Sport

Otters and Wanderers battle to draw

Published

5 years ago

August 23, 2021

ON Saturday, August 21, Narberth RFC took a Development squad to Llanelli Wanderers who currently play in Division 1 West.

The starting 15 consisted of five young players making their debuts for the club at this level namely Prop Ifan James, flanker Josh Hamer, centre Ryan Scourfield and wings Lewys Thomson and Steffan Thomas. Unfortunately Lewys Thomson pulled a hamstring muscle in the warm up and was replaced by another debutant Ioan Phillips.

For the first twenty minutes the teams were evenly matched with both players and spectators alike getting used to the new rules of tap ‘penalties’ instead of scrums.

Both teams attempted to play attacking open rugby but with defences holding up there was no score until the 24th minute when Llanelli Wanderers were awarded a penalty and their full back kicked the goal to make the score 3-0 to the home team.

Just before half time veteran scrum half Rhys Lane put his opposite number under pressure at a scrum, robbed him of possession and darted downfield.

When tackled, the ball was quickly recycled and passed along the Narberth back division ably supported by No.8 Guto Davies who made an initial break before passing to Steff Phillips who in turn flicked the ball inside to centre Joe Hutchings who scored a try midway out.

Fly Half Ianto Griffiths narrowly failed with the conversion. Despite some enterprising rugby by both teams the first half ended without further score with the Otters leading 5-3.

Both teams made changes at half time with youngsters Tom Clarke and Jordan James replacing Bradley Davies and Rhys Lane for the Otters.

Wanderers made the better start to the second half and only stern defence from the Narberth back row and centres Joe Hutchings and Ryan Scourfield kept the home team out.

Then after 60 minutes a set move from the Wanderers backs saw their blind side winger burst through a gap in the Narberth defence and score a try under the posts which was converted to make the score 10- 5 to the home team.

Further changes were made in the Otters line up with another debutant, Will Hughes, replacing Steffan Thomas, George MacDonald replacing Jordan James and hooker Rhodri Owens having to move to blindside flanker to replace Tom Powell who had pulled a hamstring muscle.

At this stage the Narberth team managed to raise their game and came close to scoring on several occasions with strong bursts through the Wanderers defences by Steff Phillips, Guto Davies and Rhodri Owens.

Full Back Dafydd Pritchard almost got over in the corner only to be brought back by the referee for a forward pass.

Eventually, with ten minutes to go, the Otters were awarded a penalty and kicked to the corner. From the lineout the Otters formed a rolling maul which resulted in Rhodri Owens diving over the line for a try which evened the scores at 10-10.

Both teams threw everything into attack during the final minutes in an attempt to win the game and with the last play Narberth winger Ioan Phillips was put away with the try line seemingly at his mercy only to be brought back once again by the referee for a forward pass who then blew the whistle for full time.

Head Coach, Sean Gale, said after the match that he was pleased with the way the game had gone. It was a tough workout for a team full of youngsters looking to impress and they had stood up to the task with great determination and had fought hard to get back into the game to earn a draw and with a little bit of luck could have edged a win.

News

Fresh Hamilton wage claims raise new questions for Haverfordwest County fans

Published

14 hours ago

May 4, 2026

Herald Sport

Scottish reports of late and short wages add a new and more immediate concern for Bluebirds supporters already watching problems elsewhere in the same football network

REPORTS in Scotland that Hamilton Academical players were paid late, with some allegedly underpaid ahead of the club’s final game of the season, have added to scrutiny around the football network linked to Haverfordwest County AFC chairman Rob Edwards.

The latest claims were reported by Lanarkshire Live Sport and the Daily Record.

The relevance for Pembrokeshire lies in the links between Hamilton and Haverfordwest through Rob Edwards and Morley Sports Management.

Hamilton has previously stated that Morley Sports Management owns 100 per cent of 1874 Holdings Limited, and that 1874 Holdings in turn owns 97.5 per cent of Hamilton Academical FC.

Haverfordwest County has previously said Morley Sports Management has been the business vehicle behind Edwards’ takeover and funding of the Bluebirds since 2020.

Earlier this month, Haverfordwest County A.F.C. Ltd faced an HM Revenue & Customs winding-up petition at the High Court in London. The case was dismissed on April 15, but only after reaching a live hearing at the Rolls Building, with costs ordered against the company.

Separately, 1874 Holdings has faced a winding-up petition in Scotland. Hamilton later issued a statement acknowledging that petition, while saying the claim is disputed and that the company is seeking dismissal.

The latest Scottish wage claims come against a background of previous disciplinary action involving Hamilton. Earlier this year, the club was punished over failures to pay players on time and in full, resulting in a points deduction following an independent disciplinary process. Hamilton acknowledged that outcome in a club statement.

Companies House has also shown 1874 Holdings with overdue accounts and a strike-off notice. Those are separate processes from a winding-up petition, but they add to the list of recent off-field issues involving companies in the same football network.

There are also operational links between the two clubs. Haverfordwest publicly credited chief executive Beccy Nuttall with key work during the club’s licensing process earlier this month, while Hamilton has also announced Rebecca Nuttall in a senior role there.

The timing of the Haverfordwest case also drew attention because the club announced on April 8 that it had secured both its UEFA licence and FAW Tier 1 licence for the 2026-27 season, even though the HMRC petition remained live at that stage and was not disposed of until April 15.

The Herald contacted the Football Association of Wales for comment on the licensing position last week, but had received no response at the time of publication.

The Hamilton wage claims remain reports from Scotland, and there is no suggestion that Haverfordwest County AFC is facing the same issue. However, the developments are likely to be of interest to Bluebirds supporters because they concern companies and senior figures linked to the same wider football operation.

Sport

Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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.