Sport

Otters have strength in depth

Published

3 years ago

September 27, 2021

THE Narberth RFC first team remained unbeaten during the WRU Cup and are now waiting for confirmation of the second round play-offs dates and venues. The strength in depth of the OTTERS is due to the commitment of the Coaches and back room staff for all teams not just the first.

The Club believes in nurturing the game and the players from the young sides under 5’s to under 16’s with just as much pride and commitment as that shown for the 1st team.

The results speak for themselves. One of the rising stars, George Macdonald, is only 18 years of age and playing for the 1sts has provided two magnificent performances as scrum half echoing the exploits of his father Chris MacDonald a former player and stalwart for Narberth RFC.

Members will fondly remember Chris – he was educated at Dyffryn Taf School, Whitland where he captained the schools senior side and was

Captain of Narberth RFC Under 15’s. On 27.04.1989 in the Youth Cup Final at Pembroke Chris scored 2 tries from centre position resulting in Narberth 14 Pembroke Dock Quins 10. The RFC club statistician Ken Mathias keeps records of all the teams and he provided the following insight.

He was also a member of the Narberth Youth Team that beat Cardigan 19-13 in the Final of the Youth Cup at Whitland following a replay. Chris was judged to be Player of the Tournament in the 1990 Narberth 7’s Squad that won the Pembs County 7’s tournament at Pembroke Dock Quins.

He made his debut in October 1990 in the Narberth First team in the Heineken League and during that season played 15 league games all of them at centre where he partnered either Peter Nicholas or Gerwyn Reynolds scoring his first league try in November of that year.

In November 1991 he played his first game at scrum half for the first team in the Heineken league and that turned out to be his favourite position in a long and illustrious career. During the season 1994 – 95 Chris joined Swansea RFC for a season and a half before returning to Narberth and he was subsequently elected Narberth First team captain in the season 1998-99. At the turn of the millennium in one season he scored 12 tries in league games.

Narberth RFC became champions of Division 2 and Chris played in 28 League games that season out of a total of 30 and his contribution the club’s promotion success was huge

His prowess in the sport led Chris in 2004-05 to join Llanelli in the Premiership and he scored the winning try in the last few minutes to win the Konica Minolta Cup Final 25 – 24 against Pontypridd. He stayed with them for two seasons before returning to Narberth. He also played for the Scarlets and represented the British Police on numerous occasions including several tours abroad

In April 2007 Chris played his last league game for Narberth and was awarded Man of the Match on merit. In total for the OTTERS Chris Macdonald played in 252 league games scoring 82 league tries and a further 10 in Welsh Cup games. Quite a record and his son George shows enough talent to match or surpass his dad’s achievements. Time will tell.

Under 9’s Charlie evading a Whitland tackler

In the meantime, at the start of the 2021-2022 season, other youngsters in the age group 16-18 are also showing promise in the Narberth RFC Youth Team. In the final game of September they beat Fishguard 20-10 in a pacy match played in good weather conditions on a superb OTTERS pitch. Defensively, many of the young bloods, some only just turned 16, were up against a heftier side of whom many of the opposition players were that bit older and more mature in their physique.

Youth Coach Rob Nicholas commented: “Our young Narberth youth team faced an older and much bigger Fishguard opposition on Saturday. From the outset Fishguard used their large forwards, running hard off the scrum half. After weathering this early onslaught with brave and aggressive tackling the home side started taking the game to the opposition.

Excellent handling and interplay saw them go into half time leading 10-0 with two well taken tries from Owen Llewellyn.

The second half mirrored the first with the visitors continuing to use their massive pack and the home team repulsing them time after time. Narberth continued to move the ball well and scored another excellent try through Yori Morgan.

Fishguard had a late rally but Narberth ran out fully deserved winners 20 points to 10. Outstanding for the young Otters were Yori Morgan, Brad Cramb, Owen Llewellyn, Tom Monk. The three coaches were unanimous in their choice of man of the match Harri Harries.

Not to be outdone the under 9’s age group were out practicing in the last Sunday of September. Ken Morgan went along to see the youngsters training routine involving tackle bags under the supervision of their coaches Andy Cotter, Dave Monan, Tomas Rees and Dylan Hughes.

At the end of the training session they then had a 40 minute session of two 20 minute halves playing against a Whitland team kitted out in their familiar Green and White strip from the neighbouring town.

There was some fast running from both sides but at this level the main aim of the coaches from both sides is to develop speed, awareness of space and passing the ball. The youngsters had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed playing on the 1st Teams pitch.

Youth Team Man of the Match Harri Harries

Sport

Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season

Published

3 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARMARTHEN TOWN AFC’s long-serving manager, Mark Aizlewood, has announced that he will not be renewing his contract, marking the end of an era for the club. In a heartfelt statement released on January 14, 2025, Aizlewood revealed this season would be his last at the helm of the Old Gold.

Aizlewood expressed gratitude to the players, staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors, and supporters who have supported him throughout his tenure. “The people of CTFC have made me one of their own,” he said, despite living 60 miles away. He also extended heartfelt thanks to his wife and family for their understanding and unwavering support.

Two decades of success

Aizlewood has been a defining figure in the club’s history, holding a UEFA Pro Licence for over 30 years and leading Carmarthen Town AFC to consistent top-six finishes in the Welsh league, as well as cup victories and European qualifications. “In my 20+ years at the club, these achievements became the norm, and we were at the very top of the football ecosystem in Wales,” Aizlewood remarked.

However, he acknowledged that the current situation at the club has shifted, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not the case any longer. The ship is pointing in the right direction, and the destination is agreed by all, but perhaps now is the right time for a new captain to steer the club along its agreed journey.”

Looking ahead

Aizlewood assured fans he remains passionate about football, declaring he will retain his UEFA Pro Licence and remain involved in the sport. As Carmarthen Town AFC prepares for a new chapter, Aizlewood wished his successor and the club every success in the future.

A legacy of dedication

Mark Aizlewood’s departure signals the end of one of the longest managerial tenures in Welsh football, a career marked by dedication, achievement, and an unyielding love for the game. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Carmarthen Town AFC.

The search for a new manager begins as the club aims to build on Aizlewood’s formidable achievements and continue its proud tradition in Welsh football.

Cover image credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW

Sport

Letterston marksman wins junior athlete award

Published

6 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TALENTED young athlete from Letterston has been honoured at the British Shooting Awards 2024.

Seren Thorne was shortlisted for the prestigious awards and attended the gala event held at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. To the delight of her family and supporters, Seren was named the winner of the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award.

This accolade highlights Seren’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking her as one of the rising stars in British shooting.

Her mother, Sian Thorne, expressed immense pride in Seren’s achievement, sharing photos of the memorable evening.

The British Shooting Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the sport, with a full list of winners available on their official website.

PHOTO CAPTION: Champion marksman: Seren Thorne receiving the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award (Pic: Supplied).

Sport

Previewing the 2025 Super Bowl

Published

7 days ago

January 20, 2025

Staff Writer

Each year millions of people across the world gather to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. Last year, 3.4 million people in the UK watched the Super Bowl, up 1.1 million from the previous year. Considering the growth in popularity of American football in the UK, we anticipate the viewership will be even higher for 2025.

The 2025 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on 9 February 2025 at Caesars Superdrome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

NFL teams

12 teams began competing for a spot in the 2025 Super Bowl when the playoffs began on January 11. At this point, four teams were eliminated. This now leaves eight teams to compete in the Divisional playoffs. Four of these will make it to the Conference Championships before contesting for a spot at this year’s Super Bowl.

The eight teams left with a shot at competing in the 2025 Super Bowl are:

Philadelphia Eagles
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams
Washington Commanders

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs took the title for the second year in a row. However, the latest Super Bowl odds puts the Detroit Lions as the favourites to win this year’s Super Bowl, following a series of impressive performances in the regular season.

The national anthem and halftime show

Before the game commences, a special guest performs the national anthem. Last year, Reba McEntire offered a moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and this year the task falls to jazz singer Jon Batiste.

It’s not just the football match that people look forward to. Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle in themselves and many look forward to the performance as much as the game itself. This year, 17-time grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show. Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl in 2022.

How can I watch the Super Bowl in the UK?

The Super Bowl is being broadcast to fans free on ITV, including live online via ITVX on your laptop, mobile, or tablet.

Sky Sports is also broadcasting the event which you can watch online via Sky Go, NOW TV, or using the Sky Sports mobile app. You could also head to your local pub as plenty of pubs in Pembrokeshire will be showing the big game.

Will you be tuning in?

With a surge in popularity for American Football, it’s anticipated that more people from the UK than ever before will be turning their TVs on for the big event this year. Will you be watching this year’s Super Bowl?