Sport

Seagulls miss out on a draw after missed conversion

Published

4 years ago

September 27, 2021

FISHGUARD and Goodwick missed out on a draw in their game with Aberystwyth on Saturday (Sept 25) as they were beaten 25-27.

The visitors were the first to score as outside half Matthew Hughes kicked a penalty for obstruction.

However, the home side hit back almost immediately with an excellent solo try from their No10, James Griffiths. He added the conversion to give his team a 7-3 lead.

After good inter-passing involving backs and forwards Aber worked their way downfield for Hughes to break through the home side’s defence to run a full 20 metres to score a well-worked try. This went unconverted but Aber were narrowly ahead at 7-8.

The visitors again worked their way patiently downfield keeping possession using backs and forwards and it was entirely with the run of play that Bryn Shepherd went over for their second try and it was Aber who led 7-13 at half time.

The first half had been more competitive than the margin suggests as Fishguard had shown themselves to be a well-drilled team playing with cohesion and good understanding. Their skilled teamwork was to threaten Aber even more in the second half.

The score at the interval flattered the visitors as the home side were equal to anything Aber could offer. The scrums were even and they gave nothing away in the loose nor in the lineouts despite lacking height.

Fishguard showed that they could be even more competitive in the second half. They gathered Aber’s kick-off and ran hard at the visitors forcing desperate tackling and urgent defending.

Their pressure paid off as they were awarded a penalty to get back into the game at 10-13.

Now it was Aber who turned on the pressure as they carried hard and won phase after phase to make ground. From a ruck within Fishguard’s 22 metres, Charles Thomas threw out a long, accurate pass to Carwyn Evans who ran hard to cross the line for Aber’s third try. Hughes’ conversion gave the visitors a 10-20 lead.

Again Fishguard regrouped and were awarded with another penalty to close the gap to 7 points.

Once more, Aber fought back, kept possession and gained ground. They, and almost everyone except the referee, thought that Paul Stubbs had scored a good try from loose play; but it was disallowed for not grounding.

Denied a certain seven points the visitors heads dropped momentarily and they allowed Fishguard right back into the game. Such was the home side’s confidence during this period that they bullied and harassed their way downfield to cross for a try in the corner, scored by Chris Shousha. An excellent Griffiths conversion levelled the score at 20-20.

Although Fishguard were on top at this stage of the game it was the visitors who scored next as Carwyn Evans ran powerfully to score his second try of the afternoon.

Hughes converted the bonus point try and at 20-27, with only minutes left on the clock, Aber literally took their eye off the ball.

At a scrum near the half-way line, the Fishguard pack shunted the Aber eight clean off the ball and earned a penalty. They kicked for the corner, won the ensuing lineout, and for several minutes forced the visitors to defend desperately. Eventually their pressure paid off and Gavin Walsh scored their third try of the afternoon to take the score to 25-27.

As a drawn game looked certain, Griffiths’ missed with the conversion, and the final whistle was blown almost immediately.

It was a hammer blow for the Seagulls who had worked brilliantly throughout the game to keep themselves in it.

They will look to take the positives and regroup as their next game sees them travel to Crymych on Saturday, October 2.

Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

Published

22 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.

News

Haverfordwest sailor leads global team to historic victory in Korea

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2026

Herald Sport

Lou Boorman celebrates home port win in round-the-world yacht race

A HAVERFORDWEST-born sailor has led her team to a landmark victory on the global stage, winning a major leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as it arrived in South Korea.

Lou Boorman, aged 23, skippered Team Tongyeong to first place as the fleet sailed into the Korean port city this week (Mar 16), marking a historic moment for the race.

The win is particularly significant as it is the first time the round-the-world event has ever stopped in Korea – and the home team claimed the top spot.

Speaking from the yacht after crossing the finish line, Lou said: “We did it, we performed under the pressure! To get a win into our home port, I can die happy!”

From Pembrokeshire to the world stage

Lou, who grew up in Haverfordwest, has quickly risen through the ranks of competitive sailing. Before taking on the challenge of leading a Clipper Race team, she had already secured titles as British, Irish and Welsh Female Champion.

Now skippering one of the race’s international teams, she is responsible not only for navigation and strategy, but also for leading a diverse crew – many of whom had never sailed before joining the race.

The Clipper Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges in sport, covering 40,000 nautical miles over eleven months, with crews facing extreme weather conditions ranging from freezing Pacific crossings to equatorial heat.

High-stakes gamble pays off

Team Tongyeong took a major risk during this stage, playing its ‘Joker’ card – a race tactic that doubles points if successful.

The gamble paid off, earning the team maximum points and securing their place at the top of the leaderboard.

Lou said: “We’ve worked really hard and put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Going into our home port there is a lot of pressure to perform, and we added to that pressure by playing our Joker – and we got twenty points, so I’m very proud of the team.”

This marks the team’s second win in recent stages, building momentum as they pass the halfway point of the global race.

Life at sea and leadership challenges

Reflecting on her journey so far, Lou highlighted the challenges of leadership as much as the physical demands of sailing.

She said: “Sometimes the sailing comes second to the people because they are the important ones. To lead them through that is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.”

She added: “My favourite thing about sailing is the magic of the sea, the stars, the storms and the remoteness. I feel free and at my happiest at sea.”

Global race continues

The Clipper Race fleet will remain in Tongyeong for a week of cultural events before setting off across the North Pacific towards Seattle.

The race will later visit Panama, Washington DC, and Oban before returning to Portsmouth this summer, completing a full circumnavigation of the globe.

For Pembrokeshire, Lou’s achievement puts a local name firmly on the world sailing map – and highlights the global reach of talent from West Wales.

Sport

New2Golf scheme returns to South Pembrokeshire Golf Club

Published

3 days ago

March 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Six-week beginner programme offers affordable route into the sport

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE GOLF CLUB is preparing to launch its popular New2Golf scheme for 2026, with the latest intake starting on Monday (Apr 13).

Now in its eighth year at the Pembroke Dock course, the initiative offers a low-cost and welcoming introduction to golf. All equipment and professional tuition are included for a small fee, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities – including complete beginners who have never picked up a club before.

The scheme is also ideal for those who have previously played golf and are looking to return to the game after a break.

Participants will receive coaching from qualified golf professionals at the club’s practice ground during early evening sessions over a six-week period. There will also be an option to continue with further sessions after the initial programme.

Golf provides a great opportunity to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. As a low-impact sport, it allows players to gradually build fitness while learning new skills. Whether approached competitively or socially, it offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Last year’s New2Golf intake ranged in age from eight to 70, highlighting the sport’s broad appeal and accessibility.

Located in Pennar, Pembroke Dock, South Pembrokeshire Golf Club enjoys scenic views over the Haven waterway. The club has a thriving membership across junior, ladies’, men’s and seniors’ sections, and prides itself on being friendly and supportive to new players.

Members regularly help newcomers develop their skills on the course, offering guidance on rules, techniques and course play.

The clubhouse also serves as a social hub, offering home-cooked food, a bar and meeting facilities, with a busy calendar of events throughout the year.