Sport
Pembrokeshire’s Matt kicks up a storm
WELSH Taekwondo champions Lauren Williams and Matt Bush are going for gold at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo next year.
They are among a group of over 1,000 elite athletes in the UK funded by the National Lottery to ensure that they have every chance of realising their full potential.
The Welsh taekwondo champions, along with double Olympic champion Jade Jones, are all currently training full time in hope of being selected to represent Great Britain at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020. National Lottery funding allows them to compete and train full time to the highest international standards.
Matt Bush, 30, from Pembrokeshire became the first British man to claim a title at the World Para-taekwondo championships in Turkey this year and Lauren Williams, 20, from Blackwood, struck gold at the European Championships in 2016.
Both Matt and Lauren train full time at the GB National Taekwondo Centre in Newton Heath, Manchester. The state-of-the-art facility opened in 2016 with the support of National Lottery funding and meets all their training and conditioning needs under one roof. Lauren and Matt are among 19 athletes, including Welsh Taekwondo star Jade Jones, training full time on the World Class Performance Programme.
Matt, who stands at 6ft 5in, said: “I always watched boxing on television when I was growing up but never thought I would actually be able to do it. When I came across martial arts and saw that people were using their legs and elbows, it dawned on me that this was something I might be able to do.
“Although I live in Pembrokeshire, I do the six-hour drive to Manchester so that I can train with the best. In order to progress in the sport, it’s what I’ve had to do. This is my chance to go to Tokyo in 2020 and represent my country and the only outcome for me is to go and come back with a gold medal. The facilities at the GB Taekwondo Centre are incredible and without it, we wouldn’t be here.”
Lauren said: “I started Taekwondo when I was 14 after being inspired by Jade Jones at the 2012 Olympics. My dad decided to apply for me to be part of the Fighting Chance Programme which meant I could transfer the skills I had developed through years of kickboxing. Taekwondo is a tactful sport with a lot going on and has given me a new avenue in hopefully achieving my goals.”
“We usually train five days a week for anything between four to six hours each time. The National Lottery funding means that we have this incredible facility with access to all the best services and medical staff. Before this, we had to train at an Asda warehouse. We’ve come from that to now having world-class facilities. I went to the 2016 Olympics in Rio as a reserve athlete so for me, the big goal is to make it to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.”
Sport
All football in Wales postponed as Storm Darragh threatens severe disruption
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.
Sport
Football: Manderwood Second Division Cup, Round 1 (Nov 30, 2024)
Carew 0 – 7 Neyland
NEYLAND stormed into the next round with an emphatic 7-0 triumph over Carew. Max Bowman-Davies stole the show with a hat-trick, supported by two goals from Alfie Crawford. Joe Gale and Dylan James rounded off the scoring in a match dominated by Neyland from start to finish. Carew struggled to contain their visitors’ relentless attacking display.
Monkton Swifts 3 – 0 Broad Haven
Monkton Swifts advanced comfortably, beating Broad Haven 3-0. Rhys Sture set the tone with an early goal, followed by a strike from Phil John to double the lead. Rudy Poole capped off the win with a penalty, ensuring a clean sheet for the Swifts and a place in the next round.
Fishguard Sports 7 – 0 Solva
Fishguard Sports delivered a commanding performance, crushing Solva 7-0. Ieuan Llewellyn netted twice, while Jack Griffiths, Luke Thomas, Greg Hughes, Anthony Couzens, and Adam Lawrence each added a goal. Solva had no answers to the relentless attack from the home side.
Narberth P-P Johnston
The fixture between Narberth and Johnston was postponed and will be rescheduled.
Sport
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1 Roundup
Goodwick United 7 – Monkton Swifts 2
GOODWICK UNITED extended their lead at the top of the table with a commanding 7-2 victory over Monkton Swifts. Rhys Dalling was the standout performer, netting four goals, including a stunning solo effort to complete his hat-trick. Goodwick led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Kieran Blundell and Rhys Jones. The second half saw an attacking masterclass as Jonny Horgan added two more before Dalling rounded off the scoring. Monkton Swifts managed a brilliant 25-yard strike from Connor Davies but were unable to contend with Goodwick’s relentless firepower.
Clarbeston Road 4 – Carew 4
A dramatic 4-4 draw unfolded as Carew snatched a stoppage-time equaliser at Clarbeston Road. Marcus Griffiths gave Carew an early lead, but Laurie Haworth and Ben John turned the game in favour of the hosts by half-time. Leon Davies’ brace put Carew back in front, but goals from Matthew Davies and a second from Haworth saw the Road edge ahead once more. Zac Rowell salvaged a crucial point for Carew in the dying seconds, lifting them out of the relegation zone in a pulsating encounter.
Hakin United 2 – St Ishmaels 0
Hakin United climbed to second in the standings with a solid 2-0 victory over St Ishmaels. The Vikings took control early, with Ryan Wilson opening the scoring with a spectacular long-range effort. Liam Parks doubled the lead with a close-range finish. Despite dominating the game, Hakin couldn’t extend their advantage further. The result pushed St Ishmaels into the relegation zone after a tough outing.
Pennar Robins 3 – Milford United 1
Pennar Robins overturned a first-half deficit to secure a 3-1 win against Milford United. Milford took the lead just before the break through Jack Dyer, despite Pennar dominating possession. Ben Adams equalised early in the second half, followed by a stunning finish from Cameron Brunton to put the hosts ahead. Luke Phillips sealed the victory with a late penalty. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy put in an impressive display, but his heroics couldn’t prevent the defeat.
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