Sport
Fishguard fall short at The Moor
A MONUMENTAL effort by the Fishguard forwards on the Moors in the several minutes of overtime on Saturday (Feb 17) failed to secure a bonus point for the home side as promotion chasing Pontarddulais took a maximum five points from their 28-20 victory.
The silver streaked No. 8 Simon James claimed a try, his second of the game as the Seagulls never say die attitude epitomised the battle scars of Luke Harding, whose life was remembered with an impeccable minute’s silence for ‘The Gambler’ before kick off.
Luke, since his diagnosis of lung cancer 16 months ago had fought on the coal face every step of the way, raising more than £30,000 for Withybush Hospital but succumbed when his skills were required elsewhere and he knew ‘when he didn’t have the aces’ needed to win the game.
Having secured their third try outside half Kial Keane was unable to convert for the bonus point and referee Darren Randell signalled the end of the Division 2 encounter.
Referee Rendell had irked both sets of supporters during the game, his empathy for the underfoot conditions and numerous marginal decisions on the gain line, perhaps not seen impartially.
The Llanelli butcher did well to keep thirty players on the field as the physical encounter saw several flare ups with handbags flying and his shrill whistle echoing around the Paraddog towards the Irish Sea.
Those final minutes saw Fishguard skipper Kevin Walsh elect for two scrums alongside some tap and goes as the visiting defence, so strong throughout the game overstepped the offside line to ignite the blue touch paper.
The opening score came from teenage Pontardullais scrum half Ethan Dunne who marked his senior debut with a try after nearly twenty minutes.
Fishguard had enjoyed possession and territory in the lead up to the try with scrum half Andrew Williams dynamic before full back Liam Lazarus picked up the loose ball inside his own half, kicked over the top from which Dunne won the foot chase with some neat dribbling skills to tumble across the line.
Lazarus converted as he did for all the visitors four tries, alongside a commanding performance in defence and with ball in hand, comfortable to back his own skills, pace and decision making.
Lazarus wasn’t the only player to show an aptitude for direct running, opposite number Mike Jenkins and winger Sam Kurtz were anything but conservative in their running angles and support play, the hosts having flankers Chris Sousha and Luke Freebury on hand to keep their momentum alive.
Keane landed a penalty for a 7-3 score line before the ‘Bont’ crossed for a second try, Lazurus converting his own touchdown after winger Jared Walters created the space.
Second row Jacob Miles began the second period in a marauding style finding centre Gareth Thomas and outside half George Mbjoma willing ally’s as the ‘Ambers’ took control of the game.
Despite calls for offside at a line out and for a knock on in midfield, Thomas was able to cross for a converted try with six minutes played to extend the lead to 21-3.
Some ferocious and uncompromising tackles in midfield from both sides saw the back rows exchanging pleasantries on the ground, the visitors Rhys Samuel and fellow flanker Dean Courtney on par with James et al.
Winger Thomas George rounded off some excellent team play to reduce the deficit with an unconverted try, where hooker Walsh and fellow front row men Ryan McVeigh and Andrew Morrilo found a second wind, allowing centre Ben John and Narberth’s Dan Birch, on permit for a return to action after a metatarsal injury on the opening day of the season some space to run, with Kurtz crabbing in the background to link the play.
Gethin Williams, Thomas and co centre Paul Geary also took the opportunity to take the game forward, their play creating the bonus point try for No 8. Craig Davies, with replacement prop Andrew Williams of Woodpecker Carpentry a splinter in the home defence with his tenacity.
Fishguard to their credit responded by keeping the ball alive despite the fact second rows Jac and Gwylim Evans had parity in the line out, both involved in the open play with Walsh in gaining hard yards.
James scored the first of his brace, which Keane converted to set up the grandstand overtime finish, where John and Jenkins, alongside McVeigh were in the thick of the action to set up the final try from James.
‘You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away and know when to run; no need to count the money’ at this time, more the blessings and the reflection post-match should be on the future and not the past.
Bill Shankley may not have been right with his ramblings and I’m sure Luke will now have told him, his legacy being one of having that final ace.
The Seagulls will carry that with them to Mumbles on Saturday (Mar 3), as they stand four points clear of relegation whilst Pontarddulais will be geared up for a top of the table encounter when Whitland arrive at Coedback Parc.
Sport
Seasiders dominate in 5-2 win over Swifts
TENBY earned a commanding 5-2 victory against visitors Monkton Swifts at The Clicketts on Saturday (Nov 9). Jerome Williams opened the scoring just ten minutes in, following a well-placed setup from veteran Joe Leahy. Skipper Dan Evans doubled the lead nine minutes later with a stunning 35-yard drive, expertly placing a right-footed shot beyond Monkton’s keeper, Taylor Gullam, who was frequently called into action during a shaky defensive showing by the Swifts.
Williams struck again to put Tenby 3-0 up midway through the first half, but both he and fellow forward Scott Fearney found themselves in the sin bin for ten minutes shortly after. Despite being down to nine men, Tenby maintained control, adjusting their tactics to retain possession. Leahy then scored a spectacular fourth goal, launching a 50-yard chip from just inside the Swifts’ half over the head of a retreating Gullam after receiving a clearance from man of the match Curtis Hurlow.
Monkton struggled to find their rhythm, though central midfielder Gareth Finnegan led a determined push that eventually paid off with a goal eight minutes before halftime. However, Swifts’ efforts were marred by a booking for winger Josh Clarke just before the break for a late challenge.
Fearney added Tenby’s fifth goal ten minutes into the second half, effectively sealing the win. Monkton’s Ryan Hughes managed to pull one back from a scrambled corner with 15 minutes left, bringing the score to 5-2. Both managers, Gareth Noot (Tenby) and Stuart James (Monkton), rotated their squads with substitutions in the closing stages.
Tenby’s centre-half Charlie Gregory was cautioned for a late tackle, and Swifts’ skipper Ben Steele saw time in the sin bin in the final minute. Third-placed Tenby now look forward to hosting Kilgetty next weekend, while the Swifts prepare to welcome title-chasers Hakin United to Monkton Lane.
Sport
Latest Pembrokeshire Second Division football reports
THE latest round of Pembrokeshire Second Division fixtures delivered a series of high-scoring, action-packed matches, with several players seizing the spotlight through remarkable individual performances. Here’s a rundown of the results.
Merlins Bridge II 3-3 Monkton Swifts II
In a hard-fought clash, Merlins Bridge II and Monkton Swifts II ended level at 3-3 in a game that saw both sides push relentlessly for the win. Monkton’s Dyllan Bowen was in formidable form, netting all three of his team’s goals to complete a hat-trick and keep his side in contention. Merlins Bridge II responded with goals from Daniel Pearce, Jack Ashman, and Tom Mezzetta, sharing the scoring duties and ensuring they came away with a well-earned point. Both teams showed resilience and attacking flair, setting a high bar for the rest of the league.
Solva 3-6 Narberth
In another goal-heavy encounter, Narberth came out on top against Solva, winning 6-3. Steffan Williams led the charge for Narberth, recording a brilliant hat-trick to dominate Solva’s defense. His teammate Jordan Williams was close behind, adding a brace to extend Narberth’s lead, while Lewis Bansal contributed with a goal of his own. Solva managed three goals courtesy of Monti Lavin, Josh Bland, and Danny Thomas, but despite their efforts, they struggled to contain Narberth’s relentless attacking unit.
Lawrenny 2-11 Camrose
Camrose produced a clinical display against Lawrenny, storming to an overwhelming 11-2 victory. Jordan Raymond was the standout player, scoring four times and dismantling the Lawrenny defense almost single-handedly. Scott Chalmers added three more, securing his own hat-trick, while Martyn Tweedie contributed with a brace. Joe Haworth also got on the scoresheet, and an own goal added to Lawrenny’s woes. Sam Davies and Owen James managed to score for Lawrenny, but their efforts were only a small consolation in a lopsided match.
Broad Haven 0-7 Hakin United II
Hakin United II showed their class with a dominant 7-0 victory over Broad Haven. Evan Rutherford led the scoring with a hat-trick, tormenting Broad Haven’s defense throughout the match. Corey Riley added two goals, while Tyler Williams and Tom Edmonds each found the net once to cap off a comprehensive team performance. Broad Haven couldn’t find an answer to Hakin’s well-organized attack, leaving them looking for answers after a tough outing.
Sport
This weekend’s Division 4 West rugby roundup
THE latest fixtures in Division 4 West delivered intense clashes, narrow escapes, and exhilarating victories as teams showcased their determination and skill. Here’s a breakdown of the matches and standout moments.
Dreigiau Emlyn 7-10 St Davids
St Davids claimed a narrow 10-7 win over Dreigiau Emlyn in a hard-fought match. Celt Davies put Dreigiau Emlyn on the scoreboard with a try, converted by Llew Morgan. St Davids responded with tries from Ethan Griffiths and Dan Murphy, with Bob Froy converting one. Despite Dreigiau Emlyn’s strong defensive stand, St Davids held on for a slim victory.
Llangwm 23-21 Pembroke Dock
In a thrilling contest, Llangwm edged out Pembroke Dock by just two points, finishing 23-21. George James led Llangwm’s scoring with a try, two conversions, and three penalties. Gethin Thomas added a try, pushing Llangwm into a narrow lead. Pembroke Dock fought back with tries from Harry Owen, Danny Wilkes, and Morgan Rogers, all converted by Ben Hathaway. However, Llangwm’s precise penalty kicks clinched the close contest.
Llanybydder 24-31 Pembroke
Pembroke emerged victorious in a high-scoring 31-24 match against Llanybydder. Llanybydder displayed resilience with tries from Arwel Williams, Matthew Rollings, Ifan Mason-Evans, and Griff Morgans, two of which were converted by Rollings. Pembroke’s offense proved too strong, with tries from Robin Badham, Jack Oliver, Fraser James, Dai Rogers, and Toby Edwards, alongside three conversions by Josh Greenwood. Pembroke’s offensive depth secured the win in this lively encounter.
Neyland 20-23 Narberth Athletic
Narberth Athletic pulled off a close 23-20 victory over Neyland, with Shane Rossiter at the heart of the action, scoring all of Narberth’s points through three tries, two penalties, and a conversion. Neyland responded admirably, with tries from Luke Griffiths-Dawes (2) and Josh Watts, while Oli Rothero added a conversion and a penalty. Rossiter’s consistent performance under pressure proved decisive, securing Narberth Athletic’s hard-earned win.
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