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Pembrokeshire claim Wynne Lloyd Final victory

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THE Wynne Lloyd Inter-District Youth Cup Final went the way of Pembrokeshire who beat Ceredigion 36-28 in a thrilling game at Parc Y Scarlets on Sunday (May 20).

It was first blood to Pembrokeshire who scored the opening try of the game through Jack Tucker but the conversion was wide.

Ceredigion then answered back as Iestyn Evans scored the try before Dylan Morgan added the extras to put Ceredigion 7-5 ahead.

The action was back and forth and Pembrokeshire soon went back ahead as Gino Setaro (Whitland) scored and Dan Evans added the extra two points.

Pembrokeshire began to pull away as Jack Broadhurst (Narberth) scored their third try of the game with the conversion going in off the post from Evans.

Geraint Powell (Narberth) then increased Pembrokeshire’s lead with Evans again sending the conversion through the posts to give his side a 26-7 half time lead.

Ceredigion fought back at the beginning of the second half as Iwan Bowden scored the try and Dylan Morgan added the extras.

Morgan then scored a try of his own and converted to bring Ceredigion back to within five points with the score at 26-21.

They then took the lead as Dylan Davies scored the try that brought them level and Dylan Evans then added the extra two points giving Ceredigion a 28-26 lead.

Whitland’s Dan Evans put the Pembrokeshire side back ahead with a penalty from 40 metres out and they led by a single point with time running out.

As Ceredigion pushed for a late try that would have seen them claim victory, it was Pembrokeshire who got the final score of the game as Prop Cole Barry (Haverfordwest), who had been on the field for eighty minutes, went over for the try and Evans put the seal on the victory with another conversion.

Nigel Owens was the man in the middle for the game and afterwards he Tweeted: “A pleasure to referee Ceredigion Yth 28 v Pembrokeshire Yth 36. Top quality game of rugby with some class players on both sides. Well done all, a credit to rugby.”

Also running the line were Pembrokeshire’s Thomas Carew and Ross Grieve.

Tom told the Herald: “It was such a surreal experience. Being a referee was something that I’ve always wanted to do, even from a young age. To be involved in the game on Sunday was a dream come true and I cherished every moment of it.

“Nigel Owens has always been like a hero to me, I can’t remember a time where he wasn’t. I’ve always looked up to him and aspired to do what he does week in week out. What he has achieved makes him a superb role model for not only referees but for everyone.

“So to have the chance to not only meet him but to also run the line for him was an experience that I never would have expected to happen to me. Sunday will be a day that I won’t forget in a long time!”

Ceredigion Coach Justin Lloyd said: “It was a great occasion to be a part of for Ceredigion as we’ve only been set up for a few years and we’ve done really well to get to the final.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game against a strong Pembrokeshire side but I am super proud of the performance.

“Any neutrals who were watching the game would have seen a game played in Scarlets style. Both teams weren’t afraid to take any risks.”

Pembrokeshire coach Kenny Davies added: “It was a hell of a game of rugby and a great advert for west Wales rugby. Playing at Parc Y Scarlets with Nigel Owens being the referee made it an excellrnt occasion for all involved.

“We started the game well and were leading 26-7 at half time but they came back into it to lead. We then had a 40metre penalty from Whitland’s Dan Evans and we finished strongly to win it.

“Thanks to everyone involved, including Ceredigion, and I hope the players got a lot out of it”.

Photos by Darren Harries

Sport

Stunning start to the EPCR Challenge Cup 2024/25 season

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THE OPENING weekend of the 2024/25 EPCR Challenge Cup delivered thrilling rugby action, with standout performances and record-breaking moments across the competition. Fans were treated to a feast of tries, dramatic plays, and individual brilliance as Europe’s elite club teams clashed in the first round.

Top performers steal the show

Several players etched their names into the headlines with eye-catching performances:

  • Luke Matkava of Black Lion was a master off the tee, notching up an impressive 17 points, making him the weekend’s top scorer.
  • Lucas Martin of Aviron Bayonnais led the charge with 22 carries, showcasing his relentless drive on the field.
  • Nadir Megdoud, also from Aviron Bayonnais, dazzled defenders, beating 21 players—more than anyone else in Round 1.
  • Jac Price of the Scarlets proved to be a defensive powerhouse, making a tournament-high 26 tackles.

Key stats and records

The opening round saw 49 tries scored and an impressive 384 points racked up across all matches. Among the key highlights:

  • Connacht’s Chay Mullins delivered the only hattrick of the round, marking a dream debut.
  • Antoine Aucagne of USAP scored the quickest try of the weekend, touching down just two minutes into their clash with the Toyota Cheetahs.
  • Gloucester Rugby’s Seb Blake claimed the season’s first try in their match against Edinburgh Rugby, crossing the line at the 10-minute mark.

A weekend to remember

Jeandre Rudolph of Toyota Cheetahs showed versatility, making seven dominant carries, securing four turnovers, and scoring a try in a commanding display. Meanwhile, Scarlets’ duo Jac Price and Alex Craig led defensive efforts, with Price topping the tackles chart and Craig closely behind with 24.

The weekend opened with a nail-biting encounter between Dragons RFC and Montpellier Hérault Rugby, where Aurelian Barreau scored the tournament’s first points via an early penalty.

A promising start

The EPCR Challenge Cup continues to unite teams from the Gallagher Premiership, TOP14, and United Rugby Championship, offering a stage for unforgettable rugby moments. The Principality Stadium in Cardiff is set to host the finals weekend in May, promising an electric atmosphere for fans.

With such an explosive start, rugby enthusiasts can look forward to more drama and excitement as the tournament progresses. For detailed results, updated pools, and more, visit the EPCR Challenge Cup website.

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Sport

Ospreys v Emirates Lions match relocated to Parc y Scarlets due to storm

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THE HIGHLY anticipated Ospreys v Emirates Lions match in the EPCR Challenge Cup has been moved to Parc y Scarlets after Storm Darragh caused structural damage to the Swansea.com Stadium. The fixture, originally scheduled at the Swansea venue, will still take place on Sunday, December 8, with a 3:15pm kick-off.

Following extensive consultations with EPCR, alternative venues such as St Helen’s and the Dunraven Brewery Field were considered. However, Parc y Scarlets was chosen as the best option, ensuring both player safety and supporter welfare.

In a joint statement, Ospreys and EPCR expressed gratitude to the Scarlets for their swift cooperation in accommodating the match at short notice. “We are incredibly thankful for the Scarlets’ support during this unexpected situation,” the statement read.

The change of venue does not alter the match schedule, and arrangements for ticket and hospitality transfers are being finalised. Supporters are advised to await further updates regarding these details. The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports, SuperSport, and FloRugby.

An EPCR spokesperson added: “We appreciate the understanding of fans during this unforeseen change. We look forward to an exciting game at Parc y Scarlets.”

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Sport

All football in Wales postponed as Storm Darragh threatens severe disruption

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THE FAW has announced the postponement of all football matches scheduled for Saturday, December 7, as Storm Darragh is set to bring life-threatening conditions to the country.

The decision follows a rare red weather warning issued by the Met Office, forecasting winds of up to 90mph and heavy rainfall across Wales and parts of southwestern England. This is the first red alert since Storm Isha in January, with forecasters warning of extensive disruption, including potential damage to buildings, power outages, and severe flooding.

An FAW spokesperson said:
“The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.

“It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury, and the Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.

“Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences.”

Precautions and ongoing assessments

The FAW confirmed that matches scheduled for Friday, December 6, and Sunday, December 8, will be reviewed individually, depending on league policies and updated weather conditions.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for rain in Wales from 3:00pm today until midday tomorrow, alongside two amber warnings for wind on Saturday. Rhondda Cynon Taf, where severe flooding affected between 200 and 300 properties during Storm Bert last month, is among the areas bracing for renewed challenges.

Residents are urged to prepare for potential disruptions and stay informed of weather updates. Storm Darragh’s impact is expected to be one of the most severe weather events in recent months, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety advisories.

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