Sport
Coach Gale blown away as Narberth beat Trebanos

SOMEONE who has been looking forward to the new rugby season more than most during the post pandemic period at Narberth RFC is Sean Gale, who is Director of Rugby and head coach of the Otters.
He is charged with the responsibility of keeping them in the championship section of the WRU setup which this year has had a Championship Cup Competition introduced into the fixture list by the WRU prior to the normal Championship League delayed start on November 13.
Sean has a wealth of experience as a player with Llanelli and Bridgend, one season at Tenby United and then three years back at Parc-y-Scarlets when the Welsh regions were formulated and he became a professional player with the Scarlets.
“I was made very welcome by the players and especially the supporters at the Lewis Lloyd Ground way back in 2005 and I am still here. It is one of the reasons why I have stayed so long; plus the fact that we have managed to keep doing well, despite some of the so-called bigger clubs having a much bigger budget”.
That Sean should be so involved in rugby was perhaps only natural because his father Norman was a Llanelli player of some repute who played hooker for Wales on 25 occasions, two of them as captain. Then the Gale family had a pub near Stradey Park and Sean made his first team debut for the Scarlets when he was only 18 as he played against Pontardulais in the Welsh Cup.
On Saturday, September 18, he was blown away with the performance his Otters team produced at Trebanos.
Up to that date The OTTERS had remained unbeaten and the week before they had played at The Lewis Lloyd ground in the centre of Narberth Town and beaten Trebanos. So he was expecting a backlash at the rematch on the Trebanos home ground at Pontardawe in the Swansea valley.
At first it looked as though Trebanos were going to rule the day. Within 3 minutes ,on the grey Saturday afternoon with little wind and no sun glare, a quick break on the wing Trebanos scored a try by their outside half which was quickly converted by him. The Otters supporters were stunned. Score Trebanos 7-0.
Not to be outdone at the restart Otters gained possession and Guto Davies crossed the line under the posts leaving the ever reliable Nick Gale, Son of Sean, to convert. Score 7-7.
In the Trebanos 22 metre zone, New blood scrum half, a mere 18 years old George Macdonald, son of former stalwart Chris, was soon to make a rapid break and passed to Jonathan Rogers who claimed a try but unfortunately it was disallowed by the referee.
Moments later another opportunity presented itself when Nick Gale took an advantage penalty and successfully crossed the bar. Score 7-10.
The otters were now in the ascendency but Trebanos kept up the pressure and were awarded a penalty outside the 22 metre line but the kick drifted to the right of the posts. Another Trebanos penalty kick 4 or 5 metres inside the OTTERS half also drifted to the right.
Twenty minutes into the first half drizzle affected the handling for both sides and unfortunately in the slippery conditions one of the Trebanos props sustained an injury. Trebanos did not have a front row replacement so the game continued with uncontested scrums. After the injury stoppage George Macdonald pounced on the ball passing to Steff Phillips to score, converted by Nick Gale. Score 7-17.
Narberth kept up their relentless pressure and George Macdonald was rewarded with a try to the left of the posts which reliable Nick Gale converted. Half Time Score: 7-24.
The second half continued in a similar vein finishing up with a final score of 12-43. So the OTTERS remain unbeaten this season and having blooded some very promising young players Sean Gale is justly proud of his results.
The outstanding performance from young George MacDonald netted him 4 tries and the award of Man of The Match presented by former Wales International legend and Trebanos supporter Rob Jones.
In the post-match summary Coach Sean Gale commented on his new “diamond” George Macdonald who scored 4 tries and the superb commitment of his other strong team members in the back row – Steff Phillips, Guto Davies, and Richie Rees the Captain. He was also full of praise for Ryan Banner and Rees Williams. In his view the control of the forwards was good and the defensive sets followed the drills so meticulously practiced in all their mid-week training sessions.
No wonder the travelling supporters came home to Narberth in a very merry mood. Narberth travelling supporter Peter John also commented that the Trebanos caterers provided the best beef burgers in the west.
The WRU has published dates for the second round of the WRU Championship Cup but at the time of going to press Team fixture dates/venues are not defined but the first set of games will take place on October 9.
However, the shortened WRU Championship League fixtures are known. The first home game for Narberth is Saturday, November 13, when they will host Neath.
Sport
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea to make Welsh history this weekend

World-class triathletes descend on South Wales as Swansea hosts its first-ever IRONMAN Pro Series event
WALES will play host to a major milestone in triathlon history this weekend as IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea becomes the first-ever IRONMAN Pro Series event to take place on Welsh soil.
The race, held on Sunday (July 13), marks the twelfth stop on the 2025 global tour and is expected to draw thousands of spectators to the Swansea seafront. More than 60 professional athletes and over 2,500 age-group competitors will take part in the prestigious swim-bike-run event.
Among the elite contenders is reigning Swansea champion Harry Palmer (GBR), making his season debut, alongside Kat Matthews, the 2024 IRONMAN Pro Series champion, and Kristian Høgenhaug (DEN), who finished third in last year’s standings.
With $50,000 in prize money and up to 2,500 series points at stake, the event carries serious weight for those chasing the overall series crown and qualification slots for the 2025 IRONMAN World Championships in Nice and Kona.
Race day will begin at 7:00am with the professional men’s start, followed by the pro women at 7:05am, and the mass start for age-group athletes at 7:10am. The course features a scenic but challenging route, with a city-centre finish expected to be buzzing with spectators.
The event will also be broadcast live across the world on platforms including YouTube, DAZN, Outside TV (US and Canada), and ESPN via Disney+ (Latin America and Caribbean).
Speaking ahead of the event, organisers said Swansea had earned its place on the global calendar. “Bringing the Pro Series to Wales is a huge moment for triathlon in the UK, and especially for South Wales,” a spokesperson said.
A free-to-attend Pro Athlete Panel will take place at 2:00pm on Friday (July 11) at the Waterfront Museum’s Ocean Room, offering the public a chance to meet some of the sport’s biggest stars.
Among those set to speak are Germany’s Anne Reischmann, who currently leads the 2025 standings, and Britain’s Lizzie Rayner, who already has two podium finishes this year.
The oldest registered athlete is David Ransom, aged 77, while the youngest is 18-year-old Jaden Morgan, highlighting the sport’s wide appeal.
Media wishing to attend must register in advance, with accreditation closing on Friday. Race-day walk-ins will not be granted access to restricted areas.
Education
Pupils’ multi-sports event hits the target

MORE than 60 pupils have enjoyed trying out a range of different sports in a special
Sport Pembrokeshire event held last month
The event was held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun with 65 pupils
from Years, 4,5 and 6 and the ALN unit taking part.
The sessions were run by local community clubs and Young Ambassadors from
Ysgol Bro Gwaun with pupils getting to enjoy rugby, cricket, hockey, archery and golf.
Sharon Osborne from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, said: “Thanks to Sport Pembrokeshire
for organising a fantastic morning of activities for our pupils. They all thoroughly
enjoyed themselves.”
Dan Bellis of Sport Pembrokeshire, added: “A big thanks to Fishguard & Goodwick
Hockey Club, Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club and the Young Ambassadors
from Ysgol Bro Gwaun for putting on a fabulous morning of activities in glorious
sunshine!
“A big well done to all the pupils from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun for their effort and
enthusiasm throughout the morning.”
Sport
Cresselly stay top as Lawrenny skittle Llangwm for just 39

Dominant wins across the divisions as league tables begin to take shape
CRESSELLY retained their place at the top of Division 1 of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Burton on Saturday (July 5).
Charlie Arthur led the chase with an unbeaten 65, while Simon Cole ripped through Burton’s batting with 4-8. The reply was brisk, with Cresselly reaching the target in under 18 overs.
Lawrenny produced a bowling masterclass to dismiss Llangwm for just 39. Rob Williams (6-12) and Jamie Lewis (4-23) shared the wickets before Lawrenny cruised to a 10-wicket win.
Herbrandston beat Neyland by 90 runs thanks to a strong showing with bat and ball. Charlie Malloy scored 68 and Jack Nicholas added 51 before Nathan Banner claimed 3-12.
Saundersfoot beat Haverfordwest by 81 runs with Tom Mansbridge taking 4-14 and Nick Cope chipping in with 4-28.
Carew chased down 134 to beat Whitland by three wickets. Brian Hall scored 33, while James Hinchcliffe finished on 28 not out and took 2-36 with the ball.
Division 1 Table
Pos | Team | P | W | L | Bat | Bowl | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cresselly | 11 | 10 | 1 | 37 | 47 | 192 |
2 | Carew | 11 | 9 | 2 | 42 | 52 | 186 |
3 | Saundersfoot | 11 | 7 | 4 | 40 | 47 | 164 |
4 | Herbrandston | 11 | 7 | 4 | 36 | 45 | 155 |
5 | Neyland | 11 | 6 | 5 | 35 | 44 | 141 |
6 | Lawrenny | 11 | 6 | 5 | 31 | 45 | 138 |
7 | Whitland | 11 | 4 | 7 | 37 | 32 | 113 |
8 | Burton | 11 | 3 | 8 | 35 | 38 | 103 |
9 | Haverfordwest | 11 | 3 | 8 | 32 | 34 | 98 |
10 | Llangwm | 11 | 0 | 11 | 21 | 20 | 41 |
Division 2 Table
Pos | Team | P | W | L | Bat | Bowl | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | St Ishmaels | 11 | 9 | 2 | 46 | 51 | 187 |
2 | Pembroke | 11 | 8 | 3 | 53 | 47 | 180 |
3 | Narberth | 11 | 8 | 3 | 50 | 50 | 180 |
4 | Hook | 11 | 8 | 3 | 48 | 41 | 172 |
5 | Llechryd | 11 | 6 | 5 | 42 | 41 | 146 |
6 | Cresselly II | 11 | 6 | 5 | 43 | 29 | 136 |
7 | Johnston | 11 | 5 | 6 | 39 | 42 | 131 |
8 | Carew II | 11 | 3 | 8 | 39 | 38 | 110 |
9 | Llanrhian | 11 | 1 | 10 | 45 | 18 | 73 |
10 | Burton II | 11 | 1 | 10 | 29 | 22 | 61 |
Division 3 Table
Pos | Team | P | W | L | Bat | Bowl | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fishguard | 11 | 10 | 1 | 37 | 41 | 186 |
2 | Pembroke Dock | 11 | 9 | 2 | 37 | 50 | 184 |
3 | Lamphey | 11 | 6 | 5 | 38 | 38 | 138 |
4 | Hundleton | 11 | 6 | 5 | 36 | 38 | 138 |
5 | Stackpole | 11 | 5 | 6 | 42 | 35 | 130 |
6 | Haverfordwest II | 11 | 4 | 6 | 44 | 37 | 126 |
7 | Laugharne | 11 | 4 | 6 | 39 | 30 | 114 |
8 | Kilgetty | 11 | 4 | 6 | 42 | 26 | 108 |
9 | Hook II | 11 | 3 | 7 | 34 | 19 | 83 |
10 | Neyland II | 11 | 2 | 9 | 31 | 23 | 74 |
Division 4 Table
Pos | Team | P | W | L | Bat | Bowl | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pembroke II | 11 | 10 | 1 | 47 | 47 | 198 |
2 | Saundersfoot II | 11 | 9 | 1 | 44 | 45 | 179 |
3 | St Ishmaels II | 11 | 7 | 4 | 48 | 42 | 160 |
4 | Crymych | 11 | 6 | 4 | 44 | 34 | 138 |
5 | Haverfordwest III | 10 | 4 | 5 | 40 | 33 | 133 |
6 | Lawrenny II | 11 | 5 | 5 | 37 | 38 | 125 |
7 | Carew III | 9 | 4 | 4 | 38 | 26 | 104 |
8 | Llangwm II | 11 | 2 | 9 | 47 | 25 | 92 |
9 | Llanrhian II | 10 | 1 | 8 | 36 | 22 | 88 |
10 | Narberth II | 11 | 2 | 9 | 36 | 22 | 79 |
Division 5 Table
Pos | Team | P | W | L | Bat | Bowl | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Llechryd II | 11 | 9 | 1 | 43 | 46 | 192 |
2 | Herbrandston II | 11 | 9 | 2 | 43 | 50 | 190 |
3 | Pembroke Dock II | 11 | 7 | 3 | 44 | 39 | 157 |
4 | Whitland II | 9 | 4 | 4 | 32 | 19 | 113 |
5 | Haverfordwest IV | 10 | 3 | 6 | 38 | 26 | 104 |
6 | Hundleton II | 10 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 23 | 100 |
7 | Cresselly III | 10 | 2 | 7 | 41 | 28 | 89 |
8 | Neyland III | 10 | 0 | 10 | 33 | 8 | 40 |
Division 6 Table
Pos | Team | P | W | L | Bat | Bowl | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pembroke III | 10 | 7 | 1 | 27 | 36 | 141 |
2 | Llechryd III | 8 | 6 | 1 | 27 | 30 | 137 |
3 | Lamphey II | 10 | 4 | 3 | 27 | 22 | 92 |
4 | Haverfordwest/Cresselly | 10 | 3 | 6 | 21 | 31 | 88 |
5 | Whitland III* | 10 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 24 | 65 |
6 | Kilgetty II | 10 | 0 | 8 | 14 | 14 | 28 |
*Whitland III: 8-point deduction for use of permit players
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