Sport

Wales Women building cohesion at start of big year

Published

4 years ago

January 7, 2021

Cohesion was the focus for new Wales Women head coach Warren Abrahams during his first training camp of 2021.

Having been in post just over a month, Abrahams has spent time watching the Welsh performances in the Allianz Premier 15s and getting to know players and staff but the two-day camp was a welcome opportunity for quality face to face time with an enlarged training squad.

“We achieved our key aims on the weekend. The main thing was to learn more about the players. The more we understand them as individuals and as a team, that’s where we can make them better as players.

“The ultimate goal at the moment is to develop cohesion. We have to have the right people and make sure we work incredibly hard on those relationships between players and with management. Everything is tailored to making the team better and we also had some meaningful conversations around the legacy this team wants to leave for the next generation of Welsh women’s rugby and this team has to be the role model for that. That is a long-term goal.”

Abrahams is buoyed by what he’s seen so far. The vast majority of this training squad play in the Allianz Premiership and our players aren’t just making up the numbers. They’re putting down some big markers – just look at Kayleigh Powell and Hannah Jones who both earned a Player of the Match recently and Jaz Joyce who was Player of the Month for December. We’re really proud of how well our players are doing, it’s great for the programme and those experiences are just going to make them better.”

Siwan Lillicrap added, “It’s been nice to get together so soon in the New Year – the first step in a huge year ahead. The focus this weekend was on building a foundation and exploring what we’ve got as a squad.

“I think we absolutely achieved that, the relationships are developing along with a confidence in the squad . It’s been a tough, challenging camp but that’s what you want as we build towards the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.”

Lillicrap welcomed the input of the new-look coaching team, former Wales captain and Colwyn Bay head coach Rachel Taylor coming in as national skills coach and former Ireland international and Penclawdd forwards coach Sophie Spence joining the set-up as Wales’ World Rugby coaching intern.

“Warren has been very inspirational for us already. It feels like he’s been in post much longer as we’ve done a lot of work on zoom already. It’s great to have Rachel on board. She’s a role model for many of us with what’s she’s done on the field as Wales captain and off it as a coach and Sophie too with her international experience and coaching knowledge.”

Training squad:
Forwards: Abbie Fleming, Alisha Butchers, Gwen Crabb, Georgia Evans, Cerys Hale, Cara Hope, Molly Kelly, Natalia John, Manon Johnes, Kelsey Jones, Beth Lewis, Siwan Lillicrap, Robyn Lock, Shona Powell-Hughes, Donna Rose, Caryl Thomas, Meg Webb, Teleri Wyn Davies
Backs: Alecs Donovan, Beth Huntley, Bryonie King, Courtney Keight, Jade Knight, Caitlin Lewis, Lisa Neumann, Hannah Jones, Jasmine Joyce, Kayleigh Powell, Paige Randall, Jess Roberts, Gemma Rowland, Lauren Smyth, Elinor Snowsill, Robyn Wilkins, Flo Williams

Sport

This week’s Herald local rugby roundup

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

Preseli Men concede late points to lose basement clash

Gorseinon 33 – Crymych 31

Crymych faced a heartbreaking defeat after leading 31-19 midway through the second half. Despite a promising start and a solid performance, Crymych allowed Gorseinon their first win in seven league starts due to a late try and a successful conversion. Crymych skipper Carwyn Phillips marked his milestone of 250 games with commitment alongside teammates Jon Hill, Iestyn Wood, and Llyr Davies. Osian Davies, Eilir George, and Lee Griffiths all scored tries, with George converting each, securing a 21-12 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Phillips added a bonus-point try, also converted by George, but Gorseinon surged back. Wingers Luke Evans and David Rees, centre Josh Hamer, and flankers Ben Morris and Iestyn Lewis each scored, with Tim O’Reilly’s crucial fourth conversion handing Gorseinon the win.

Premiership Division

Otters hold on to break their duck

Bonymaen 27 – Narberth 29

After six league defeats, Narberth clinched their first win in a nail-biter against fellow strugglers Bonymaen. The Otters built a 29-8 lead with tries from Will Blackburn, Ashley Sutton, and captain Tom Powell, with Jon Rogers converting and adding two more goals. But Bonymaen’s 19-point late surge nearly turned the tables as tries from Nathan Brooks, Andrew Richards, and Garin Williams narrowed the gap.

In the final moments, Narberth showed resilience to hold onto their slim lead, with hooker Tom Clarke earning the man of the match for his relentless work rate.

Division One (West)

14-man Seasiders hold on for a narrow win

Tenby United 17 – Yr Hendy 15

Tenby United preserved their perfect record, edging out Yr Hendy despite playing with 14 men after Lloyd Thomas received a red card early on. Thomas’s ejection forced tactical shifts, with Geraint Jones moving to outside half and Gwion Jones taking over at full back.

Captain Tom Barrass scored Tenby’s try after a turnover, with Geraint Jones adding a penalty for an 11-3 halftime lead. Yr Hendy’s Tyler Payne landed four penalties in the second half, but Tenby maintained their defensive discipline, securing a narrow 17-15 victory with man of the match Gethin Bradney leading with tackles.

Division Two (West)

Borderers bag deserved win

Nantgaredig 20 – Whitland 25

Whitland fought back from a 3-10 deficit to overcome Nantgaredig in a hard-fought match. After an extended break for an injury and a field switch, Whitland’s pack took control in the second half, with tries from Rhys Nicholas, Owyn Griffiths, Jack Mason, and Johnny Thomas, who also added a penalty.

Despite three tries from Nantgaredig’s Mark Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Aled Beynon, Whitland maintained their lead, showing consistency in both forwards and backs for a solid team performance.

Division Three (West)

Codd stars as Blues fend off Pontyberem

Pontyberem 13 – Haverfordwest 23

Haverfordwest centre Jack Codd’s 13 points helped his team overcome Pontyberem, who were still seeking their first win. Pontyberem took an early 10-0 lead, but Haverfordwest responded, with strong contributions from pack players Jonathan Mason, Mike Phillips, and captain Karl Busch. Rhodri Lewis opened the scoring for Pontyberem, but Codd’s accurate kicking sealed the win.

Division Four (West) A

James leads Saints to derby success

St Davids 31 – Llangwm 18

Will James shone for St Davids, scoring twice as they defeated local rivals Llangwm in challenging damp, cold conditions. Despite a strong start from Llangwm with an early try from Morgan Rees, St Davids struck back through James, who capitalized on a pass from Will Savage. Further tries from Nathan Foster and Iwan Davies extended the lead, with St Davids up 21-13 at halftime.

In the second half, Callum Jenkins scored for Llangwm, but James added his second try, and Zac Morgan secured St Davids’ fifth, sealing their 31-18 victory in this well-supported derby.

Bulls win at Bierspool

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 12 – Teirw Crymych 22

Teirw Crymych edged out Pembroke Dock Harlequins at Bierspool for their fourth win, with tries from Hedd George and Sean Wilson building a 12-0 lead. The Harlequins responded through Craig Barnett, but a late try and conversion from Adam Phillips sealed Crymych’s win, taking the margin just beyond a bonus-point range for the hosts.

Scarlets outlast Dreigiau Emlyn in thriller

Pembroke 36 – Dreigiau Emlyn 32

Pembroke pulled off a thrilling win at Crickmarren with six tries, including scores by Weatherall, Edwards, and Luke Hartland. Veteran forwards Brayford, Wiseman, and Palmer controlled the set pieces, while Dreigiau Emlyn countered with five tries of their own. Despite Emlyn’s persistence, Pembroke’s disciplined play earned them a narrow 36-32 win.

Sport

Division Three match reports: Key wins and dominant performances

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

Clarbeston Road II 2-3 Neyland II

Neyland II narrowly defeated Clarbeston Road II in a close 3-2 encounter. Clarbeston’s Jack Wood and Henry Lucas found the net, but Neyland II clinched the victory with goals from Zac Owen, Korey Arran (penalty), and Mason Morgans-Hurley. Despite their win, Neyland II remains near the bottom of the league, hoping to build momentum from this result. Clarbeston Road II’s defeat keeps them in 10th place with 9 points from 12 games, reflecting a challenging season thus far.

Goodwick United II 5-0 Camrose II

League leaders Goodwick United II continued their dominant form, securing a comfortable 5-0 win over Camrose II. Goals from Ifan Mathias, Gary Reynolds, Sion O’Sullivan, Thomas Phelps-Jenkins, and Tyler Booker highlighted their attacking prowess. Goodwick sits firmly at the top with 34 points and an impressive +33 goal difference, showcasing their strength this season. Camrose II, however, remains near the bottom with just 7 points, struggling to improve from 11th place.

Haverfordwest Cricket Club 2-1 Pendine

Haverfordwest Cricket Club fought hard to edge out Pendine 2-1, with goals from Jordan Harrison and Liam Sheehan. This victory lifts Haverfordwest CC to 5th place on 17 points from 12 games, giving them a boost in the mid-table standings. Pendine, despite Julian Blewitt’s goal, stays in 4th place with 19 points, within reach of the top but facing stiff competition.

Letterston 6-1 Kilgetty II

Letterston put on an attacking display with a dominant 6-1 win over Kilgetty II. Simon Jones led the charge with a hat trick, while Morgan Miles, Robert Hedley, and Jordan White added to the scoreline. This result strengthens Letterston’s position in the table, bringing them to 16 points, just a point behind Haverfordwest CC. Kilgetty II, meanwhile, drops further down with 11 points and a -14 goal difference, indicating defensive struggles.

Pembroke Borough 6-2 St Florence

Pembroke Borough extended their strong form with a decisive 6-2 victory over St Florence. Jake Campbell and Jordan White each scored twice, with Luke Hendry and Jack Walker also contributing. Pembroke Borough remains secure in 2nd place with 25 points from 12 games, keeping up the pressure on league leaders Goodwick United II. St Florence, however, continues to struggle for consistency, sitting in the lower half of the table with 11 points.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Second Division round-up: Promotion race heats up

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

CAMROSE took another decisive step in their promotion quest with a 2-0 victory over Johnston. Sitting third in the league on 25 points from 11 games, they are just one point behind second-placed Narberth. With a strong defensive record and reliable scoring, Camrose is poised for a continued push for the top spots. Johnston, meanwhile, remains near the relegation zone with only 9 points from 10 games, struggling to rise from the lower ranks.

Carew II 3-0 Broad Haven

Carew II’s 3-0 win over Broad Haven moved them up to 10 points, giving them valuable breathing space above the bottom of the table. Now positioned in 10th, Carew II is working to establish consistency in the league, while Broad Haven continues to languish at the foot of the table, winless so far this season.

Merlins Bridge II 7-3 Solva

In a goal-filled spectacle, Merlins Bridge II overpowered Solva with a 7-3 win, showcasing their offensive might. This victory lifts Merlins Bridge II to sixth place on 18 points from 11 games, strengthening their mid-table position. Though not currently in the promotion mix, their recent form indicates potential to climb higher. Solva, in seventh with 11 points, has now lost six of their 11 matches, struggling to find consistency.

Monkton Swifts II 0-9 Hakin United II

Hakin United II demonstrated their dominance at the top of the league with a commanding 9-0 win over Monkton Swifts II. Leading the division with 28 points from 13 games and an impressive +29 goal difference, Hakin United II’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive stability has kept them clear at the summit. Monkton Swifts II, with just 10 points and a -21 goal difference from 13 games, remains near the bottom and continues to struggle.

Neyland 1-3 Narberth

Narberth maintained their title challenge with a solid 3-1 win over Neyland, holding onto second place with 26 points from 11 games—only two points behind Hakin United II, with two games in hand. Their +24 goal difference highlights their robust form and positions them as serious contenders for the top spot. Neyland, now fifth with 20 points, is also performing respectably, though the defeat underscores the gap they must bridge to challenge the league leaders.