Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

Blues hit back to beat Saints

Published

on

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.

Sport

Henri Cynwyl claims podium in Wigan rally

Published

on

Cardigan teenager secures second place in F1000 Junior battle

CARDIGAN rally talent Henri Cynwyl secured a well-earned second place at the Compbrake Motorsport Stages in Wigan over the weekend, in a tightly fought contest between the top three F1000 Junior drivers.

The 16-year-old Pembrokeshire College student, competing with co-driver Geraint Evans from north Wales, took to the track in his Citroën C1 against 12 other juniors under bright northern skies. Despite the circuit’s go-kart-style layout not playing to the car’s strengths, Henri put in a strong and consistent performance across the 12 two-mile stages.

“It was more of a go-kart track, which didn’t really suit the car that much,” said Henri. “But it was great to get seat time and earn more points for the overall British Championship. Any experience behind the wheel is invaluable, and I’m really grateful to my sponsors for making it possible.”

Henri, who works as an apprentice at DJ Hoyland Electricians in Cardigan, is part of the Teifi Valley Motor Club and currently leads the F1000 Junior Championship standings. With six rounds remaining—including a double-header in Scotland this July—the championship remains wide open, with drop scores and new venues adding to the challenge.

His mother, Anwen, praised the spirit of the event: “He drove well all day, and his times were consistent throughout. The young drivers all support each other—it’s like one big family. The parents all pitch in with food and drink, offering advice and encouragement. There aren’t many clubs or sports where you see that kind of camaraderie and sportsmanship. We’re lucky to be part of the F1000 community.”

As the season continues, all eyes will be on Henri to see if he can hold his lead and take the title in what promises to be a thrilling finish.

Continue Reading

Sport

Manager reflects on unity, discipline, and a season built on belief

Published

on

IN the days leading up to Sunday’s play-off final, Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock said one thing clearly: “The boys are looking forward to it and will be up for the challenge.”

He wasn’t wrong.

While supporters rightly celebrate a 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town and the return of European football to the club, it’s worth remembering that this moment was forged not in 90 minutes, but across a season built on togetherness, hard graft, and quiet conviction.

Pennock, reflecting before the final, pointed to signs he’d seen as early as last June.

“From the first session up at the Racecourse, then the beach the following week, you just saw a group that really wanted to work hard for each other,” he said.

That unity has defined the Bluebirds’ campaign. They achieved a club-record 51 points and finished with the best defensive record in the Cymru Premier — conceding just 26 goals in 32 games. It was a season not of flashy wins, but of collective discipline, focus, and belief.

And while Haverfordwest’s third-place finish guaranteed them a home final, it also meant an unusually long layoff — nearly four weeks without competitive football. For some, that might have spelled rust or lost momentum. For Pennock, it was opportunity.

“The break has given us a chance to get a few of the injured boys back fit,” he said on Friday. “No excuses from us — the boys are ready.”

Sunday’s performance proved that readiness, not just in energy but in character. It was a composed display from a squad that knew what was at stake and trusted in the process that had brought them this far.

Behind the scenes, there was also a challenge: keeping the squad focused and mentally prepared during the long wait. “Whatever happened in the previous 32 games doesn’t matter anymore,” Pennock said. “It’s all about Sunday.”

With the job now done and European qualification secured for the second year running, attention turns to logistics, the UEFA draw, and the question of whether Haverfordwest will again have to play at Cardiff City Stadium due to ground regulations.

But for now, the focus remains on a season that delivered on its promise — and on a manager who asked for belief and got it in return.

Photo caption: Stronger together: Haverfordwest’s season success rooted in unity and belief (Pic: HCAFC)

Cover photo by Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW

Continue Reading

Sport

Bluebirds beat Caernarfon Town 3–1 to book place in UEFA Europa Conference League

Published

on

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will once again fly the flag for Pembrokeshire in Europe after a thrilling 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town in the JD Cymru Premier European play-off final on Sunday (May 18).

In front of a passionate home crowd of 1,717 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, the Bluebirds produced a composed and clinical performance to book their place in the First Qualifying Round of the 2025–26 UEFA Europa Conference League.

Ben Ahmun opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute with a composed finish, before Dan Hawkins doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark. Ahmun sealed the victory with his second of the afternoon in the 85th minute, rounding off a memorable display.

Caernarfon pulled one back deep into injury time through Louis Lloyd (90+4), but it was too little, too late for the visitors, as Haverfordwest celebrated back-to-back European qualifications — a historic achievement for the Pembrokeshire club.

This result means Haverfordwest will enter the UEFA Conference League at the First Qualifying Round, with the draw expected in mid-June and matches scheduled for July.

It continues an impressive rise for the club, who last summer thrilled supporters across Wales with their dramatic European ties against Shkëndija of North Macedonia, narrowly exiting the competition on penalties after a heroic second-leg performance in Cardiff.

The win also cements Haverfordwest’s growing reputation as a force in domestic Welsh football — with a strong squad, local support, and the experience of last year’s European campaign to build on.

Full-time: Haverfordwest County 3–1 Caernarfon Town

Scorers:

Haverfordwest – Ahmun (17, 85), Hawkins (32)

Caernarfon – Lloyd (90+4)

Attendance: 1,717

Venue: Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest

Competition: JD Cymru Premier European Play-Off Final

Photo caption:

Bluebirds flying high: Haverfordwest players celebrate after qualifying for Europe (Pic: HCAFC)

Continue Reading

News8 hours ago

Warning after near-miss with tanker in Milford Haven waterway

Port Authority issues safety alert to leisure boat users following dangerous manoeuvres THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has issued a...

Crime8 hours ago

Two men bailed by police following sudden death in Pembroke Dock

Investigation continues after person dies at Glenview Avenue property TWO men arrested following a sudden death at a property in...

News19 hours ago

Lifeboat crew welcomed with bacon rolls after saving sailor off Grassholm

Angle crew rescue exhausted sailor in early hours ANGLE RNLI lifeboat crew were paged in the early hours of Wednesday...

Crime2 days ago

Death at Pembroke Dock property sparks police probe – arrests made

Three in custody on suspicion of Class A drug supply following incident A HEAVY police presence was seen on Glenview...

Education2 days ago

Council shifts stance after backlash over Welsh education survey

New pledge to gather school choice data from all parents — not just those choosing Welsh-medium education PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL...

News2 days ago

Natural Resources Wales criticised over incident response cuts, closures and tax blunder

NRW accused of risking long-term damage to Welsh environment A SENEDD committee has issued a scathing report on Natural Resources...

Charity3 days ago

Angle lifeboat crew respond to three callouts in just twelve hours

More than eleven hours at sea for volunteer RNLI team ANGLE RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat crew were launched three times within...

Community3 days ago

Plans for ‘alien’ Tenby harbour gate refused after outcry

COUNCIL plans for ‘alien’ and ‘industrial’ metal gates to prevent vehicle entry on to Tenby’s iconic harbour have been refused...

Sport4 days ago

Bluebirds beat Caernarfon Town 3–1 to book place in UEFA Europa Conference League

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will once again fly the flag for Pembrokeshire in Europe after a thrilling 3–1 win over Caernarfon...

Community5 days ago

Paddle-out protest sees 200 take to the water in Broad Haven

National day of action calls out sewage pollution across the UK BROAD HAVEN was the scene of a dramatic demonstration...

Popular This Week