Sport
Saints get back to winning ways
ST CLEARS got back to winning ways in Division 2 on Saturday (Jan 15) as they beat Merlins Bridge seconds 4-1.
They were beaten by leaders Kilgetty in their last game before Christmas and they were keen to avoid another defeat against the side that sat just one place below them in the table.
The game started off frantically with lots of errors from both teams but after 15 minutes, both started to settle and the chances began to come.
The first fell to St Clears with Nathan Evans, after good link up play with Steve Thomas, who was through on goal but he dragged his shot wide.
Will Evans, who was busy on the wing for St Clears, then managed to beat the oncoming defender but his shot was at the keeper.
From this Bridge set up a counter attack and moved the ball well up to the strikers and a pinpoint cross found the head of Ryan Doyle who made no mistake from 8 yards out to put the hosts 1-0 up.
After the goal, St Clears began to find their rhythm, again mounting attack after attack and seeing a fair amount of possession.
There were chances for Will Evans, Josh Jones and a flurry of corners but the away side could not convert.
Bridge however, were proving dangerous on the counter and had two opportunities themselves to extend their lead which were snuffed out by the away defence and keeper Jason Jones.
Into the second half and it started very much like the first half ended.
St Clears went straight on the attack, playing their short, sharp passing game and began to create chances. Will Evans again had three early shots but Dan Birch the Merlins Bridge keeper was resolute and holding firm.
It was on around 60 minutes when a wide free kick was whipped into the box and challenged for by Nick Squire, that the ball fell and was coolly finished by Steve Thomas to bring the score to 1-1.
After this period Bridge began to get a bit more of the ball and started to form some of their own attacking play, however nothing significant to concern the away keeper, as the defence in front of him stood strong.
Around 70 minutes in and another excellent pass from Nathan Evans found Thomas again on the edge of the box, who brought the ball down on his left and thundered a half volley into the roof of the net to make it 2-1 to the away side.
Not long after this, Thomas again picked up the ball after a neat flick from Josh Jones and ran at the Bridge defence, Thomas then returned the favour to Josh Jones who went on to finish and make it 3-1.
Finally, around 85 minutes in, substitute Dorian Davies whipped in a long cross from wide and the ever alert Thomas ran in at the back post to secure a hat trick and a 4-1 win for the Saints.
The win moves the Saints up to third, two points behind the top two with four games in hand.
On Saturday, January 22, St Clears host Johnston while Merlins Bridge seconds host Hakin United seconds.
Hakin United secure hard-fought win over Carew
Hakin United 3-1 Carew
HAKIN UNITED overcame a determined Carew side at the Obs, with two late goals securing the victory.
Ryan Wilson opened the scoring in the 16th minute, volleying home from a Jack Britton corner. Carew responded before halftime when Marcus Griffiths won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Mark Jones.
Jones made amends in the second half, setting up Shane Walsh to restore Hakin’s lead in the 77th minute. In stoppage time, Britton played in Alfie Stotter, who sealed the win with a delicate chip.
Goodwick United close in on league title
Goodwick United 5-0 Kilgetty
Goodwick United moved one step closer to retaining their league title with a commanding win over 10-man Kilgetty.
Will Haworth opened the scoring just before halftime with an overhead kick, and moments later, Nathan Greene doubled the lead with a powerful header from a Jonny Horgan corner.
Kilgetty’s hopes faded further in the second half when Kyle Marsh was sent off for a second booking. Goodwick capitalised, adding goals through Rhys Jones, substitute Kieran Blundell, and a second for Haworth to complete the rout.
They now need just one more win from their final three games to secure the championship.
Pennar Robins run riot as Herbrandston’s season ends in heavy defeat
Herbrandston 0-15 Pennar Robins
Relegated Herbrandston endured a crushing defeat in their final game, as Pennar Robins ran rampant with 15 unanswered goals.
Ben Adams led the charge with five, while Jack Jones netted four. Cameron Brunton added a hat-trick, with Noah Davison, Nick Willis, and Liam Williams also on the scoresheet.
Despite a difficult season, credit must go to Herbrandston and their leadership, with the club now looking ahead to a fresh start in August.
Milford United 2-1 Clarbeston Road
MILFORD UNITED booked their place in the Senior Cup final with a spirited and fearless performance, overcoming defending champions Clarbeston Road in a dramatic semi-final at Bridge Meadow.
With both sides having beaten each other in the league, a competitive encounter was expected, and The Robins wasted no time in making their mark. Young Jack Dyer fired them into the lead in the fourth minute with a superb volley, setting the tone for an intense battle.
Milford had a golden chance to double their advantage just before the half-hour mark, but Clarby held firm, ensuring the deficit remained at one goal heading into the break.
Half-time: Milford United 1-0 Clarbeston Road
Clarby came out strongly in the second half, piling on the pressure from the restart. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy produced a series of crucial saves, but in the 62nd minute, Clarby found the breakthrough, levelling the game at 1-1.
Moments later, Milford were dealt a major blow when captain Scott Griffiths was shown a straight red card, leaving them to battle the remainder of the match with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, The Robins showed incredible resolve, and in the 82nd minute, Scott Reid fired home from close range to restore Milford’s lead—sparking wild celebrations among their supporters.
Milford saw out the closing stages with a determined defensive effort, securing a hard-fought victory that showcased their grit and resilience.
They will now face old rivals Hakin United in the final at Bridge Meadow on Saturday, April 12, with momentum firmly on their side.
HAVERFORDWEST 13-52 TENBY UNITED
TENBY UNITED asserted their dominance in a knockout cup clash against Haverfordwest, securing a commanding 52-13 victory on Saturday.
The Seasiders entered the match as strong favourites given the gulf between the two sides in league standings. Despite a determined effort from Haverfordwest, they trailed by 18 points at halftime and conceded another 21 in the second half without adding to their tally.
Jack Broadhurst opened the scoring for Tenby before Haverfordwest responded with a well-worked try from Guy Barrons, converted by Jack Codd. However, Tenby quickly regained control. Hywel Baker powered over, Kyle Rossiter finished a forward drive, and Tom Edmonds crossed after a break from Dai Jones. Lloyd Thomas added the extras before No. 8 Jack Brown crashed over just before the break to extend the lead.
The Blues had promising spells and earned two penalties, both converted by Codd, but failed to capitalise on further opportunities. In the second half, Tenby’s dominance continued. Gwion Jones, Lloyd Thomas, and Ryan Bolton all added tries, with Thomas finishing the match with 17 points in a one-sided contest.
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