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All Blacks keep Quins at bay

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NEYLAND sealed a fifth win of the season on Saturday (Feb 17), as they beat Pembroke Dock Quins 36-15 in an entertaining game.

However, the Quins were well in contention for the first hour before falling away in the latter stages, with All Blacks Outside Half Steve Martin pinning them back with some fine tactical kicking.

The Quins with the wind behind them and playing down the slope had hoped for a fast start, but it was the home side who struck first when Steve Martin popped over a simple penalty to put his side in front.

It was soon going to get worse for the Quins when Neyland Flanker Iestyn Evans crossed wide out for Steve Martin to add the extras.

The Quins though were giving their hosts a few problems with some determined running especially Captain Thomas Doyle who was a thorn in the Neyland side all afternoon.

On the half hour the All Blacks struck again when No8 Scott Buirds forced his way over, Steve Martin added the extras to seemingly put the All Blacks in a comfortable position at 17-0.

The Quins simply had to score next and that is exactly what they did when Full Back Liam Hargreaves-Gibson dummied his way over to put the Quins back in contention. Outside Half Lewis Davies just missed the conversion and the half ended with Neyland 17-5 to the good.

The Quins started the second half with the slope and the Wind against them, as well as a 12 point deficit, but it did not prevent them producing their best try of the Season.

No 8 Sam Dolling started it off with a determined run from his own 10yd line before linking with Thomas Doyle and with some fine offloading the Quins finally outflanked the Neyland defence for young Loose Head Prop Jack Brown to crash over in the Corner, Lewis Davies missed the Conversion.

With the score at 17-10 the Quins tails were up, but it was ex-Quins Scrum Half Adam Cawley who sneaked over near the uprights to finish off some All Black pressure, Steve Martin Converted, and with 15 minutes to go things started to look very difficult for the Quins.

With 10 minutes left Scott Buirds added his second try, which went unconverted before the Quins hit back with an unconverted try of their own from replacement Jordan Palmer.

With five minutes left and the score at 29-15 a converted try would have given the Quins two Bonus Points, but with Steve Martin pegging the Quins back with some accurate kicking it became an impossible task.

In the last minute, talented Centre George Williams crossed for a converted try to give the hosts a 36-15 victory.

As for the Quins they can look to the future, the young front row of Tom Clarkson, George Bellmaine and Jack Brown were outstanding as they improve with every game.

Sport

Late Goal Ends Clarby’s Cup Run

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Clarbeston Road’s West Wales Cup run has come to an end, after they conceded a late goal which meant an end to their journey in this cup. As the game entered injury time Evans And Williams substitute Kieran Brown was free in the left hand side of the Clarbeston Road box as he struck an unstoppable effort into the top right corner of Mansell’s net to send the West Wales Premier League outfit through to the next round.

It was a slow start to game as each side struggled with the windy conditions. On 22 minutes the visitors substitute Bruno Forkouh made an instant impact as he broke down the left, drilled the ball across the 6 yard box and Tom Withers unfortunately turned ball into his own net.

Matthew Davies came close for the hosts with a well struck free kick, however it was 1-0 at the oranges.

The hosts came out for the second half on a mission and started well, against the wind. Laurie Howarth put an inviting ball across the visitors goal but there was nobody there to tap it home.

After 65 mins Clarby finally levelled with a well deserved goal. Good build up play ball lead to Matt Ellis putting a lovely ball across the opposition box was turned home by Jake Booth from 8 yards.

However it was heartbreak for the Pembrokeshire side in the last minute when Evans and Williams scored the winner. There was no time for Clarby to fight back this time. A display that demonstrates Matthew Fox’ team can compete with anyone and are a very strong outfit. It’s back to league action next week for Clarbeston Road as they host Kilgetty.

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Rugby Previews 9/12/23

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Last weekend the county’s rugby was victim to the cold weather, with frozen pitches the issue. This weekend we hope waterlogged pitches don’t prevent too many games from going ahead.

We start our preview in the championship where unbeaten Narberth travel to mid table Trebanos. The Otters are In outstanding form and are only a single point behind leaders Brecon who have also won all 9 of their league games so far. A bonus point win will be the Otters focus on Saturday in the Swansea Valley.

A mouthwatering affair in the second division as unbeaten Tenby travel to top of the table St Clears. Tenby have impressed this season so far and are six wins from six. St Clears despite being top have lost two games this season, they’ve played ten games to Tenbys six: the table maybe slightly misleading. Tenby will be under no illusion however that this’ll be an easy game, it’s going to be a tough game between two of the best teams in this division. This is our one to watch this weekend.

Division three west has a few mouthwatering derbies itself. Llangwm travel to St Davids who will be full of confidence following recent results. For that reason Saints go into this one as slight favourites however Llangwm will be confident of brining the points home to the village. Elsewhere Neyland host Pembroke Dock Quins in what’s set to be a passionate and fairly evenly matched affair. It’ll be a day for the forwards Saturday and the battle between these two packs will be key.

Haverfordwest travel to struggling Llanybydder and perhaps an opportunity to rotate a few players. The Blues are strong favourites for this and anything other than a bonus point win would be a shock. Pembroke host high flying Laugharne another very tough game for the Scarlets as they struggle to make their mark on this season so far.

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Spotlight: Herald Sport speaks with referee Marty Jones

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MARTY JONES swapped his boots for the whistle a couple of years ago now and has become a well known referee through the county. With fellow former players Mark Hicks and Mikey John also following in his footsteps this season, we sat down with Marty for an insight into the life of a Pembrokeshire Referee.

Herald – Marty, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. By now you’re a well renowned and respected ref in the county. What inspired you to take up reffing?

Marty – Renowned, maybe, respected ..by most. I love footy and after my playing days I wanted to keep doing something, and reffing seemed the logical step. I had reffed some junior games over the years as my lads played for Hakin youth, and quite enjoyed it, so figured why not? I qualified just before COVID and have done as many games as possible.

Herald – With former team mates Mikey John and Mark Hicks recently following in your footsteps, it’s a good sign for the game. What do you enjoy about being the man in the middle?

Marty – It’s great to see ex players take up the whistle, it’s vital for grassroots that we get new refs, and keep them! No ref, no game and all that. I hope that by seeing the likes of me, Hicksy & Mikey reffing, more players coming to the end of their playing career will think about it. For me I enjoy still being involved with footy on a Saturday (and whatever mid week games there are) and you are kept active and on your toes at all times. For me, it’s just about being involved with grassroots footy. If I could play still, I would, but I’ll ref until I either don’t enjoy it anymore or can’t physically do it.

Herald – Would you say the referees association in the county is in a good place? Attracting former local players is definitely a positive.

Marty – I can only speak as I have found, and the Pembs Refs association has been excellent for me. Loads of experienced heads to ask any questions, no judgements when you mention mistakes made (not that I have of course) and there’s always somebody there who will help. To a man, they are great people.

Herald – I’d like to think refs are given a warm welcome across the county. However are there any grounds in the county where you particularly look forward to visiting?

Marty – Again, only speaking in my experience, I’ve been welcomed at almost every ground. People know I’m not particularly shy, so if there’s a problem I’ll tell people. But, respect works both ways, so I’ve learnt to be more respectful too. For me (and the Hakin fans won’t like this much) Goodwick have always been great, fantastic facilities, always a good crowd and a brilliant pitch.
Fishguard as well, a great club where I get a cuppa at half time and full time so that’s always welcomed, Neyland always a great club as well. It’s unfair to name just a couple because in all my games I’ve only been made to feel unwelcome at one ground (which shall remain nameless at this stage). I don’t ref Hakin games, but obviously The Obs in pre season is my favourite (although maybe not so much when Milford beat them in the Joe Lennon this year).

Herald – Finally have you got any message for anyone considering doing the refs course?

Marty- Yes. If you love football, seriously consider reffing after you’ve played. Pembs League is always in need of more refs, and as players you know how the game works and will likely make a great ref. For younger people, it’s a gateway to a great pastime, something you can make a career out of. 99% of the time it’s brilliant, get yourself on the course and speak to anybody from the Pembs Refs Association and have a chat with them. You need to be a certain type of crazy, but you’ll love it!!

A great insight into local refereeing there from Marty, and if anyone is interested in becoming a referee simply contact Pembrokeshire Referee Association. You’ll be sure to see Marty on a pitch somewhere before Christmas, clubs who don’t supply a ‘cuppa’ at half time now know what’s required of them.

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