Sport

Scotland and Wales serve up a thriller

Published

3 years ago

February 16, 2021

Scotland 24 – Wales 25

NEVER-DAY-DIE Wales fought back from 17-3 down against a quality Scotland team to gain their second win of this year’s Six Nations.

In the first round game, Wales got dragged into a knock-down-drag-out scrap against Ireland which left them with a long injury list and the need to draw extra players into the squad. With so many key players out injured, the side travelled to Murrayfield bearing the weight of fans hopes rather than expectations.

And what a game those fans got!

A Scottish side full of flair and confidence and a Welsh side with pace at the back and renewed physical presence up front served up a heart-stopping thriller in arctic conditions in Edinburgh.

Scotland were on a high after beating England at Twickenham for the first time in 38 years in the last round. Their pack took England to the cleaners in the Calcutta Cup match and the Scots skilful backline looked sharp with ball in hand.

However, a lack of ruthlessness in their opponent’s twenty-two made the English game closer than it should’ve been and the home side were similarly wasteful with their territorial and possession advantages against Wales.

Too many times the Scots got into Wales’ danger zone only to overplay or misplay the advantage.

With markedly less ball and even less territory, Wales were much more ruthless than the hosts at converting presence in the opposition’s twenty-two into points.

Seeking to win their fifth Six Nations game in a row, Darcy Graham scored Scotland’s first try. Gathering a clever chip over the top by scrum-half Ali Price, Graham shook of Leigh Halfpenny’s desperate tackle and scored under the posts.

Scotland’s second try owed something to luck – both good and bad – Stuart Hogg kicked ahead and gave chase. For all the world. Halfpenny looked to have the ball covered only for it to wriggle free on the greasy surface and he went to ground. Hogg, who is the form fullback in the northern hemisphere, gathered the ball and touched down.

At 17-3 down, Wales were under the cosh but still competitive.

A driving maul from a short lineout saw Wales plough their way up-field in a series of short drives to near the Scottish line. The ball worked across the backline before Nick Tompkins fine pass found Louis Rees-Zammitt lurking with try-scoring intent. From close range, the winger made no mistake and scored the try which sent Wales in at the half 17-8 down.

Wales coach Wayne Pivac changed his half-backs on 51 minutes and was rewarded with an immediate return. Another brilliant driving line-out carved deep into the Scottish 22. Swift ball across the three-quarters released Liam Williams, whose sparkling try was converted by Callum Sheedy to bring Wales within two points.

Shortly afterwards came the moment which left Scots feeling aggrieved. As Wyn Jones challenged for the ball at the breakdown, opposite number Zander Fagerson ploughed into the ruck. Leading with his should he made direct contact with the Welsh prop’s head.

The rules on head contact are clear. Fagerson’s illegal attempt at a clear-out was given a straight red.

As former England prop David Flatman explained after the game: “Zander Fagerson’s red card was a red card. Rugby is changing and, as much as it all seems to be about the elite end of the game, the reality is the exact opposite.
“While the elite game is the most visible, it is rightly being used as a vehicle to make safer all those games of rugby that are played on muddy, isolated fields, away from specialist medical care and high definition cameras.

“Red cards like Fagerson’s are literally designed to make children safer on Sunday mornings.”

To add insult to injury, Wales’ capitalised on their one-man advantage with Wyn Jones touching down after more good close driving work by the Welsh forwards near the Scottish line.

Back came Scotland. Spurning two easy shots at goal, they created space for the ever-dangerous Stuart Hogg to turn on the pace and score a try, which Russell’s touchline conversion made into a four-point lead.

A moment of individual skill by Louis Rees-Zammitt was the standout moment of Wales’ performance. Travelling at full pelt, the Gloucester flyer latched on to Willy Halaholo’s perfectly weighted pass. Without breaking stride, the winger chipped it over the Scottish defence, outpaced Stuart Hogg (no mean feat) and gathered his own kick in Murrayfield’s deep in goal area to touch down.

Still Scotland came again and deep into stoppage time worked the ball to Scotland’s giant winger, Duhan van der Merwe. For all the world, it looked as though the last play of the match would see Welsh hearts broken at Murrayfield. Scrambling back, Owen Watkin produced the perfect tap tackle. With the clock in the red zone, Wales made no mistake in kicking the ball dead to seal the win.

Wales’ bold replacement of both half backs made near the start of the second half, galvanised the Welsh midfield at the expense of kicking reliability. If Wales bring Josh Adams back into the side against England and move Liam Williams to full-back, it is almost certain that Dan Biggar will start at outside half. Callum Sheedy, for all his skill with ball-in-hand, remains too fallible from the tee to be Wales’ frontline kicker.

Apart from an early misfire, Wales’ lineout was vastly improved. After an initial long throw went straight to Scottish hands, hooker Ken Owens and his callers kept it simple. Wales’ forward drives from the lineouts were a significant game-changer for the Welsh pack. The tactic gave Wales’ backs room by sucking in the Scottish defence.

It’s England for the Triple Crown next for Wales and, while England have been unconvincing so far, a Welsh win would still be an upset result. England have power and pace. If they can add precision to the mix, they will take some stopping.

Head coach Wayne Pivac commented: “It’s a very pleasing start, but I think it was evident to everyone that it wasn’t the complete performance.

“At 17-3 down, it wasn’t going to script but the players regathered their thoughts, the leadership on the field was good, and we came away with that score before half time.

“That was vital for us going into the changing room. The players reacted very well after half time, the replacements made an impact, and it was very nice to get the result at the end.”

On Louis Rees-Zammit, Wayne Pivac said: “He was exciting with the ball, wasn’t he? He took his opportunities very well. He’s still got work to do on his game without the ball, and that’s the exciting thing.

“He’s going to be a very exciting player for us going forward.”
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones added: “We’re well aware there are massive improvements to make.

“You can’t give a team two tries, but I’m pleased with the resilience, character and pride in the jersey we’re still showing. What you’re seeing as well is a product of the experimentation from the Autumn Nations Cup and the hurt we took.

“Irrelevant of the advantage, I’d like to think we were in the ascendancy before the card.

“We’re aware England had a good win and are back on track. We’ll be back in Cardiff, so we’ll regroup and improve on the parts we need to.”

Alun Wyn Jones added: “Louis has been playing well for Gloucester in the Premiership. I’d heard a lot about him and seen a lot of highlights of him. Hopefully, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

“I don’t want to heap the pressure on him, I want him to continue in a similar vein.”

Up Next

Narberth RFC score bronze standard

Don't Miss

Pembrokeshire football fans encouraged to give blood

Sport

Sport Pembrokeshire’s “Fit and Fed” project celebrates success

Published

2 weeks ago

September 15, 2023

Luke Sinclair

SPORTS Pembrokeshire’s “Fit and Fed” initiative, aimed at helping children in disadvantaged areas to access nourishment and take part in a variety of sports, is hoping it can be expanded to more school holidays and even 52 weeks a year.

The project, which has support from the Bluestone Foundation, the community support arm of Bluestone National Park Resort near Narberth, Pembrokeshire, has been operating each summer for the past two years.

Over the course of this time, the project has supported children in Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, and Fishguard.

Spearheaded by Matthew Freeman, Sport Pembrokeshire Manager, the initiative has not only provided essential sustenance to children but also enabled them to participate in sports activities through local clubs and groups.

Matthew said: “The success of the ‘Fit and Fed’ project has been truly amazing. We’ve witnessed children benefiting not just from nutritious meals but also from the chance to engage in physical activities. Our aim is to expand this initiative to all school holidays, including Christmas, ensuring year-round support for these deserving children.”

Matthew said he envisions the project evolving into a year-round project, making a positive impact every single week. He said the current project has focused exclusively on areas identified as deprived within Pembrokeshire, with hopes to broaden its scope to cover other communities in the county.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone, said the project had proved to be much needed, playing a vital role in providing nourishment and exercise to children.

Marten said: “The Bluestone Foundation has been pleased to play a small part in contributing to such a crucial project. It serves as a catalyst for the creation of more initiatives that support our community’s young members.”

The Bluestone Foundation was launched in 2010 and has distributed over £250,000 in grants across Pembrokeshire. The Foundation strives to help people help themselves and to principally assist projects falling into economic, social, and environmental categories.

The initial success of “Fit and Fed” stemmed from its roots in assisting children to engage in sports via local clubs and organisations.

It was launched in response to the fact that many children in disadvantaged areas were missing out on both meals and opportunities for physical activity.

Matthew added: “It became evident that children were arriving at school and sports events without having had a proper meal. The ‘Fit and Fed’ project addresses this critical issue by ensuring access to food, leading to healthier and more active lives.”

The collaboration between Sport Pembrokeshire, community sports clubs, and third sector organisations such as Milford Youth Matters, Tanyard, Pembrokeshire Youth Service Haverfordwest Youth Club, and Sport Pembrokeshire, has been important to the initiative’s success.

Sue Lines of the Tanyard Youth Project, said: “I would like to thank Sport Pembrokeshire and the Bluestone Foundation on behalf of the trustees, staff, volunteers and young people of the Tanyard Youth Project.

“This exciting new partnership has enabled us to provide sporting opportunities and healthy meals to dozens of children and young people in Pembroke, many of whom arrive at the centre hungry or emotionally fragile. The benefits of physical exercise and healthy food bring immense improvements to their mental health and general well-being.”

As the project looks to the future, Matthew said: “Our ultimate goal is to extend ‘Fit and Fed’ to a year-round initiative, providing children with consistent support, if we can secure the necessary funding.”

Advertorial

Get Jerky snacks fuel Jason to victory in Mid Wales rally

Published

2 weeks ago

September 11, 2023

Tom Sinclair

AWARD-WINNING Get Jerky high protein snacks helped energise Mid Wales based driver Jason Pritchard to a fantastic Historic Category win at the hugely successful JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion.

Builth Wells based Jason and his co-driver Phil Clarke were delighted to take first place in category and 14th place overall in their Ford Escort RS 1800 MKII, after two days of spectacular stages around Aberystwyth and across the Cambrian Mountains.

His sponsors include Get Jerky, a premium brand of Welsh Beef and venison jerky made by Trailhead Fine Food in Welshpool and Chartists 1770 at The Trewythen, a four star, 2 AA rosette restaurant with room in Llanidloes.

A big fan of Get Jerky, Jason said: “It’s the perfect snack for rally crews to have in our cars when we need an energy boost because it tastes good and is much healthier than eating chocolate.”

Gluten free and available in eight flavours – three of which are Great Taste award-winners – Get Jerky is a healthy, high protein snack for all ages, which provide an energy boost when you need it, especially when playing sports.

Success in the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion was the perfect build up to the RAC Rally from November 23-27, which will involve five full days of challenging forest rallying covering Wales, Scotland and England.

“We are entering only selective events this year as I want to put some mileage on our brand new car before the RAC Rally in November,” said Jason whose family owns the Toyota dealership, North Road Garage, Builth Wells, another key sponsor.

“We wouldn’t be able to enter these rallies without the support of our sponsors and it’s great to have the support of local businesses. Hopefully, our sponsors will have benefited from our success on the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion.”

Get Jerky is available to buy online at www.getjerky.wales or in farm shops and other quality food retailers across the UK.

Trailhead Fine Foods is the headline sponsor of the Get Jerky Rally North Wales based in Welshpool and the Get Jerky Devil’s Staircase ultra trail race, which is being held next Saturday, September 16 and also sponsor junior playing strips for COBRA Rugby Club, based in Meifod.

The company supports sports and events for young people and adults that benefit the Mid Wales tourism economy and encourage a healthy lifestyle, teamwork, leadership, competition and discipline.

Pictured above: Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke on their way to victory in the Historic Category at JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion.

News

Crymych Football Club arrange an evening with Rob Page

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2023

Tom Sinclair

CRYMYCH FOOTBALL CLUB is arranging an evening with Rob Page – Cymru National Football Team Coach and Ian Gwynne Hughes, Head of Public Affairs at the Football Association of Wales at Crymych Market Hall on Friday September 15 at 7.30pm

The volunteers on the committee of Crymych Football Club are very grateful to recently receive confirmation that Rob Page, the Cymru National Coach and Ian Gwyn Hughes, Head of Public Affairs at the Football Association of Wales have agreed to visit Crymych on Friday 15th September for a special evening of discussions and a question and answer section about their vision for the future of football in Wales.

The confirmation of their visit is very recent and therefore the opportunity is now open to anyone who wishes to take up some of the remaining seats which are being taken up quickly. The evening will be held at the Crymych Market Hall on Friday 15th September, 2023 starting at 7.30pm.

To reserve your seat or seats at a table please email [email protected] or call 07974099738. The evening will include a main course buffet and dessert. The cost for a seat is £30 each. During the evening there will also be an opportunity to raise funds for the DPJ Foundation Charity. Anyone who would wish to donate an item for the fundraising please contact the club on the above contact details. There will be a bar at the event on the 15th, with a dress code of smart casual.

Crymych FC is a very young and ambitious club having only been set up in 2019 and is now seeking to improve its sporting facilities for the current two senior teams. Further developments are in the pipeline to start a women’s team and work closely with the junior football team in Boncath. The club is also in the process of developing the Crymych Arms pub as its club, community hub and village pub.