Sport

Quins shut out by Aberaeron

Published

5 years ago

January 30, 2020

IN SPITE of a bright opening against Aberaeron, Quins came unstuck away to the Ceredigion side who turned in a powerful performance.

The first of five tries for the homesters came after 12 minutes.

A series of rolling mauls gained the initial territory and a quick release by Number eight Tudur Jenkins from a five-yard scrum gave scrum-half Gareth James the room to bulldoze over the line.

Aberaeron out-half Rhodri Jenkins missed the conversion but, after their opening score, Aberaeron never looked in trouble

The Quins were up against it, but manfully stuck to the task.

Outstanding young 2nd Row Ben Gibby stole a home line-out on the Quins 25, but the Quins failed to clear their lines.
The Aberaeron pack capitalised on the error and produced a strong display of phase play to work an opening. Full-back Morgan Llewellyn ran on to a perfectly timed pass to score close to the posts.

This time Rhodri Jenkins made no mistake and put Aberaeron into a 12 point lead.

That was the end of the scoring for the first half.

While the Quins tried to assert themselves and make up the deficit, some loose play cost them scoring opportunities. That is not to understate the influence of Aberaeron’s defence, which showed grit and skill in shutting down the visitors’ efforts to squeeze back into the game.

As the second half started, the Quins desperately needed some kind of score.

They started well again but could not penetrate a resolute defence. Rhodri Jenkins’ shrewd kicking game relieved the pressure on Aberaeron and the gains made in territory from the out-half’s boot began to tell.

Aberaeron piled the pressure on through their pack and with thrusting back play from the fringes to gain territory. The Quins repelled any number of efforts before home centre Dafydd Llewelyn managed to squeeze over the line. A shovelled conversion, reminiscent of Scotland number eight Peter Brown, extended the home side’s lead to nineteen points.

Faced with a mountain to climb, the Quins put the pedal to the metal and blazed forward with a series of powerful runs from Dai Moseley, Jack Price, and Hywel Baker. They gave Aberaeron plenty to think about as the Quins’ power and physicality took its toll on the home side.

Against the run of play, the Quins conceded a nightmare try.

Home number ten Rhodri Jenkins spotted a gap in the defence at the halfway line and set off at speed. The Quins missed a series to tackles, an unusual turn of events this season, and Jenkins scythed through to touch down.

The bonus point secure, Aberaeron continued to press against a rugged Quins defence.

With the last move of the match, home number eight Tudor Jenkins scored in the Corner. Rhodri Jenkins missed the Conversion.

The Quins were unlucky to lose by such a wide margin but Aberaeron will now look forward to continuing their scintillating cup run in the WRU Specsavers Cup. First, though, it’s a double-header against local rivals Tregaron.

For the Quins, back-to-back defeats will be hard to take, especially as in both games they had to claw their way back in from poor starts. Their next game isn’t until February 25 at Bierspool, where they will host second-placed St Clears.
Quins Team. Kieron Machin, Jordan Asparassa, Jack Price (Capt), Josh Thomas, Josh Brown, Tyler Castle, Elliot Lewis, Jack Davies, Nick Drewett, Dai Moseley, Ben Gibby, Mark Van Rhyn, Marcus Phillips, Hywel Baker, and Paul Busby.
Replacements: Rhys Marchant, Ben Hathaway, and Martin Culley.

Sport

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

3 hours ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHEN TOWN AFC’s long-serving manager, Mark Aizlewood, has announced that he will not be renewing his contract, marking the end of an era for the club. In a heartfelt statement released on January 14, 2025, Aizlewood revealed this season would be his last at the helm of the Old Gold.

Aizlewood expressed gratitude to the players, staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors, and supporters who have supported him throughout his tenure. “The people of CTFC have made me one of their own,” he said, despite living 60 miles away. He also extended heartfelt thanks to his wife and family for their understanding and unwavering support.

Two decades of success

Aizlewood has been a defining figure in the club’s history, holding a UEFA Pro Licence for over 30 years and leading Carmarthen Town AFC to consistent top-six finishes in the Welsh league, as well as cup victories and European qualifications. “In my 20+ years at the club, these achievements became the norm, and we were at the very top of the football ecosystem in Wales,” Aizlewood remarked.

However, he acknowledged that the current situation at the club has shifted, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not the case any longer. The ship is pointing in the right direction, and the destination is agreed by all, but perhaps now is the right time for a new captain to steer the club along its agreed journey.”

Looking ahead

Aizlewood assured fans he remains passionate about football, declaring he will retain his UEFA Pro Licence and remain involved in the sport. As Carmarthen Town AFC prepares for a new chapter, Aizlewood wished his successor and the club every success in the future.

A legacy of dedication

Mark Aizlewood’s departure signals the end of one of the longest managerial tenures in Welsh football, a career marked by dedication, achievement, and an unyielding love for the game. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Carmarthen Town AFC.

The search for a new manager begins as the club aims to build on Aizlewood’s formidable achievements and continue its proud tradition in Welsh football.

Cover image credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

Sport

Letterston marksman wins junior athlete award

Published

3 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TALENTED young athlete from Letterston has been honoured at the British Shooting Awards 2024.

Seren Thorne was shortlisted for the prestigious awards and attended the gala event held at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. To the delight of her family and supporters, Seren was named the winner of the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award.

This accolade highlights Seren’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking her as one of the rising stars in British shooting.

Her mother, Sian Thorne, expressed immense pride in Seren’s achievement, sharing photos of the memorable evening.

The British Shooting Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the sport, with a full list of winners available on their official website.

PHOTO CAPTION: Champion marksman: Seren Thorne receiving the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award (Pic: Supplied).

Sport

Previewing the 2025 Super Bowl

Published

4 days ago

January 20, 2025

Staff Writer

Each year millions of people across the world gather to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. Last year, 3.4 million people in the UK watched the Super Bowl, up 1.1 million from the previous year. Considering the growth in popularity of American football in the UK, we anticipate the viewership will be even higher for 2025.

The 2025 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on 9 February 2025 at Caesars Superdrome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NFL teams

12 teams began competing for a spot in the 2025 Super Bowl when the playoffs began on January 11. At this point, four teams were eliminated. This now leaves eight teams to compete in the Divisional playoffs. Four of these will make it to the Conference Championships before contesting for a spot at this year’s Super Bowl.

The eight teams left with a shot at competing in the 2025 Super Bowl are:

Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Washington Commanders

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs took the title for the second year in a row. However, the latest Super Bowl odds puts the Detroit Lions as the favourites to win this year’s Super Bowl, following a series of impressive performances in the regular season.

The national anthem and halftime show

Before the game commences, a special guest performs the national anthem. Last year, Reba McEntire offered a moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and this year the task falls to jazz singer Jon Batiste.

It’s not just the football match that people look forward to. Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle in themselves and many look forward to the performance as much as the game itself. This year, 17-time grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show. Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl in 2022.

How can I watch the Super Bowl in the UK?

The Super Bowl is being broadcast to fans free on ITV, including live online via ITVX on your laptop, mobile, or tablet.

Sky Sports is also broadcasting the event which you can watch online via Sky Go, NOW TV, or using the Sky Sports mobile app. You could also head to your local pub as plenty of pubs in Pembrokeshire will be showing the big game.

Will you be tuning in?

With a surge in popularity for American Football, it’s anticipated that more people from the UK than ever before will be turning their TVs on for the big event this year. Will you be watching this year’s Super Bowl?