Sport

Scarlets soar into European Cup Semis

Published

6 years ago

April 3, 2018

By Jonathan Twigg, photos by Darren Harries

SUCH a magnificent occasion on Friday (Mar 30), a Quarter Final of the Heinekein European Cup in the depth of West Wales at Parc Y Scarlets, French giants, metaphorically and physically La Rochelle in town; reminiscent of King William in 1066, to conquer, greeted by a capacity 16,000 natives.

A warm message of welcome from European Rugby’s Chairman Simon Halliday, a flying England winger from the last millennium his roots stretched with longevity to his birth place, Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire.

Like King William, having conquered the struggle for La Rochelle was to consolidate their assets, something they failed to do after securing an early 7-3 lead after six minutes, through a converted try by second row Romain Sazy.

Full back Leigh Halfpenny had struck with not five minutes played, a penalty for offside and reduced the lead a minute after the western based side on the Bay of Biscay’s touchdown, with an immaculate reproduction, this time from just inside his opponent’s half.

The Scarlets are a team of Samson Lees, the props uncompromising style making him a fans favourite, anchoring the choral Hymns and Arias at crescendo level. Prop Uini Atonio was stopped in his tracks likewise number 8 Afa Amosa, the Scarlets also winning the crucial first engagement at the scrum set piece, against a heavyweight eight, looking then to play their open game.

‘Try of the round in this seasons Champions Cup for the Scarlets’ Halliday had pronounced, not once but on two occasions. That is no mean feat looking at the quality on show in this seasons tournament, where Wayne Pivac’s charges have a skills set to crunch the shells of any snail in its way; able to up their game to push unseen boundaries making the Easter date of 2018 on par with 1066 for notability.

The fringes were rough and ready, robust tackling and yardage measured in centimetres on the gain line, drawing a mistake, Halfpenny obliging on 17 minutes for a 9-7 lead. Enter a new gladiator, Pontyberem junior Josh Mcloed to the amphitheatre for an injured Paul Asquith, feeding the crowd their ‘bread of heaven’ destructive if the truck and trailer before them, which would last all through the night.

Second row David Bullring dominated the front of the line out, scrum half Gareth Davies afforded time and space to punctuate holes and Ospreys bound centre Scott Williams darting arrow like after 25 minutes, Welsh international Halfpenny, a former adversary with Toulon, majestic going four from four.

‘Freestyle’ rugby witnessed in the cauldron a throwback to the ‘billy can’ victories over Bath at the Rec and Toulon acted as catalysts, the home side with a full complement internationals back in harness, awash with history from eleven years ago, Munster the fall guys, hooker Ken Owens the only player to have witnessed such an occasion before.

Kiwi centre Hadleigh Parkes couldn’t release a scoring pass as the outside cover closed in the twilight, the crowd aware that the breeze would favour the home side in the second half. Rhys Patchell at outside half was dictating direction as players lay strewn across the hallowed turf, the intensity of the conflict taking its toll, with scrum half Alexi Bales slotting a penalty on the half time whistle, his second successful kick for score of 12-10.

Man of the match Owens, an unbloodied hero took not one step back, leading his forwards into the mix in the second half, Aaron Shingler and Tadgh Beirne standing like beacons atop of Snowdon. Crammed to the rafters, the atmosphere electric the crowd played their part as the visiting juggernaut was stopped in its tracks as the Dragon roared fire. Puff the magic dragon, lived by the sea but in this case, unlike little boys, the Dragon would live long as the air from the Lougor estuary built mountains of men. Halfpenny stretched the lead, centre Arthur Retiere sensing his team needed some gusto cleverly built a pathway to the Scarlets line, as his side searched a first victory away from home in 2018.

The penalty count rose quickly, the Scarlets defence holding firm, as did English referee Luke Pearce issuing warnings as try scorer Sazy catch and drive was stopped, wave after wave of French delivery succumbing and the Scarlets, who released the tension as Davies quick tap and go took play over the halfway line.

‘Escargots’ are usually served as a starter in France and it was the dynamic home back row who broke this snails shell, as the definition suggests ‘eating them alive’ a slow and absorbing feast, garlic emanating from within the broken mollusc.

Expensive these French snails maybe, both as a delicacy where 500,000,000 are consumed annually and from their bank role, which saw centre Pierrre Aguillon and Steve Barry wear their black coloured jersey. Snails, 80% water and 15% protein are easily consumed from the tongue, but beware of a marine cone snail, able to paralyse a fish instantly; a new nickname perhaps for the newest Welsh cap James Davies, Cubby now anything but a young fox, developing a name in his own right.

The final quarter saw Carmarthen Quins former star Dan Jones replace Steff Evans, the back line were ‘mustard’ as the diminutive youngster plays with a Gaelic flamboyance. Beirne set a driving maul from the line out, Parkes made a 20 metre break and Patchell, now at full back strode over before Halfpenny, with no nerves and his side led by twelve points at 22-10.

Beirne was a culprit as the visitors tactics of five metre line outs were stopped illegally, referee Pearce lenient, before heroic defence saw the lines cleared, the crowd restored to full voice. Inexplicably Halfpenny blotted his copybook after Bullring and replacement Werner Kruger dug deep the game in its final throws of glory.

The French side were unable to invade Scarlets territory, Owens and Parkes making headway before McLoed burnt a furrow on the touchline, Williams taking up the mantle, crossing from 25 metres unopposed, Halfpenny resumed normal service and the party in the park bellowed loud and clear.

The final score, at 29-17, a length of the field consolation try from replacement Pierre Boudehent secured the Scarlets place in the European Champions Cup semi-final, as Glynneath’s President Max Boyces signature tune danced the yellow brick road.

Following the other quarter finals, Scarlets will now play Leinster in Dublin’s Aviva stadium on Saturday (April 21), the heart and soul of Llanelli left many a head ‘felinfoel’ the following day. Rest assured, Llanelli and the whole region are ‘quite alright’ as they entertain Glasgow Warriors on Saturday (Apr 7), no thought yet of the semi-final date with destiny.

Related Topics:European Champions Cup Halfpenny La Rochelle Leinster Owens Parc Y Scarlets Patchell Quarter final Scarlets semi-final Williams

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Residents reminded of IRONMAN Wales road restrictions

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IRONMAN Wales returns to Pembrokeshire in just over a week and there will be full and partial road closures in and around the south of the County.

IRONMAN Wales will be held on Sunday, 22^nd September with thousands of athletes from all over the world taking part in a 2.3mile swim, followed by a 112mile bike ride before finishing with a 26.2mile run.

The swim starts at 7.30am and the predicted last finisher time is around 1am the following morning.

Full information outlining road closures and alternative routes available across the course is available on the IRONMAN website (opens in new window) to help residents plan their travel ahead of the event.

The A40 and A477 will remain open and are unaffected to facilitate access east-west throughout the event.

Emergency services will maintain full access.

Due to the road closure it will not be possible for the 387/8 (Coastal Cruiser) bus service to operate on Sunday 22^nd September. The service will operate as normal on Saturday 21^st and Monday 23^rd September.

The bike course closure map (opens in new window) and run course closure map can also be downloaded from ironman.com

There will also be restrictions in Tenby town centre on Saturday 21^st when IRONKIDS from across the county take part in their running races.

A park and ride shuttle bus will be running on Saturday and Sunday from Carew Airfield and Saundersfoot.

If you have any IRONMAN Wales access questions, please contact [email protected] or call 03330 11 66 00 and provide the following details:

Name
Telephone Number
Journey Start Postcode
Journey End Postcode
Time of Departure
Details of Enquiry

Please note the e-mail address will not be monitored on the event weekend so please plan ahead.

Sport

Thrills, spills, and big wins: Pembrokeshire Division Two heats up

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2024

Herald Sport

LAST weekend’s action in Pembrokeshire Division Two delivered an exhilarating mix of high-scoring encounters, closely fought draws, and dominant displays, as the league standings begin to take shape.

Merlin’s Bridge Reserves 3-3 Camrose

The highly anticipated local derby between Merlin’s Bridge Reserves and league leaders Camrose did not disappoint, ending in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Camrose, still unbeaten at the top, looked set to secure the win after a brace from James Williams and a strike from Lewis Watts. But Merlin’s Bridge, determined to salvage a point, fought back through captain Morgan Richards. His two-goal performance, capped by a dramatic last-minute equaliser, ensured the Wizards shared the spoils in this action-packed affair.

Fishguard Sports 2-2 Hakin United Reserves

At Tregroes, Fishguard Sports and Hakin United Reserves played out a hard-fought 2-2 stalemate. Both sides remain unbeaten in a game where neither could find the breakthrough to secure all three points. Hakin’s youthful squad showed resilience, earning a commendable point against the more seasoned Fishguard team. Phil Jones’ men now sit fourth in the standings, while Hakin leapfrog to second.

Narberth 9-0 Lawrenny

Narberth delivered the weekend’s most emphatic result, thrashing newly promoted Lawrenny 9-0 at Jesse Road. Jordan Williams and Steff Williams each netted twice, while substitute Jacob Layfield came off the bench to bag a brace of his own. This devastating performance lifts Narberth to third, while Lawrenny, still without a point, languish at the foot of the table, enduring a tough baptism in Division Two.

Neyland 3-1 Johnston

Neyland secured a solid 3-1 home victory over Johnston, with the visitors still struggling to adapt to life in Division Two following their recent relegation. Johnston, with just one win from four matches, found themselves unable to match Neyland’s composure and quality. The result leaves them in the lower half of the table, while Neyland continue to build momentum.

Solva 6-2 Broad Haven

Solva’s impressive start to the season continued with a commanding 6-2 win over Broad Haven. Following their promotion, Solva have emerged as early dark horses, their strong performances keeping them within touching distance of the top spots. For an in-depth report on this feature match, head to our sports section.

Carew Reserves 3-0 Monkton Swifts Reserves

Carew Reserves finally notched their first win of the season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over an out-of-sorts Monkton Swifts Reserves. Last season’s league champions, Monkton, seem a shadow of their former selves, managing just one win from four outings as they continue to struggle to rediscover last year’s form.

With Camrose setting the early pace and several sides showing potential, Pembrokeshire’s Division Two is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive contest this season. Stay tuned for more twists and turns as the battle for promotion heats up.

Sport

Goals galore and dominant displays in Pembrokeshire’s Division One

Published

4 days ago

September 11, 2024

Herald Sport

THE latest round of Pembrokeshire Division One action saw some thrilling performances, with high-scoring victories and crucial wins that are already shaping the season’s outlook. Here’s a breakdown of all the key moments from the weekend’s fixtures.

Hakin United Make a Statement with 8-0 Win Over Clarbeston Road

Hakin United delivered an emphatic message to the rest of the league as they dismantled last year’s Senior Cup winners, Clarbeston Road, with a staggering 8-0 victory at the Obs. The Vikings were in full control from the first whistle, and their offensive firepower was on full display.

Alfie Stotter was the standout performer, grabbing a hat-trick and establishing himself as a key player for Hakin this season. His clinical finishing and sharp movement were too much for the Clarby defense, who struggled to contain the relentless pressure. This dominant win signals Hakin’s clear intent to challenge for the title this year, as they continue to set the pace at the top.

Carew edge past Merlins Bridge for first win

Carew claimed their first victory of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Merlins Bridge. It was a tightly contested affair, with both sides creating chances, but it was Leon Davies who made the difference for the visitors. His goal proved decisive as Carew held on to secure three valuable points, leaving Merlins Bridge frustrated after failing to find an equalizer.

Milford United cruise past Kilgetty

Milford United secured their second win of the campaign, overcoming Kilgetty 2-0 at Marble Hall. It was a solid performance from the home side, with goals from Parr and Sam Davies sealing the win. Milford looked composed throughout and managed the game well, ensuring Kilgetty left without any reward. The result boosts Milford’s position in the table, as they aim to build momentum early in the season.

Monkton Swifts add to St Ishmaels’ woes

Monkton Swifts piled more misery on a struggling St Ishmaels side, cruising to a 4-1 victory. The win leaves St Ishmaels rooted to the bottom of the table, still without a point this season. Monkton were dominant from the outset and showed no mercy as they took control of the game early on. St Ishmaels will need to find answers quickly if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

Goodwick United secure 2-0 win over Pennar Robins

Goodwick United continued their steady start to the season with a solid 2-0 win over Pennar Robins at Bush Camp, which was our feature match this week. Goodwick looked in control for most of the game and managed to break through the Pennar defense with two well-taken goals. Be sure to check out the full match report on our sports page for a detailed look at how the game unfolded.

Tenby maintain perfect start with 5-0 victory over Herbie

Tenby maintained their perfect start to the season with a commanding 5-0 win over Herbie at the Clicketts. Spencer Williams led the charge with a brace, while Hipkiss and Leahy also got on the scoresheet. Tenby were in full flow, showcasing their attacking prowess and leaving Herbie with no answers. The result leaves Herbie at the bottom of the table without a point, while Tenby sit joint top with a perfect record.