Sport

Scarlets win thrilling victory

Published

5 years ago

December 17, 2020

Luke Sinclair

Heineken European Champions League

Bath Rugby 19 – Scarlets 23

IN A high-intensity game at The Rec, Scarlets dug deep to claim a thrilling Champions Cup victory over Bath Rugby.

Throughout a tense Pool A encounter, there was little between the two sides with Scarlets scoring a try in each half through scrum-halves Gareth Davies – on his 200th appearance – and Kieran Hardy.

Both teams had their chances to win but in the end, the spoils and the famous old ragdoll headed to West Wales.

Bath got on the board first with Ben Spencer striking home shot from the kicking tee.

While Bath applied early pressure, the Scarlets broke the shackles in spectacular fashion.

Leigh Halfpenny broke the defensive line to offload to Scarlets skipper Steff Evans. The winger broke through the cover defence to link with scrum-half Gareth Davies on the inside line.

The Wales scrum-half still had work to do but jinked past the final defender to cross near the posts.

Halfpenny added the extras, and shortly afterwards he missed a long-range effort to put the Scarlets further ahead.

The Scarlets lost Wales’ international forwards Jake Ball and Samson Lee to head injury assessments. Morgan Jones and Javan Sebastian replaced the duo.

It took 18 minutes of continuous pressure and knocking on the door of the Scarlets’ try-line before the hosts retook the lead.

A lovely piece of interplay began from No. 8, Zach Mercer. The ball was smartly shipped in contact before Sam Underhill found Ruaridh McConnochie, who dotted down in the corner. Spencer missed the conversion.

Bath then earned a scrum penalty after several warnings to the Scarlets’ front row. Spencer slotted home the three points to give Bath a four-point lead.

On 32 minutes the Welsh region got to within a point of Bath Rugby with a Halfpenny penalty. Just three minutes later, Spencer re-established the four-point gap as the hosts were awarded a penalty, which the nine converted with ease.

14-10 down at the break, the Scarlets would’ve been disappointed at the length of time they spent on the back foot and getting sucked into a physical confrontation with the rugged home eight.

It was only six minutes into the second period when the hosts were pinged for offside, allowing. Halfpenny to strike his penalty through the uprights from close range.

Bath piled the pressure on Scarlets with a lot of possession and territory, but they were unable to make that pressure pay off until the 53rd minute.

The hosts got their reward through Will Stuart, who crashed over to score in his first appearance of the season for the Blue, Black and White.

Josh Macleod replaced Jac Morgan, who enjoyed another outstanding game, and made an immediate impact with a turnover, while the experience of Jon Davies also proved crucial off the bench.

Scarlets kept plugging away and saw their hard work rewarded on 64 minutes.

Dan Jones combined with Rob Evans, who produced a sublime off-load to put Hardy away under the posts for a score converted by Halfpenny.

With one point in it, both sides had chances.

Hardy just failed to find Evans on his outside with the line beckoning, while Bath’s route-one approach came against a brick-wall defence.

A Halfpenny penalty gave the Scarlets a four-point cushion going into the final minutes, but Bath stole the kick-off before pounding away at the visitors’ line.

In the 78th minute, Bath crossed the whitewash, only to have the ball held up over the line following a crunching effort from Leigh Halfpenny to deny the home team a score.

Still 23-19.

But a try would be enough for the hosts to take the game.

As the clock struck red, Bath continued to pile on the pressure with continuous and relentless forward phases. As Spencer stretched his arm out towards the line, Morgan Jones steamed into the tackle.
It was the last play of the game.

With hearts in their mouths, Scarlets players waited for the TMO’s decision and reacted joyfully when the TMO ruled out the last gasp effort.

Glenn Delaney lauded the incredible never-say-die defensive effort that saw the Scarlets hang on for an outstanding 23-19 Heineken Champions Cup win over Bath at The Rec.

“That match had something for everyone didn’t it?” said a relieved Delaney afterwards.

“We had a chance to score just before those final minutes and then the commitment and effort at the end were massive. We were under so much pressure. That was about character. For me, it was epitomised by Gareth Davies.

“The boys wanted to play for him on his 200th and it was really special the way they finished it off to get the job done for him.”

Reflecting on the tense end to the game, Glenn Delaney said: “Those final minutes were all about commitment and heart. There were bits about the defence in the first half I wasn’t so happy with, I was frustrated we weren’t as aggressive as we would have liked, but that character comes through in the big moments. These are big-game players. We are learning as a group what it is like to be in this contest and that was a big European game for us.

“It is a big step forward, we will enjoy it and get ready for Toulon next week.”

Delaney added: “In the second half I thought we moved the ball a little wider on the edge. We never go that going in the first half and we were pretty harsh on ourselves at half-time. That try in the middle of the field, Rob Evans’s pass to put Kieran away was outstanding. That is the game we wanted to play. We wanted to move Bath around.

“We knew we couldn’t go at Bath square-on because they are big and physical and are good players. We had to move them around, we saw a bit of the Scarlets way coming out and the DNA of the club, the boys are happy to be taking the ragdoll home.”

Sport

Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

18 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level

CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.

The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.

Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.

The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.

The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.

Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.

The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.

Sport

Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals

Published

19 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success

TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.

The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.

Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.

The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.

Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”

Caption:

Winners: Tenby United RFC’s under 14s celebrate their District H final victory.

Sport

Carew set early pace as rain disrupts Pembrokeshire cricket programme

Published

20 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

RAIN played a major part in Week 2 of the Nicholas Insurance Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League, with several Division 1 fixtures abandoned after strong first-innings performances.

Carew made the biggest statement in the top flight, cruising to a ten-wicket win over St Ishmaels to move clear at the top of the table.

St Ishmaels were bowled out for 110, with Tim Hicks (3-18), Shaun Whitfield (3-14) and Logan Hall (2-27) doing the damage. Carew then eased to 111-0, Hicks completing an outstanding all-round display with 55 not out, alongside Morgan Grieve’s unbeaten 54.

Elsewhere, Narberth piled up 301-7 before rain intervened against Herbrandston, Jamie McCormack hitting a superb 104. Lawrenny (297-7) and Burton (203-7) also posted big totals before the weather had the final say.

Division 1 results

Match	Result
Cresselly 30-2 v Burton 203-7	Match abandoned
Narberth 301-7 v Herbrandston 51-0	Match abandoned
Whitland 10-0 v Lawrenny 297-7	Match abandoned
Saundersfoot 205-7 v Neyland	Match abandoned
Carew 111-0 v St Ishmaels 110 all out	Carew won by 10 wickets

Division 1 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Carew	2	2	0	0	36
2	Saundersfoot	2	1	0	1	27
3	Herbrandston	2	1	0	1	25
4	Neyland	2	1	0	1	25
5	Narberth	2	0	0	1	20
6	St Ishmaels	2	0	1	0	15
7	Burton	2	0	1	1	14
8	Whitland	2	0	1	1	14
9	Cresselly	2	0	1	1	11
10	Lawrenny	2	0	1	1	11

Johnston lead strong Division 2 pack

Johnston sit top after a dominant 135-run win over Llangwm, powered by Lewis Boswell’s 99 and Steve Mills’ 62.

Hook maintained their perfect start, edging Haverfordwest by four wickets, while Cresselly II brushed aside Llechryd by nine wickets after bowling them out for just 41.

Division 2 results

Match	Result
Llechryd 41 all out v Cresselly II 44-1	Cresselly II won by 9 wickets
Llanrhian 155-5 v Fishguard 154-7	Llanrhian won by 5 wickets
Hook 143-6 v Haverfordwest 142-9	Hook won by 4 wickets
Llangwm 106 all out v Johnston 241-6	Johnston won by 135 runs
Pembroke Dock 152-2 v Pembroke 168-8	Match abandoned

Division 2 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Johnston	2	2	0	0	40
2	Hook	2	2	0	0	37
3	Cresselly II	2	2	0	0	36
4	Pembroke	2	1	0	1	28
5	Haverfordwest	2	1	1	0	24
6	Pembroke Dock	2	0	1	1	23
7	Llanrhian	2	1	1	0	22
8	Fishguard	2	0	2	0	16
9	Llangwm	2	0	2	0	13
10	Llechryd	2	0	2	0	3

Kilgetty and Carew II lead Division 3 race

Kilgetty and Carew II are locked together at the top after two wins from two.

Lamphey produced one of the standout performances of the week, hammering Burton II by 155 runs, while Laugharne continued their unbeaten start.

Division 3 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Kilgetty	2	2	0	0	38
2	Carew II	2	2	0	0	38
3	Laugharne	2	2	0	0	37
4	Lamphey	2	1	1	0	28
5	Saundersfoot II	2	1	0	1	26
6	Hundleton	2	1	1	0	24
7	Haverfordwest II	2	0	2	0	14
8	Stackpole	2	0	2	0	14
9	Pembroke II	2	0	1	1	13
10	Burton II	2	0	2	0	12

Narberth II lead Division 4

Narberth II sit top after a five-wicket win over Neyland II, thanks to Jordan Howell’s unbeaten 88.

Hook II edged a thriller by one wicket, while Haverfordwest III also maintained a perfect start.

Division 4 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Pts
1	Narberth II	2	2	0	39
2	Hook II	2	2	0	36
3	Haverfordwest III	2	2	0	36
4	Lawrenny II	2	2	0	35
5	Crymych	2	1	1	29
6	Llechryd II	2	1	1	28
7	Neyland II	2	0	2	15
8	St Ishmaels II	2	0	2	15
9	Herbrandston II	2	0	2	13
10	Carew III	2	0	2	11

Rowlands ton headlines Division 5

Tom Rowlands’ superb 108 guided Cresselly III to victory, while Llanrhian II remain joint top after a crushing win featuring Rick Walton’s remarkable 8-13.

Division 5 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Llanrhian II	2	2	0	0	40
2	Cresselly III	2	2	0	0	40
3	Whitland II	2	1	1	0	25
4	Llangwm II	1	1	0	0	19
5	Pembroke III	2	0	1	1	14
6	Llechryd III	2	0	2	0	11
7	Pembroke Dock II	2	0	1	1	11
8	Hundleton II	1	0	1	0	6