ composed suitable vitriol decades before, to be retold with vigour by the travelling congregation heading to HQ on Saturday (Feb 10).

This game ended 34-7, replacement Pete Horne crossed for the Russell to convert after the Scott’s picked up a consolation score for their endeavours driving around the fringes, the customary handshakes occurred a minute later as Hadleigh put the ball off the Park and Wales took the spoils, bonus point included.

The players had made a statement, to those who had prophesied pre-match but more importantly to the ‘Great Redeemer’ whose well-trodden path around Jordon and intrinsic belief in them was justly rewarded.

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Tenby station rebranded as ‘Home of Long Course Weekend’ in sustainable travel push

Published

11 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Herald Sport

Sporting event teams up with Transport for Wales to promote greener travel and boost local economy

TENBY Railway Station has been officially rebranded as The Home of Long Course Weekend in a new partnership between Transport for Wales (TfW) and the internationally renowned endurance festival.

The move is part of Long Course Weekend’s wider Sustainability Strategy, aimed at encouraging athletes, families and spectators to travel to Tenby by train—not only for the event itself but also for training breaks and year-round holidays in one of the UK’s most picturesque regions.

Launched in Tenby in 2010, Long Course Weekend has grown into a global phenomenon with editions in New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Mallorca and Yorkshire. Despite its international expansion, the event’s roots remain firmly in Wales, drawing over 50,000 visitors to Pembrokeshire each year and generating more than 160,000 bed nights annually—contributing millions to the local economy.

Now in its 15th year, the event is reaffirming its local commitment by transforming Tenby’s railway station into a branded celebration of sport, sustainability and community pride. The initiative comes as Transport for Wales increases services to the coastal town for the summer season.

Matthew Evans, founder of Long Course Weekend, said: “It’s incredible to see how far LCW has come, but Tenby is—and always will be—our first home. Partnering with TfW helps us open the door to a more sustainable future, inviting athletes, families and visitors to arrive in style while reducing their environmental impact. The increased train services this summer are fantastic for Tenby and for Pembrokeshire’s ambition to be a global leader in sustainable tourism.”

Victoria Leyshon, Partnership Marketing Manager at Transport for Wales, added:
“We’re thrilled to work with LCW to celebrate what makes Wales special—from world-class sporting events to stunning destinations like Tenby. By encouraging rail travel, we’re supporting a cleaner, greener Wales and welcoming thousands to an iconic coastal location.”

Tenby Mayor David Morgan welcomed the initiative, saying: “It’s great to see the strides made by Long Course Weekend and Transport for Wales—from the new station branding to the real improvements in local transport. Most importantly, the increased train services over the summer will benefit both visitors and the people who live here. We’re looking forward to another brilliant event.”

Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall added: “We are delighted to see LCW and TfW promoting sustainable travel for athletes year-round. It’s exactly the kind of forward-thinking partnership we should be celebrating.”

More than a station makeover, the project represents a gateway to Wales and a call to explore its landscapes—anchored in community, sport and sustainability.

Sport

Welsh Star Jack Wilson Ready to Inspire at British & Irish

Published

13 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Herald Sport

Para Badminton International in Cardiff this Summer

WITH one month to go until the British & Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff, Welsh athlete Jack Wilson is preparing to take centre stage – not just to win, but to inspire.

Jack Wilson (age 30) from Wrexham, who competes in the SU5 category for athletes with upper limb impairments, has become a powerful voice in para sport. He is currently the only Welsh athlete on the GB para-badminton programme, and he will be one of seven GB athletes taking part in the British & Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff this July.

Wilson, who also studied and lived in Cardiff, has Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games in his sight. He also hopes his journey to being a world class para-badminton player will show others what’s possible. He was one of the first Welsh para-athletes to break into able-bodied national tournaments, challenging perceptions and proving that disability doesn’t limit ambition.

“I grew up in a small village just outside Wrexham and didn’t really see anyone who looked like me doing sport,” Wilson says. “But I never saw myself as different—just someone who loved to play. Sport gave me confidence, and badminton gave me purpose. People often think para sport is just a version of something else, but we train just as hard, compete just as fiercely, and dream just as big. Being able to do that in front of a home crowd in Cardiff? That will be special.”

The British & Irish Para Badminton International, taking place from 22–26 July at the Sport Wales National Centre, is the biggest para badminton event ever held in Wales. It will bring together elite players from across the world as part of the official BWF Para Badminton World Circuit.

The event is made possible with the support of UK Sport and the Welsh Government, reinforcing Wales’ growing reputation as a hub for high-performance sport. Their backing along with Sport Wales, Disability Sport Wales and Yonex, will ensure the tournament will provide world-class facilities and opportunities for para-athletes while inspiring the next generation of players in Wales and beyond.

Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “The Welsh Government is delighted to support the British and Irish Para Badminton International, and to welcome world-class athletes to Wales. We are fully committed to ensuring that Wales has sporting opportunities for everyone, and we know that the event will inspire people from across Wales and the world.”

Wilson hopes the event will give greater visibility to the sport and increase participation in para badminton across the UK: “If there’s one person watching in the crowd or online who thinks, ‘Hey, maybe I can try this,’ then it’s all worth it. Para badminton changed my life. I want more people to know it’s out there. You just have to take that first step. And if I can help someone take it—then I’m doing my job.”

Wilson is calling on the public to show up, support, and get involved. Whether it’s watching world-class matches, volunteering at the event, or picking up a racket for the first time.

Tickets for the event cost between £1.00 and £5.00. Volunteers are also welcomed. For more information visit the Badminton Wales website: https://badminton.wales/british-irish-para-badminton-international-2025/

To find your local badminton club, and for more information visit Get Involved on the Badminton Wales website: https://badminton.wales/get-involved/

News

Welsh football fever arrives in Tenby and Carmarthen as giant Cymru shirt rolls into town

Published

14 hours ago

June 23, 2025

Herald Sport

TENBY and CARMARTHEN welcomed a unique celebration of Welsh women’s football this week, as the Ein Crys Cymru tour brought a giant inflatable national team shirt to town in the build-up to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 tournament.

The giant red jersey—bearing the names of Wales’ Euro squad—was on display in Tenby Harbour on Sunday (June 22), attracting crowds throughout the day. Locals and tourists alike took the chance to pose for photos, record good luck messages, and get involved in football-themed activities for all ages.

The event, organised by the Football Association of Wales, is part of a nationwide tour celebrating Cymru’s historic qualification for this summer’s Euros in Switzerland. For many fans in Pembrokeshire, it was a rare opportunity to take part in a national football campaign close to home.

On Monday (June 23), the tour continued to Guildhall Square in Carmarthen, where Dyfed-Powys Police officers (PCSOs 8011 and 8134) were on hand to support the team’s message of unity and pride. Schools, youth clubs and families came together under the sun to show support for the players heading to the tournament next month.

Tour celebrates progress and pride

The Ein Crys Cymru tour began on June 19 beneath Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and is visiting 12 locations across Wales in the run-up to the squad’s opening match against the Netherlands on July 5. The shirt not only honours the current players, but also represents a turning point—just a few years ago, the women’s team played in ill-fitting men’s kits, without their names.

Now, they travel to Switzerland with national backing, bespoke kits, and growing recognition.

FAW officials say the tour is designed to “inspire a nation” and build support from the grassroots level up. Children in Tenby and Carmarthen were given free Euro 2025 wall planners, while local girls’ football teams joined in mini games and drills.

Where to see it next

The shirt is on display in Swansea today (June 24), with further stops planned across the country, including:

June 25 – Caernarfon
June 26 – Llandudno
June 27 – Wrexham
June 29 – Merthyr Tydfil
July 1 – Newport
July 5 – Cardiff Castle (finale)

Support continues to grow

With the Euros just around the corner, support for the Cymru squad is building across Wales. The Ein Crys Cymru tour is making sure no corner of the country is left out—and Pembrokeshire was proud to play its part.

For more information or to follow the shirt’s journey, visit: www.faw.cymru