Sport

Young Otters thrash Ystalyfera

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2021

ON Saturday, September 4, in the Championship Cup Narberth RFC once again fielded a young development side against visiting Ystalyfera.

The game kicked off on a beautiful sunny afternoon in front of a large crowd who had come to see the first home match for about eighteen months.

Narberth got off to a flying start and after a mere five minutes youngster George MacDonald playing at scrum half picked the ball up from a ruck, darted round the blindside and chipped ahead. He gathered his own kick and dived over in the corner for the first try. Nick Gale converted from the touchline (7 – 0).

Shortly thereafter the Otters had a lineout close to the visitors try line and set up a rolling maul. When this was brought down close to the line Narberth No.8 Guto Davies, playing in only his third match for the home team, picked the ball up and barged his way over the try line. Gale again converted (14 – 0).

Ten minutes later and the Otters were on the scoreboard once again. From an attack by the visitors on the ten metre line young Otters flanker, Josh Hamer, turned the ball over and the ball was quickly fed to fly half Ashley Sutton who broke through the visitors defence and then passed to supporting winger, Will Hughes, who scored in the left hand corner. Another superb kick by Gale saw the try yet again converted (21 – 0).

Despite the scoreline Ystalyfera had been playing some good rugby and after an attack by the Otters broke down the visitors left wing got hold of the ball and kicked downfield. The ball bounced kindly for him and he was able to gather his kick and dive over in the corner. The conversion attempt failed (21 – 5).

Despite this set back Narberth continued to attack and within five minutes had scored again. An initial break by Prop Bradley Davies saw the ball spun across the Narberth backs with precision passing from centres Joe Hutchings and Jake Jenkins and it ended up with wing Dafydd Pritchard who dived over to score in the right hand corner. Once again Gale converted with a superb conversion (28 – 5).

The Otters attacking was relentless and after switching play across the field on at least four occasions the ball was swiftly fed by MacDonald to Ashley Sutton who found himself in space with only the visitors tight head Prop in front of him. He easily glided passed him and scored under the posts. Needless to say, the try was converted by Gale (35 – 5). The whistle then blew for half time.

Ystalyfera started the second half with renewed vigour and put the Otters under significant pressure but the home team’s defence had held firm during the first half and they were determined to try and keep the visitors out. Eventually however after a series of drives towards the line by the Ystalyfera forwards the ball was fed out to the visitor’s centre who sliced through the Otters defence and scored under the posts. The try was converted (35 – 12).

Ystalyfera were now gaining more possession and were looking to spread the ball wide at every opportunity. Another kick downfield by the visitor’s left wing saw the Otters rushing back to defend their line. From the ensuing ruck the ball was fed to fly half Sutton who made a half break before slipping the ball inside to Guto Davies.

He passed to centre Joe Hutchings who made further ground before offloading to Nick Gale who finally got the ball away to supporting flanker Josh Hamer who scored in the corner. Another excellent kick from Gale saw the try converted (42 – 12).

At this stage the floodgates started to open but in fairness to Ystalyfera they never stopped trying and the Otters had to work hard for the points. After a series of forward drives by hooker Rhodri Owens and Props Bradley Davies and Ifan James a gap opened up for replacement scrum half Declan Smith who ran in under the posts and Gale duly converted (49 – 12).

Almost from the kick off a lovely offload from young winger Ryan Scourfield saw Gale score in the corner and add the conversion (56 – 12).

It wasn’t long before the Otters were once again encamped on the visitors line and after several players were tackled just short of the line No.8 Guto Davies once again forced his way over the try line and Gale duly converted (63 – 12).

Ystalyfera refused to give up and with five minutes to go scored a consolation try by their winger which he duly converted (63 – 19). With the last move of the match Ashley Sutton side stepped his way through a number of now tired defenders to score under the posts. Gale completed his afternoon by kicking ten out of ten conversions (70 – 19).

After the match Team Manager Chris James said “With so many seasoned 1st team players unavailable today it was good to see several young players put their hands up for future selection. The 1st team coaches have been working very hard over the summer to get these youngsters up to Championship standard and whilst there will be some far more competitive teams to play during the season this augurs well for the Club’s future”.

Head Coach Sean Gale said that he had been impressed by several performances and all the coaches were very pleased with the hard work and dedication to training that many of these young players had put in pre-season.

Next week’s team selection would be causing them some headaches but that was just what they wanted.

Next week the Otters are again home in a Championship Cup match against Trebanos.

Sport

Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1: Match reports

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 3–0 Merlins Bridge
League leaders Goodwick United claimed a commanding 3–0 victory over Merlins Bridge at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village. Rhys Jones broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a spectacular 25-yard free kick. An own goal by Nick Squire early in the second half doubled the advantage, and Jones sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. The result keeps Goodwick four points clear at the top as they push to retain their title.

Carew 16–0 Herbrandston
Carew delivered a record-breaking performance, thrashing Herbrandston 16–0 at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. James Hinchliffe led the charge with six goals, supported by Shaun Whitfield’s rapid hat-trick. George Waters contributed four goals, Gareth Lewis added two, and Leon Davies completed the rout. The emphatic win lifted Carew out of the relegation zone, while Herbrandston remains firmly at the bottom of the table.

Clarbeston Road 5–2 St Ishmaels
Clarbeston Road cruised to a 5–2 victory over St Ishmaels at Knock Field. Ben John missed an early penalty for Clarbeston but redeemed himself by assisting Jake Wesley’s equaliser. Laurie Haworth and Dan Rees found the net, with Wesley adding a second to complete the scoring for Clarbeston. St Ishmaels’ captain Brennan Devonald netted twice, but his side dropped into the relegation zone.

Monkton Swifts 1–4 Hakin United
Hakin United strengthened their title challenge with a 4–1 win over Monkton Swifts. Dylan Davies put Monkton ahead early, but Hakin responded through Ryan Wilson and Mark Jones to take a 2–1 lead into halftime. Jay Kilby scored twice in the second half, sealing a vital away win for the Vikings.

Milford United 2–2 Pennar Robins
Milford United and Pennar Robins played out an entertaining 2–2 draw at Marble Hall. Liam Davies gave Milford the lead, but Jamie Wilkes equalised for Pennar. Dan James then put Pennar ahead, only for Leon Davies to bring Milford level again. Milford’s Sam Davies was sent off late, but neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.

Tenby 2–3 Kilgetty
Kilgetty staged a thrilling comeback to defeat derby rivals Tenby 3–2 at the Clicketts. Joe Leahy opened the scoring for Tenby, with Jordan Gorman quickly levelling for Kilgetty. Scott Ferney restored Tenby’s lead before halftime. However, Kilgetty turned the tide in the final ten minutes as Lloyd Hughes equalised, and captain Richard Cope struck the decisive winner to secure a dramatic victory.

Sport

Local rugby action: Thrills, wins, and tough battles across divisions

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Herald Sport

Crymych 19 – Llanelli Wanderers 33
Llanelli Wanderers showcased their title aspirations with a decisive bonus-point victory over Crymych. Despite a spirited effort from the Preseli Men, who trailed 12-18 at halftime, they couldn’t capitalize on second-half opportunities.

Crymych’s hooker Lee Griffiths scored two tries in the first half, and a late penalty try offered some consolation. The Wanderers, under Sean Gale’s guidance, proved dominant with tries from Rhydian Morgan, Lewis Jones, Rhodri Owens, and Sam Icke. Jones contributed two conversions and three penalties, keeping the Wanderers in contention at the top of the table. Crymych remain in a relegation battle.

Division One (West)

Pontarddulais 17 – Tenby United 26
Tenby United maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard-earned seventh victory of the season, defeating a determined Pontarddulais side. Though missing a bonus point, the disciplined Seasiders secured a valuable win.

Lloyd Thomas played a pivotal role, kicking four penalties and converting tries by Gwion Jones and Rob Luly. Acting skipper Jones shone with an individual effort. Pontarddulais responded with tries from Ethan Miles, Lewis Edwards, and Iwan Evans. Tenby stay second in the league with a game in hand over leaders Aberystwyth.

Division Two (West)

Whitland 13 – Fishguard & Goodwick 10
A late Harry Fuller penalty sealed Whitland’s narrow victory in a fiercely contested clash with Fishguard and Goodwick. The Seagulls led 7-3 at halftime after Ben John’s converted try answered Johnny Thomas’s penalty.

Rhys Nicholas turned the game in Whitland’s favor with a crucial intercept try, converted by Thomas. Although Mark Jones briefly leveled the scores, Fuller’s decisive penalty secured Whitland’s fourth win of the season.

Carmarthen Athletic 23 – Milford Haven 10
Carmarthen Athletic overturned a halftime deficit to claim a solid home win over Milford Haven. The Mariners led 10-6 at the break, thanks to Robbie Jones’s converted try and a James Trueman penalty.

The Athletic surged back with 17 unanswered points, including tries from Gethin Phillips, Morgan Morse, and Deian Morgan. Zak Williams added the conversions and penalties to seal the victory. Milford missed out on a losing bonus point in their fourth defeat of the season.

Division Three (West)

Cefneithin 16 – Cardigan 29
Cardigan continued their strong form with a bonus-point win over Cefneithin. The Teifisiders led 15-6 at halftime, with Marcus Castle and Shaun Leonard crossing the try line. Leonard was instrumental, adding another try and three conversions.

John Lumb and Jack Taylor scored second-half tries as Cardigan capitalized on excellent possession. Cefneithin fought back with a try by Jonathan Morgan and three penalties from Carwyn Evans but fell short.

Division Four (West)

Llanybydder 17 – Neyland 43
Neyland dazzled with a six-try bonus-point victory over Llanybydder. Leading 24-5 at halftime, the All Blacks saw tries from Owain Evans, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer, and skipper Georghe Williams.

Young winger Josh Watts added two second-half tries. Llanybydder responded with tries from Jake Evans, Dan Davies, and Dan Jones, converted by Ethan Sion Mathias, but Neyland’s dominance was unshaken as they returned to the top of the table.

Teirw Crymych 17 – St Davids 17
Teirw Crymych and St Davids battled to a draw in a thrilling encounter. The Bulls dominated early, building a 14-0 lead with tries from George Plummer and Trystan Griffiths, both converted by Adam Phillips.

St Davids stormed back with tries by Will James and Tom Clarke, before George Raymond’s late try leveled the scores. The conversion went wide, leaving both teams to share the points.

Dreigiau Emlyn 14 – Narberth Athletic 3
Narberth Athletic’s unbeaten run ended at Ddol Wiber as Dreigiau Emlyn’s forward strength secured a gritty win. A single forward-driven try and three penalties proved enough for the Dragons.

Athletic struggled to convert pressure into points, their only score coming from a Shane Rossiter penalty. The Dragons celebrated their third victory of the season.

Llangwm 17 – Pembroke 22
In a heated Division Four West derby, Pembroke edged out Llangwm in the first leg of the Palmer Cup at Pill Parks. The Scarlets held firm against a late surge to secure the win.

Llangwm opened strongly, with James Morgan and Dan Richards scoring tries, both converted by Harry Makepeace. Pembroke’s forwards turned the tide, with Jamie Brayford (2), Robin Badham, and Josh Greenwood crossing the line. Despite Llangwm’s late efforts, Pembroke extended their winning streak to three matches.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Vikings triumph over Port Talbot panthers

Published

4 days ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE VIKINGS faced a tough challenge against the formidable Port Talbot Panthers at Milford Haven RFC on Sunday afternoon. In a fiercely contested battle, the Vikings emerged as worthy winners with a final score of 33-17.

The Vikings’ try scorers included Dave Roberts, Karl Bate, Shaun Treadwell, Richard Williams, and Jack Elliott. Callum Power added to the scoreboard with four successful conversions. Karl Bate’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

A special mention goes to Sean Phillips, who made a welcome return to the team. Phillips delivered a brilliant 30-metre line break, unselfishly passing the ball to Dave Roberts, who crossed under the posts. His contribution exemplified the team spirit that defines the Vikings.

Matches between the Vikings and the Panthers are always marked by fierce rivalry, but also by strong friendships forged on and off the field. The team eagerly anticipates the return fixture in 2025.

The Vikings also extended their gratitude to Barry from Pembrokeshire College, a loyal supporter of the team. Additionally, thanks were given to sponsors Austwel LTD, Hedley Asset Management, and The Pembrokeshire Herald for their ongoing support.

Next match: A historic showdown

This Saturday, the Pembrokeshire Vikings will travel to Llandaff RFC to make history in a match against Rygbi Senedd Cymru. The team looks forward to another thrilling encounter as they continue their successful season.