Sport

Blues hit back to beat Saints

Published

7 years ago

February 19, 2018

HAVERFORDWEST recovered from a poor start in their game with St Davids on Saturday (Feb 17), as they came from behind to record an eighth victory of the season.

As early as the first minute the Blues were on the back foot as a miss-placed pass saw the Saints kick the ball forward and when they caught up with the ball the Blues fouled which gave the visitors an early chance to take the lead.

Matty Mcleod was on kicking duties for the Saints but he sent his kick just wide of the posts.

Moments later, the Saints came forward once more but when a ruck was pulled down illegally, according to the referee, the visitors had a second chance to take the lead.

Mcleod again stepped up but he again sent his kick wide and the score remained 0-0.

The Saints were keeping the pressure on and that led to more Blues infringements before the visitors deservedly took the lead after ten minutes.

From a line out the Saints worked the ball out left and it was Rhys Morgan who powered his way over for the first score of the game.

Mcleod then found his shooting boots to send the conversion through the posts and give the Saints a 7-0 lead.

Try: Rhys Morgan scores the opening try of the game for St Davids

However, almost immediately the hosts were level as a good break by Dan John saw him burst through and go over for a try. Ollie Hughes then scored with the conversion to level the game at 7-7.

Despite being pegged back the Saints continued to play well and even stole a line out from the Blues to set up their own attack.

With twenty minutes on the clock it was the home side who took the lead as good play from Hughes found Rhys Baker who went over in the right hand corner.

Hughes then converted from right out on the touchline to give the home side a 14-7 lead.

Early Blues infringements then came back as Dave O’Leary was yellow carded giving the Saints a man advantage for ten minutes.

They were unable to make their advantage count and it was the Blues who looked the more likely to score as the half came to a close.

A third score before the break would have been harsh on St Davids and it almost came but the referee called a forward pass when Josh Atherton appeared to be free.

That meant it was 14-7 at half time and the Saints were still very much in the game.

It was the Blues who started the second half better and they were rewarded when Hughes went over for a try of his own which he also converted to make it 21-7.

The Saints continued to have good spells in the game but were unable to find a way through as the Blues infringements of the first half seemed to disappear from their game.

The home side also came close to a fourth try which would have given them a bonus point but they were denied by a great tackle and the score stayed the same.

It was a great performance by the Saints and if they continue to play the way they did in the first half, positive results will soon come their way.

The teams must now wait for their next game due to the Six Nations but they return to action on Saturday, March 3, when the Saints are at home to Laugharne and Haverfordwest are at home to new league leaders Pembroke.

Related Topics:Haverfordwest League 3 West A Rugby St Davids

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Carew 16–0 Herbrandston
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Clarbeston Road 5–2 St Ishmaels
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Monkton Swifts 1–4 Hakin United
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Milford United 2–2 Pennar Robins
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Crymych 19 – Llanelli Wanderers 33
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Crymych’s hooker Lee Griffiths scored two tries in the first half, and a late penalty try offered some consolation. The Wanderers, under Sean Gale’s guidance, proved dominant with tries from Rhydian Morgan, Lewis Jones, Rhodri Owens, and Sam Icke. Jones contributed two conversions and three penalties, keeping the Wanderers in contention at the top of the table. Crymych remain in a relegation battle.

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Pontarddulais 17 – Tenby United 26
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Lloyd Thomas played a pivotal role, kicking four penalties and converting tries by Gwion Jones and Rob Luly. Acting skipper Jones shone with an individual effort. Pontarddulais responded with tries from Ethan Miles, Lewis Edwards, and Iwan Evans. Tenby stay second in the league with a game in hand over leaders Aberystwyth.

Division Two (West)

Whitland 13 – Fishguard & Goodwick 10
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Rhys Nicholas turned the game in Whitland’s favor with a crucial intercept try, converted by Thomas. Although Mark Jones briefly leveled the scores, Fuller’s decisive penalty secured Whitland’s fourth win of the season.

Carmarthen Athletic 23 – Milford Haven 10
Carmarthen Athletic overturned a halftime deficit to claim a solid home win over Milford Haven. The Mariners led 10-6 at the break, thanks to Robbie Jones’s converted try and a James Trueman penalty.

The Athletic surged back with 17 unanswered points, including tries from Gethin Phillips, Morgan Morse, and Deian Morgan. Zak Williams added the conversions and penalties to seal the victory. Milford missed out on a losing bonus point in their fourth defeat of the season.

Division Three (West)

Cefneithin 16 – Cardigan 29
Cardigan continued their strong form with a bonus-point win over Cefneithin. The Teifisiders led 15-6 at halftime, with Marcus Castle and Shaun Leonard crossing the try line. Leonard was instrumental, adding another try and three conversions.

John Lumb and Jack Taylor scored second-half tries as Cardigan capitalized on excellent possession. Cefneithin fought back with a try by Jonathan Morgan and three penalties from Carwyn Evans but fell short.

Division Four (West)

Llanybydder 17 – Neyland 43
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Young winger Josh Watts added two second-half tries. Llanybydder responded with tries from Jake Evans, Dan Davies, and Dan Jones, converted by Ethan Sion Mathias, but Neyland’s dominance was unshaken as they returned to the top of the table.

Teirw Crymych 17 – St Davids 17
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St Davids stormed back with tries by Will James and Tom Clarke, before George Raymond’s late try leveled the scores. The conversion went wide, leaving both teams to share the points.

Dreigiau Emlyn 14 – Narberth Athletic 3
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Llangwm 17 – Pembroke 22
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Llangwm opened strongly, with James Morgan and Dan Richards scoring tries, both converted by Harry Makepeace. Pembroke’s forwards turned the tide, with Jamie Brayford (2), Robin Badham, and Josh Greenwood crossing the line. Despite Llangwm’s late efforts, Pembroke extended their winning streak to three matches.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Vikings triumph over Port Talbot panthers

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE VIKINGS faced a tough challenge against the formidable Port Talbot Panthers at Milford Haven RFC on Sunday afternoon. In a fiercely contested battle, the Vikings emerged as worthy winners with a final score of 33-17.

The Vikings’ try scorers included Dave Roberts, Karl Bate, Shaun Treadwell, Richard Williams, and Jack Elliott. Callum Power added to the scoreboard with four successful conversions. Karl Bate’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

A special mention goes to Sean Phillips, who made a welcome return to the team. Phillips delivered a brilliant 30-metre line break, unselfishly passing the ball to Dave Roberts, who crossed under the posts. His contribution exemplified the team spirit that defines the Vikings.

Matches between the Vikings and the Panthers are always marked by fierce rivalry, but also by strong friendships forged on and off the field. The team eagerly anticipates the return fixture in 2025.

The Vikings also extended their gratitude to Barry from Pembrokeshire College, a loyal supporter of the team. Additionally, thanks were given to sponsors Austwel LTD, Hedley Asset Management, and The Pembrokeshire Herald for their ongoing support.

Next match: A historic showdown

This Saturday, the Pembrokeshire Vikings will travel to Llandaff RFC to make history in a match against Rygbi Senedd Cymru. The team looks forward to another thrilling encounter as they continue their successful season.