Blues stay second in Division 3 West as United snatch late bonus point

HAVERFORDWEST strengthened their promotion push with a hard-fought 29-22 win at Cwmamman Park, ending Amman United’s four-match unbeaten run — though the hosts had the final say with a dramatic injury-time penalty try.

The Blues crossed five times in a clinical display that keeps them second in Division 3 West, but they were pushed all the way by a determined Amman side who dominated large spells of territory and possession.

There was no score for the opening 20 minutes before outside-half Iestyn Griffiths broke the deadlock with a superb 45-metre penalty. Amman looked the sharper side early on, with Owain Brayley, Shaun Watkins, Caian Francis and Cian Lewis busy in attack, while Alun Lewis impressed in both defence and support play. Centres Dylan Lloyds and Luc Rees combined well to keep the visitors under pressure.

However, a quick line-out misfired and Haverfordwest punished the error. Griffiths was caught under pressure, possession was turned over and Adam Phillips finished out wide for the visitors’ opening try.

Scrum-half Lee Evans nudged United back in front with a penalty on the half-hour, but Haverfordwest responded before the break. A well-judged kick ahead unsettled the home defence and scrum-half Liam Eaton reacted quickest to touch down for a 12-6 half-time lead.

Griffiths reduced the gap early in the second half with another booming penalty, but the Blues looked dangerous every time they attacked. Wing Isaac Kelso-Jones crossed wide out to extend the lead before Griffiths once again kept Amman in touch with a long-range effort.

Despite enjoying periods of possession, the hosts lacked a cutting edge at crucial moments. Haverfordwest made their pressure count when Scott Candler went over for the bonus-point try.

Late substitutions, including Craig Price and Amman Youth product Aled Davies, added fresh energy, and another huge Griffiths penalty narrowed the deficit to 22-15. With seven minutes remaining, flanker Ioan Hartridge-Jones crossed to seemingly settle the contest at 29-15.

But Amman refused to fold. Sustained late pressure forced a flurry of yellow cards, and deep into injury time a dominant scrum earned a penalty try, securing a deserved losing bonus point despite being outscored five tries to one.

Amman now face three successive away fixtures, starting at Neyland this Saturday, followed by trips to Cardigan and high-flying Tumble.

WALES’ Six Nations campaign is facing an unexpected off-field challenge, with thousands of seats still empty for upcoming home fixtures at Cardiff’s 74,000-capacity Principality Stadium.

Figures from the Welsh Rugby Union ticketing platform show significant availability remains for all three remaining championship games in the capital. The shortfall is most noticeable for March’s meeting with Italy, while seats are also still on sale for clashes with France and Scotland.

For a tournament traditionally regarded as the crown jewel of the Welsh sporting calendar, such availability is unusual. Home internationals in Cardiff have long been considered near-guaranteed sell-outs.\

Grassroots clubs counting the cost

Several community clubs allocated ticket packages are now scrambling to avoid financial losses.

Some club officials have taken to social media to try to shift surplus tickets. Others say they are facing invoices for thousands of pounds despite not selling their full allocations.

One grassroots representative told The Herald that unsold tickets could leave his club thousands of pounds out of pocket — a significant blow for volunteer-run organisations already balancing tight budgets.

Matchday prices range broadly depending on seating category, with some fans questioning whether the cost of attending still represents value for money.

Performance and politics

On-field struggles have coincided with uncertainty off it.

Wales endured a prolonged losing streak before breaking the run last summer and have not lifted the Six Nations title since 2023. A heavy opening defeat in this year’s championship has done little to restore confidence among supporters.

Away from results, tensions remain over the future structure of the professional regional game, with debate continuing about funding, governance and the long-term direction of Welsh rugby.

Sports economist Calvin Jones said sustained under-capacity crowds would be concerning, noting that international gate receipts form a major part of the sport’s financial model in Wales.

“The stadium is critical to the game’s financial health,” he has previously warned. “If reduced attendances became a trend rather than a one-off, that would raise serious questions.”

WRU confident of late surge

The Welsh Rugby Union insists supporter loyalty remains strong and says sales have accelerated since the tournament began.

Officials point to changing purchasing habits, with more fans buying closer to matchday rather than months in advance.

They remain confident that the atmosphere in Cardiff will remain vibrant when France visit, with hopes that traditional matchday traditions — from the anthem to the post-match celebrations — will continue to draw supporters through the gates.

Lowest crowds?

Historically, Six Nations matches in Cardiff have rarely dipped far below capacity. The lowest attendance in the tournament at the Principality Stadium came against Italy in 2002, while recent fixtures have generally drawn well over 60,000 spectators.

Whether the current dip reflects temporary frustration or a deeper shift in supporter behaviour may become clearer by the end of the championship.

For now, Welsh rugby finds itself fighting for momentum — both on the pitch and in the stands.

Athletic XV head coach remembered as ‘one of life’s genuinely good people’ as fixtures postponed in tribute

TENBY UNITED RFC is mourning the sudden death of Athletic XV head coach Tim Poole, a well-known and much-loved figure in Pembrokeshire and Welsh grassroots rugby.

The club confirmed earlier this week that Tim had passed away unexpectedly, prompting an outpouring of tributes from players, coaches and clubs across the region.

A long-time supporter and member of Tenby United RFC, Tim stepped into the Athletic XV head coach role last summer when the side entered the league. Club officials said he was “immensely proud” to be part of the Seasiders and quickly became a central figure in the team’s development.

Known for his approachable manner and constant smile, Tim earned respect not only for his coaching but for the time he gave to others.

Alongside his work on the pitch, he delivered Level 1 coaching courses, safeguarding sessions and first aid training, supporting volunteers and players both within Tenby and across the wider rugby community. Many credited him with helping to strengthen grassroots rugby throughout the county.

In a statement, the club said it had been “inundated with tributes and condolences”, describing the response as a reflection of “how many people he supported and inspired”.

Club representatives added: “Tim was a true rugby man, always to be seen with a smile on his face and he had time for everyone. He was one of life’s genuinely good people and will be dearly missed.”

As a mark of respect, senior fixtures scheduled for this weekend against Burry Port and St Davids have been postponed, with both visiting clubs thanked for their understanding.

The club said its thoughts are with Tim’s family and friends at this difficult time, sending particular condolences to Julie, Bethany and Joe.

Rest in peace, Tim.