Sport

Otters remain unbeaten after beating Trebanos

Published

4 years ago

September 13, 2021

Report by Club Chairman Rob Lewis

IN Saturday’s (Sept 11) Championship match Narberth’s First Team entertained visitors Trebanos in what is always a free flowing and close encounter.

After only five minutes Narberth were first on the score board. When a penalty was awarded to the home side for the visitors being offside at a ruck winger Nick Gale kicked the ball close to Trebanos’ 22 metre line. From the lineout the Otters set up a rolling maul and drove towards the visitors try line. Trebanos conceded a penalty and Gale again kicked for the corner. From the lineout the Otters again drove towards the visitors try line and Prop Tom Kaijaks powered over to score. Nick Gale kicked the conversion (7 -0).

Shortly afterwards a missed tackle in midfield saw Trebanos fly half Tom Dew break through and kick ahead. Fortunately, home fly half Ashley Sutton got to the ball first and put in a relieving kick downfield to avert a near score for the visitors.

Ten minutes later Trebanos again infringed at a breakdown and Narberth were awarded a penalty, but Gale narrowly missed the kick from about 40 metres out.

Narberth continued to attack with driving runs up field by their lively forwards but couldn’t break the visitors’ solid defence.

Then after quick ball from a lineout the ball spread across the Narberth back division and centre Jake Jenkins made a lovely outside break. He attempted to pass to his supporting winger Dafydd Pritchard but unfortunately the Trebanos winger got his hands on the ball first to avert a certain try.

However, the ball was carried over the Trebanos line resulting in a Narberth five metre scrum. The Otters continued to threaten the visitors’ line for a good ten minutes but just couldn’t manage to break down the Trebanos defence.

Then, from yet another attacking ruck the ball was spun wide to flanker Guto Davies who went over in the corner only for the referee to adjudge that there had been a forward pass. Narberth continued to have most of the possession and from a lineout on the Trebanos 22 metre line Narberth scrum half Rhys Lane made a decisive break. When tackled, the ball was quickly recycled, and hooker Rhodri Owens dashed down the blindside of the ensuing ruck and gave a lovely pass to winger Pritchard who scored in the corner. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful (12–0).

Within five minutes Trebanos were back on the attack and won a lineout on the Otters 22 metre line. They attempted to set up a rolling maul but when this failed, they moved the ball out and a fine angled run saw the Trebanos centre break through the Narberth defence and score near to the posts. Fly half Dew converted making the score (12–7).

This lifted the Trebanos team, and they spent some time in possession attacking the Otters line but excellent defence by the Narberth team kept them from scoring.

Eventually, however, the Otters were penalised for offside at a ruck and Dew was again successful with the kick (12–10). Then a further infringement at a ruck by the Trebanos hooker resulted in Narberth being awarded a penalty on the visitors ten metre line and this was kicked successfully by winger Gale to make the score 15–10.

Almost from the restart at a ruck on the Otters 22 metre line the Trebanos Second Row deliberately elbowed a Narberth forward with a direct blow to the head. The referee had no hesitation in issuing a red card reducing the visitors to 14 men for the rest of the game.

As often happens, this galvanised the Trebanos team and with some scintillating runs by Dew they were once again stretching the Narberth defence. Eventually Trebanos were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which Dew again kicked to bring the score at half time to 15–13.

Shortly after the restart Narberth managed to increase their lead once again. From a scrum the ball was moved wide to winger Gale who raced upfield only to be tackled close to the visitors try line. A series of scrums followed where the Otters held the ascendancy and eventually the ball was switched to the blind side of a ruck where captain and No.6 Richie Rees scored in the corner. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful (20–13).

Almost from the kick-off Narberth scored again. A relieving kick upfield saw the Trebanos full back drop the ball and it fell into the hands of Rees. He gave a quick pass to No.8 Steff Phillips who charged upfield and then passed to supporting flanker Guto Davies who was tackled just short of the visitors try line. From the resulting ruck the ball was quickly passed out wide and winger Dafydd Pritchard beat his opposite number with a great change of pace to score in the corner. The try went unconverted (25–13).

Narberth then made several changes with Rhys Williams replacing Lock Ryan Banner, Tom Clarke replacing hooker Rhodri Owens and Adam Thomas replacing Prop Bradley Davies.

Shortly afterwards Trebanos kicked a penalty for a Narberth infringement at a breakdown to narrow the score to 25–16.

Narberth once again got back on the attack and forward drives by Tom Kaijaks and Richie Rees took the Otters to within five metres of the Trebanos try line where they were awarded a scrum. At this point fly half Ashley Sutton was replaced by Jonathan Rogers.

The Narberth pack drove Trebanos back towards their line and Scrum Half Rhys Lane picked up the ball and looked to have grounded the ball over the line, but the referee was unsighted and ruled that he had been held up over the line.

Narberth then made their final change replacing Lane with George MacDonald. With very little time left Narberth were again pressing very close to the Trebanos try line and were awarded a scrum. No.8 Steff Phillips picked the ball up and went to the blindside and passed to the supporting MacDonald who unfortunately was adjudged to have stepped into touch before crossing the try line.

Trebanos continued to throw everything into attack to try and gain a losing bonus point, but the Otters defence held firm, and the game came to a close with the score remaining at 25–16.

In the Clubhouse after the game Match Sponsor Graham Searle awarded the Man of the Match to captain Richard Rees.

Sport

Manager reflects on unity, discipline, and a season built on belief

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2025

Herald Sport

IN the days leading up to Sunday’s play-off final, Haverfordwest County manager Tony Pennock said one thing clearly: “The boys are looking forward to it and will be up for the challenge.”

He wasn’t wrong.

While supporters rightly celebrate a 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town and the return of European football to the club, it’s worth remembering that this moment was forged not in 90 minutes, but across a season built on togetherness, hard graft, and quiet conviction.

Pennock, reflecting before the final, pointed to signs he’d seen as early as last June.

“From the first session up at the Racecourse, then the beach the following week, you just saw a group that really wanted to work hard for each other,” he said.

That unity has defined the Bluebirds’ campaign. They achieved a club-record 51 points and finished with the best defensive record in the Cymru Premier — conceding just 26 goals in 32 games. It was a season not of flashy wins, but of collective discipline, focus, and belief.

And while Haverfordwest’s third-place finish guaranteed them a home final, it also meant an unusually long layoff — nearly four weeks without competitive football. For some, that might have spelled rust or lost momentum. For Pennock, it was opportunity.

“The break has given us a chance to get a few of the injured boys back fit,” he said on Friday. “No excuses from us — the boys are ready.”

Sunday’s performance proved that readiness, not just in energy but in character. It was a composed display from a squad that knew what was at stake and trusted in the process that had brought them this far.

Behind the scenes, there was also a challenge: keeping the squad focused and mentally prepared during the long wait. “Whatever happened in the previous 32 games doesn’t matter anymore,” Pennock said. “It’s all about Sunday.”

With the job now done and European qualification secured for the second year running, attention turns to logistics, the UEFA draw, and the question of whether Haverfordwest will again have to play at Cardiff City Stadium due to ground regulations.

But for now, the focus remains on a season that delivered on its promise — and on a manager who asked for belief and got it in return.

Photo caption: Stronger together: Haverfordwest’s season success rooted in unity and belief (Pic: HCAFC)

Cover photo by Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW

Sport

Bluebirds beat Caernarfon Town 3–1 to book place in UEFA Europa Conference League

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will once again fly the flag for Pembrokeshire in Europe after a thrilling 3–1 win over Caernarfon Town in the JD Cymru Premier European play-off final on Sunday (May 18).

In front of a passionate home crowd of 1,717 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, the Bluebirds produced a composed and clinical performance to book their place in the First Qualifying Round of the 2025–26 UEFA Europa Conference League.

Ben Ahmun opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute with a composed finish, before Dan Hawkins doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark. Ahmun sealed the victory with his second of the afternoon in the 85th minute, rounding off a memorable display.

Caernarfon pulled one back deep into injury time through Louis Lloyd (90+4), but it was too little, too late for the visitors, as Haverfordwest celebrated back-to-back European qualifications — a historic achievement for the Pembrokeshire club.

This result means Haverfordwest will enter the UEFA Conference League at the First Qualifying Round, with the draw expected in mid-June and matches scheduled for July.

It continues an impressive rise for the club, who last summer thrilled supporters across Wales with their dramatic European ties against Shkëndija of North Macedonia, narrowly exiting the competition on penalties after a heroic second-leg performance in Cardiff.

The win also cements Haverfordwest’s growing reputation as a force in domestic Welsh football — with a strong squad, local support, and the experience of last year’s European campaign to build on.

Full-time: Haverfordwest County 3–1 Caernarfon Town

Scorers:

Haverfordwest – Ahmun (17, 85), Hawkins (32)

Caernarfon – Lloyd (90+4)

Attendance: 1,717

Venue: Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest

Competition: JD Cymru Premier European Play-Off Final

Photo caption:

Bluebirds flying high: Haverfordwest players celebrate after qualifying for Europe (Pic: HCAFC)

Sport

Carew crush Llangwm as title race begins to take shape

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2025

Herald Sport

CAREW remain the team to beat in Division One of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League after another dominant performance, as the early-season table starts to take shape.

The 2022 champions were ruthless against Llangwm, piling on a massive 365-5 before skittling the visitors for just 102 — winning by 263 runs. Nick Davies struck a classy 101, supported by 88 from Shaun Whitfield and 62 from Tim Hicks. In reply, James Hinchcliffe tore through the Llangwm batting with figures of 4-8, while Iori Hicks chipped in with 2-15.

Cresselly remain on their heels, comfortably beating Lawrenny by eight wickets. After bowling Lawrenny out for 119 — with Tom Arthur taking 3-29 and Charlie Arthur 3-32 — Morgan Lewis (60) and Charlie Arthur (41*) saw them home in just 21.5 overs.

Neyland kept pace near the top with a hard-fought four-wicket win over Burton. Ashley Sutton’s 76 and Dai Davies’s unbeaten 23 proved vital after Burton posted 147 all out, with Luke Hayman contributing 22 and taking 3-35 in a losing effort.

Saundersfoot also chalked up a win, chasing down 102 to beat Whitland by seven wickets. Prashant Gautam was the pick of the bowlers, taking 5-10, while Nick Cope took 4-21 and hit 26 not out to complete a fine all-round display.

Haverfordwest edged past Herbrandston by four wickets in a nervy low-scoring affair. Herbie were dismissed for 98, with Chris Phillips taking 3-11 and Fin Ateyo 3-13. Ben Field guided Town to victory with a patient unbeaten 50.

DIVISION ONE RESULTS – SATURDAY, MAY 17

Carew 365-5 (Nick Davies 101, S. Whitfield 88) beat Llangwm 102 all out by 263 runs
Cresselly 123-2 (Morgan Lewis 60) beat Lawrenny 119 all out by 8 wickets
Neyland 148-6 (Ashley Sutton 76) beat Burton 147 all out by 4 wickets
Saundersfoot 103-3 (Nick Cope 26no, Gautam 5-10) beat Whitland 102 all out by 7 wickets
Haverfordwest 100-6 (Ben Field 50no) beat Herbrandston 98 all out by 4 wickets

DIVISION ONE TABLE (AFTER WEEK 4)

Pos	Team	P	W	L	Bat	Bowl	Pts
1	Carew	4	4	0	18	20	78
2	Cresselly	4	4	0	17	17	76
3	Neyland	4	3	1	16	18	66
4	Saundersfoot	4	3	1	15	14	62
5	Haverfordwest	4	2	2	15	13	50
6	Burton	4	1	3	14	16	40
7	Lawrenny	4	1	3	12	15	39
8	Herbrandston	4	1	3	14	14	38
9	Whitland	4	1	3	15	11	36
10	Llangwm	4	0	4	10	12	22

DIVISION TWO: Narberth and Pembroke unbeaten

Narberth stay top with a dominant 155-run win over Johnston. Jamie McCormack smashed a stunning 175, before Ryan Williams (4-49) helped bowl Johnston out for 169.

Pembroke are hot on their heels after chasing down Hook’s 230 with six wickets in hand. Jack Harries was the standout, finishing unbeaten on 125.

Carew II and Llechryd also enjoyed wins, while St Ishmaels crushed Burton II by 217 runs, with Brennan Devonald (136) and Peter Bradshaw (83) in the runs.

Division Two table (Top 3):

Narberth – 78 pts
Pembroke – 76 pts
Hook – 65 pts

DIVISION THREE: Fishguard flying

Fishguard top Division Three after an eight-wicket win at Stackpole. Nigel Delaney anchored the chase with 63 not out.

Jake Davie’s unbeaten 96 helped Pembroke Dock beat Hundleton by 72 runs, while Steve Williams (73) and Charlie Holder (54) powered Hook II past Laugharne.

Elsewhere, Lamphey edged out Kilgetty by 3 wickets, and Neyland II held off Haverfordwest II in a tight contest.

Division Three table (Top 3):

Fishguard – 69 pts
Pembroke Dock – 64 pts
Kilgetty – 52 pts

DIVISION FOUR: Saundersfoot II stay perfect

Saundersfoot II made it four from four with an eight-wicket win over Narberth II. Lewis Treadway-Williams top-scored with 44 not out.

Pembroke II were equally dominant, thrashing Haverfordwest III by 131 runs with Paul White unbeaten on 118.

Crymych and St Ishmaels II also recorded big wins, while Carew III saw off Lawrenny II by 70 runs.

Division Four table (Top 3):

Saundersfoot II – 76 pts
Crymych – 68 pts
Pembroke II – 67 pts

DIVISION FIVE: Pembroke Dock II out front

In Division Five, Pembroke Dock II made light work of Haverfordwest IV, winning by nine wickets. Tom Grimwood hit an unbeaten 60.

Herbrandston II defeated Hundleton II, while Llechryd II cruised to victory over Cresselly III. Whitland II and Neyland III did not play.

Division Five table (Top 3):

Pembroke Dock II – 67 pts
Whitland II – 65 pts
Herbrandston II – 65 pts

DIVISION SIX: Lamphey II climbing

Lamphey II secured a seven-wicket win over Kilgetty II, while Whitland III eased past Llechryd III by ten wickets. Pembroke III won a low-scoring game against Haverfordwest/Cresselly.

Division Six table (Top 3):