Sport
Otters topple the leaders

NARBERTH superbly toppled Championship leaders Cardiff Met on Saturday (Oct 27) as they came away with a 16-13 victory.
The game started with Cardiff Met kicking off with the advantage of a strong, cold wind behind them playing towards the clubhouse end. Initially they pinned the Otters in their own half but were slowly being driven back with the Otters forwards in groups of three forcing their way forward and successfully retaining possession.
Jonathan Rogers playing his first game after a foot injury produced one of his cannonball kicks well into the Met half near their 22. The ball was fielded but the Otters were able to force the Met defender into touch. From the lineout, the Otters moved the ball through the threes, from the stand side into midfield before the referee awarded them a penalty. Nick Gale came forward and struck the ball perfectly to send the ball soaring between the posts giving the Otters an early lead.
The Met kicked off, which was fielded via Dan Smith, he passed to Jonathan Rogers, the fly half produced one of his long passes out to centre Jack Price who was able to take the ball forward into Met’s 22 in inimitable forceful way before being brought to ground. From the breakdown the Otters pack drove forward before the ball landed in touch on the Redstone side of the ground on the 5 metre line.
The referee awarded a scrum from the lineout but the Otters were penalised for supposedly pushing before the ball was put in. This enabled the Met to kick the ball just into the Otters half with the oters being penalised. Their fly half kicked the ball into the Otters 22. The fast backs followed up but the Otters forced the ball into touch.
From the lineout, the Met set up a rolling maul which the Otters pack expertly managed to halt with the referee awarding the Otters a scrum enabling scrum half Lewys Gibby to kick over the Met players heads.
Forced to retreat, the Met then regained the ball and scored a good try near the clubhouse corner having moved the ball quickly from the far side and managing to create a gap in the Otters sturdy defence, for their inside centre Jack Wright to break clear via a sudden gap appearing and touch down. Fly half Henry Johnson converted to take Cardiff Met into the lead, 3-7 on twenty minutes.
The Otters kicked off and in the ensuing play were awarded a scrum. The pack showed their control pushing the Met backwards forcing the Met to concede a penalty. Jonathon Rogers then kicked and gained the lineout.
From the lineout the Otters threes took the ball into the Met 22 and from the moved the ball from left to right, then switching back towards the far side. The referee awarded the Otters pack a scrum and who again showed their superiority in the tight causing the Met to concede another penalty.
Again Nick Gale came forward and with much concentration struck the ball between the posts bringing the score to 6-7 on 27 minutes.
From the restart Richard Rees fielded and drove forward followed by a series of drives, by the Otters pack with Cardiff Met defending strongly. However, the series of ruck and drive forced the Met back to the halfway line before offending, the referee awarding the Met a scrum. This had to be reset with the Otters forcing the Met eight back as the eight Otters scrummed strongly. The sloppy heel by the Met resulted in outside centre Jack Price putting in a grubber kick along the ground.
The continued pressure forced the Met player into touch. At the lineout, Met managed to spoil the throw in, gained possession 10 metres inside the Otters half before a series of quick passing movements.
They moved the ball back and fore across the pitch before a gap appeared and the burly centre Oliver Morris showed surprising speed as he raced towards the line before Andrew Cook made a try saving tackle just one metre from the try line. The referee awarded the Otters a penalty at the breakdown which Jonathan Rogers safely found touch to relieve the pressure.
Play continued with both teams attempting to break through. The Met were awarded a scrum, heeling they kicked the ball into touch with the referee whistling half time with the score at 6-7.
In the second half the Otters were given a penalty after the Met were penalised for illegal crossing and they kicked to touch. At the lineout a Cardiff Met misdemeanour gave the Otters a scrum, then heeling the ball, it was moved swiftly only for the left wing to fail to take the pass with a strong possibility of a try being possible.
Play continued back and fore with both teams attempting to advance but being thwarted by both defences. Cardiff Met were penalised on 53 minutes just inside the Otters half. Jonathan Rogers kicked towards the clubhouse corner finding touch some fifteen metres from the line.
The Otters safely caught the throw in and set up a rolling maul moving to within five metres of the line number 8 Richard Rees broke clear and crossed over for a try towards the clubhouse corner. Nick Gale converted from a difficult position putting the Otters ahead 13-7.
Play continued and on 60 minutes Cardiff Met were awarded a penalty some 40 metres from the posts towards the far touchline. Using a torpedo style placement of the ball Henry Johnson added 3 points for the Met. The score was now 13-10.
Young Lewys Gibby who had performed well at scrum half was replaced by the experienced Rhys Lane and Bradley Davies replaced Dan Jacobs in the front row. Play continued with both teams attempting to make progress but both defences remained firm.
The scrummaging became a contest with the referee having to reset the scrum on occasions. The Otters were penalised and Henry Johnson kicked to half way, Jonathan Rogers gathered and this time the ball was carried by the wind over the dead ball line, a scrum was called near halfway with a Met put in, they heeled but at a subsequent ruck they were penalised.
At 71 minutes Nick Gale added three further points bring the Otters to a 16-10 lead. From the kick off the Met responded strongly managing to get to within 30 metres of the Otters try line via penalty kick. At the lineout they attempted to move towards the line but again the Otters defended strongly before managing to clear however, following a knock on, they were penalised.
Cardiff Met decided to run and force their way forward but at the breakdown the Otters gained the ball, Rhys Lane passed to Johnathan Rogers kicked long to the Cardiff Met 5 metre line. The Otters gained the ball at the lineout and forced their way forward for Rhys Lane to break out but was pulled down 2 metres from the line. Jack Price receiving the ball from the ruck attempted to force his way over but there was an infringement at the breakdown.
Then the pack were required to scrummage, the referee needed to reset the scrum. Cardiff Met had the put in heeled and forced their back down field to the halfway line. Further play took them to with 40 metres. The Otters were penalised and the last score of the game came when Johnson using his torpedo kick placed the ball between the posts on 79 minutes and right on 80 minutes the referee blew full time with the score 16-13.
Attack coach Deiniol Evans commented: “It was a very tight game against a very tough unbeaten Cardiff side, so it was nice for us to win. It was a tough game which could have gone either way. Our performance was excellent, I thought we played really well with some very good performances, the front five of the pack were superb again, the set piece was excellent.
“The boys carried hard Andrew Cooke played well, Richard Rees was excellent and Jack Price in the centre was very good. I think it was a really good result because they were unbeaten. We played well to our game plan. We should have scored a couple of tries, we could not do it first half and defended really well and fully deserved the win.”
Sport
Wales name team for Italy clash in Six Nations

WALES head coach Warren Gatland has named his team for the second round of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations, where they will face Italy at Stadio Olimpico, Rome, on Saturday (Feb 8) at 2:15pm GMT. The match will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.
Taulupe Faletau returns at No. 8, making his first appearance since Wales’ 43-19 win over Georgia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He joins captain Jac Morgan (openside flanker) and James Botham (blindside flanker) in the back row.
Eddie James will make his Six Nations debut, starting in the midfield alongside Nick Tompkins. Hooker Evan Lloyd and tighthead prop Henry Thomas earn their second Test starts, with Gareth Thomas at loosehead.
Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins continue their second-row partnership, while Tomos Williams (scrum-half) and Ben Thomas (fly-half) retain their half-back roles.
The back three remains unchanged, with wings Josh Adams and Tom Rogers joining fullback Liam Williams.
Wales bench options
Among the replacements, Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, and Aaron Wainwright provide cover for the forwards. Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, and Blair Murray are the replacement backs.
Gatland said: “This has been an important week of preparation with a lot of hard work in training. We want to be accurate and disciplined on Saturday, ensuring our execution and game management are at a high level.
“Italy are a quality side with physical players, and we are looking forward to a strong contest. The squad is excited for the challenge.”
Wales team v Italy
15. Liam Williams (Saracens – 93 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 6 caps)
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 39 caps)
12. Eddie James (Scarlets – 3 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 60 caps)
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 8 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 60 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 36 caps)
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets – 5 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 37 caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 20 caps)
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 19 caps) – captain
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 104 caps)
Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons – 52 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 50 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 11 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 2 caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 53 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 6 caps)
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 1 cap)
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 4 caps)
2025 Guinness Six Nations fixtures
Friday (Jan 31): France 43-0 Wales
Stade de France, Paris
Saturday (Feb 8): Italy v Wales
Stadio Olimpico, Rome (KO 2:15pm GMT)
Saturday (Feb 22): Wales v Ireland
Principality Stadium, Cardiff (KO 2:15pm GMT)
Saturday (Mar 8): Scotland v Wales
Murrayfield, Edinburgh (KO 4:45pm GMT)
Saturday (Mar 15): Wales v England
Principality Stadium, Cardiff (KO 4:45pm GMT)
Sport
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1: Weekend Round-Up

Tough basement derby at Marble Hall
Milford United 0 – St Ishmaels 0
A fiercely contested relegation battle at Marble Hall ended in a goalless draw as Milford United and St Ishmaels fought for crucial points in their fight for survival. While neither side found the net, the match was anything but dull, with intense physical battles and a flurry of bookings keeping referee Sean O’Connor busy.
O’Connor issued an astonishing 11 yellow cards as both teams pushed the limits in a high-tempo clash. Despite the aggressive nature of the game, no players saw red, underlining the combative but disciplined approach from both sides.
The point could prove vital in the battle to avoid the drop, with St Ishmaels remaining second from bottom and Milford United just one place above them. With Herbrandston already preparing for life in Division 2 next season, the relegation fight now looks set to be a three-way tussle between Tish, Milford, and Bridge.
Milford United Line-Up:
Charlie Malloy, Curtis Davies, Sam Davies, Will Goodall, Scott Griffiths (C), Ieuan Rutherford, Rhys Brawn, Jack Dyer, Joey Jones, Scott Reid, Liam Davies.
Subs: Tommy Powles, Alex Ouzman, Anthony Hubbock.
St Ishmaels Line-Up:
Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrie, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald, Tyler Sheil, Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Thomas Williams, Nathan Thomas.
Subs: Dylan Ninnis, Daniel Coe.
Referee: Sean O’Connor.
Herbie improve but fall to Clarby Road
Herbrandston 0 – Clarbeston Road 3
Herbrandston produced an improved performance but were ultimately overpowered by a clinical Clarbeston Road side, who secured a convincing 3-0 victory.
Clarby took control early, racing into a commanding first-half lead. Star striker Sam Hurton struck twice in quick succession before setting up Jake Wesley for a third goal just before halftime. Despite struggling for form this season, Herbie tightened up in the second half and prevented further damage, with manager Leigh Galdo’s side showing greater resilience after the break.
Hurton had the chance to complete his hat-trick late on but missed an 88th-minute penalty. However, the damage had already been done, and Clarbeston Road comfortably saw out the win to continue their strong campaign.
Herbrandston Line-Up:
Adrian Rees, Thomas Richardson, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Matthew Jones, Scott Gillespie, Caian Hughes, Adam Whatling, Aeron Hughes, Liam Harries, Archie MacCallum (C).
Subs: Daniel Kilgallon, Thomas Philpot, Leo Duncan.
Clarbeston Road Line-Up:
Ryan Mansell, Josh Wood (C), Llywelyn George, Travis Jones, Sam Hurton, Liam James, Jake Booth, Matthew Davies, Rhys Lloyd-Roberts, Jake Wesley, Laurie Haworth.
Subs: Steffan Thomas, Matthew Davies.
Sport
The Division Four (West) A – Rugby roundup

Saints Clinch Johnny James Cup with Double Victory
Llangwm 13 – St Davids 20
ST DAVIDS secured a hard-fought double over rivals Llangwm, winning both the league fixture and the prestigious Johnny James Memorial Cup at a packed Pill Parks. Having claimed a 31-18 victory earlier in the season, The Saints took a 15-8 lead into halftime before sealing the win with a late try.
Llangwm, bolstered by the debut of former Pembroke lock Craig Williamson, fought back with a penalty and a 64th-minute try but fell short. St Davids’ defensive resilience proved decisive, with Nathan Foster lifting the cup at the final whistle.
Scorers:
- Llangwm: Tries – Rhys Llewellyn, Andrew Evans; Pen – Breig Matthews.
- St Davids: Tries – Rhys Price, Morgan Griffiths, George Raymond; Con – Bob Froy; Pen – Bob Froy.
- Man of the Match: Llangwm – Breig Matthews; St Davids – George Raymond.
Dreigiau Emlyn Snatch Victory in Thriller
Dreigiau Emlyn 25 – Pembroke 24
DREIGIAU EMLYN edged a dramatic contest at Ddol Wiber, securing a narrow one-point win over Pembroke. The Scarlets had taken the reverse fixture 36-32 and looked set for a double, leading 19-8 at halftime. However, The Dragons mounted a spirited comeback with well-worked tries and dominance at the breakdown.
Pembroke, who had been on a seven-match winning streak, took home two bonus points but were hampered by uncontested scrums after an Emlyn injury.
Scorers:
- Pembroke: Tries – Dai Rogers, Barry Alderman-John, Rhodri Williams, Evan Davies; Cons – Jared Sherratt (2).
Bulls and Quins Share the Spoils
Teirw Crymych 17 – Pembroke Dock Harlequins 17
TEIRW CRYMYCH and Pembroke Dock Harlequins could not be separated at Parc Lloyd Thomas, battling to a 17-17 draw in a hard-fought contest. Both sides produced strong defensive efforts, with well-executed tries ensuring a share of the points.
Llanybydder Unable to Raise a Team
Llanybydder P – Narberth Athletic P
LLANYBYDDER were unable to field a team, resulting in a postponed fixture.
Mariners Sail into Plate Semi-Finals
Milford Haven 28 – Neyland 17
MILFORD HAVEN booked their place in the Pembrokeshire KO Cup Plate semi-finals with a commanding 28-17 victory over Neyland at The Obs. The Mariners stormed to a 21-0 halftime lead with three converted tries before Neyland mounted a spirited second-half comeback.
Two converted tries and a penalty saw Neyland close the gap, but Milford struck late with a fourth converted try to secure the win.
Scorers:
- Milford Haven: Tries – Aaron Mayne, James Trueman, Robbie Jones, Dan McClelland; Cons – James Trueman (4).
- Neyland: Tries – Ben Williams, Iestyn Evans; Cons – George Evans (2); Pen – George Evans.
Despite the defeat, Neyland received a boost as their closest challengers dropped points, keeping them two points clear at the top of Division Four (West) with three games in hand.
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