Sport

Bluebirds seal vital win over Druids

Published

3 years ago

March 1, 2022

HAVERFORDWEST County ended Phase One of the JD Cymru Premier in perfect fashion with a 2-0 win over bottom side Cefn Druids at The Rock.

First-half goals from Alhagi Touray Sisay and Jack Wilson put the Bluebirds two to the good after just 18 minutes, with County controlling the ball throughout and creating numerous opportunities to extend their lead.

While the sides are only separated by one place in the league table, there was a noticeable difference in the way the two teams approached the game, with the Bluebirds confident to play through the thirds and attack whenever possible.

The victory is County’s first in the league since the end of October, when they beat Newtown 1-0 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, and provides the team with a real morale boost heading into the start of Phase Two of the season.

In his first game in charge, manager Nicky Hayen made four changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Aberystwyth Town a fortnight ago, with Jazz Richards and Alaric Jones returning from injury, Kurtis Rees replacing Corey Shephard in midfield and Touray Sisay selected to partner Jordan Davies up top. Captain Dylan Rees missed the game through suspension, after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Aber last time out.

County started the game on the front foot, and were rewarded for their positive intent when Elliot Scotcher’s free-kick from the right side found it’s way through to an unmarked Touray Sisay in the middle of the goal, and the striker tapped in from close range to give the Bluebirds the perfect start.

Hayen’s side only had to wait two minutes to double their lead. Touray Sisay offloaded the ball to Wilson just outside the area, and the wing-back took a couple of touches before firing a rocket of a shot into the top right corner, leaving goalkeeper Michael Jones with no chance.

There was one negative from a hugely encouraging first-half, with midfielder Kieran Lewis forced off after 37 minutes, with Ricky Watts coming on in his place.

Having been untroubled by the Druids attack in the first-half, County nearly gave the hosts a way back into the game when a stray pass inside their own penalty area handed possession to Niall Flint, but Lee Idzi did well to get down and save his shot from close range.

Keen to extend their advantage in the early stages of the second-half, the Bluebirds nearly made it 3-0 when Davies was freed down the left side by Watts, before he turned and chipped a cross into the area which picked out Touray Sisay, but his effort came back off the left post.

Despite this missed chance, the striker was having an impressive afternoon, and he continued to cause the Druids defence problems, with Flint and Phil Mooney both shown yellow cards in quick succession for fouls on the front man.

Shortly after replacing Richards, wing-back Ryan George had a chance to shoot from inside the area, but the Ancients defence were able to snuff out the danger just in time.

The final chance of note for the Bluebirds came with five minutes remaining, when Scotcher’s cross from the left side hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play, but the awaiting Jones couldn’t direct his header goalwards from a couple of yards out.

In stoppage time, Hayen handed debuts to Alex Worley and loanee Caleb Hughes, who joined the club in the January transfer window.

The victory sees the Bluebirds move to within one point of 10th placed Barry Town United, who lost 2-1 at home to Caernarfon Town.

Related Topics:Football Haverfordwest County JD Cymru Premier

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Sean Bowen amongst UK’s highest-earning jockeys as he shines at Cheltenham

Published

5 hours ago

March 13, 2025

Herald Sport

PEMBROKESHIRE’S own Sean Bowen, hailing from Letterston, has cemented his place among the UK’s top jockeys, ranking fourth on the all-time career earnings list for British National Hunt riders. With a staggering £11.5 million in prize money to his name, Bowen continues to make waves on the biggest stage—Cheltenham Festival 2025.

Bowen’s rise to the top

The latest rankings, compiled by racing experts at OLBG, highlight Bowen’s remarkable achievements:

Top-Earning British Jockeys

Sam Twiston-Davies – £21,968,167
Harry Skelton – £18,837,862
Harry Cobden – £17,717,810
Sean Bowen – £11,520,715
Charlie Deutsch – £7,071,208

Bowen, 26, has quickly become one of the most respected jockeys in the sport, following in the footsteps of his father, Welsh trainer Peter Bowen. His younger brother, James Bowen, also ranks among the top-earning jockeys, sitting in seventh place with £5.6 million in career winnings.

With major wins in the Grand National and multiple Grade 1 victories, Sean Bowen is a name synonymous with Welsh racing success.

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Bowen in Action

This week, Bowen has been front and centre at the Cheltenham Festival, competing in multiple high-stakes races:

Heads Up – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) (March 12): Bowen guided Heads Up to a strong second-place finish, proving his ability on one of the festival’s biggest stages.
Western Zephyr – Grand Annual Chase (March 12): In one of the most unpredictable handicap chases, Bowen put in a solid ride aboard Western Zephyr.
The Goffer – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (March 12): Tackling Cheltenham’s unique Cross Country course, Bowen took on the gruelling challenge with The Goffer.
Might I – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (March 12): Competing in one of the festival’s most competitive handicap hurdles, Bowen demonstrated his versatility.
Jane Eire – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (March 13): Bowen will look to add another big festival win to his name in this prestigious event.

A Pembrokeshire jockey on the big stage

As one of Wales’ top sporting figures, Sean Bowen’s continued success keeps Pembrokeshire in the spotlight of British horse racing. With Cheltenham still in full swing, local fans will be hoping for more triumphs from the Letterston star.

His incredible career earnings, combined with his continued performances at the festival, show why he is one of the most respected and successful jockeys in the UK today.

Sport

Seagulls soar over Vikings in friendly clash

Published

16 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Herald Sport

FISHGUARD & GOODWICK RFC hosted the Pembrokeshire Vikings on Saturday (Mar 8) in a spirited mixed-ability rugby match. The game, played at a fast pace, saw some seasoned heads in the Fishguard side controlling play, leading to a 34-14 victory for the home team.

Among the notable moments, Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz took to the field for the Seagulls, adding to the competitive but friendly atmosphere. Vikings mascot and vice-captain Luca Morillo played his first match alongside his father, Andrew Morillo, who captained the team for the day. Joe Lewis also made a welcome return, featuring in his first game of the season.

The Vikings’ standout performers included James Tylor, Daffyd Cowl, Ross Price, and Ashley Couceiro. Special recognition went to Gareth Rees, who played his final match before undergoing surgery. Coach Gethin Bateman was actively involved throughout, rallying his side.

The Vikings’ points came from tries by Daf Cowl and Luca Morillo, with Morillo’s try converted by his father. Cowl was named sponsors’ man of the match for his efforts.

While the match left a few sore bodies in its wake, it was a celebration of rugby’s inclusive spirit and camaraderie.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Div 2: Narberth stay top as Fishguard edge nine-goal thriller

Published

1 day ago

March 11, 2025

Herald Sport

LEAGUE leaders Narberth remain in control of the Division 2 title race, holding a two-point advantage over Fishguard Sports, who secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Johnston.

Fishguard win nine-goal battle

Fishguard Sports kept their title hopes alive with a thrilling 5-4 win over Johnston. Goals from Anthony Couzens, Greg Hughes, Ieuan Llewellyn, Luke Thomas, and Matthew Lewis ensured the visitors claimed all three points. Johnston fought back with a hat-trick from Callum Rees and a strike from Josh Knapp, but it wasn’t enough to deny Fishguard.

Lawrenny run riot against Solva

Two of last season’s promoted sides met in a crucial battle for survival, with Lawrenny overpowering Solva 8-3. Joe Kidney led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by Owen James (2), Matthew Lewis (2), and Sam Davies. Solva responded through Kieran Price (2) and Josh Bland but struggled to cope with Lawrenny’s attacking firepower.

Carew Reserves claim vital win

Carew Reserves picked up a crucial 3-1 away victory at Broad Haven. Connor Hay opened the scoring before James Hinchliffe struck twice. Marco Valentine netted for the hosts, but the visitors proved too strong.

Weekend round-up

With Hakin United Reserves and Camrose both out of action, Fishguard closed the gap on Narberth, while Broad Haven remain winless at the foot of the table.

Division 2 standings

Position	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Narberth	18	15	2	1	+59	47
2	Fishguard Sports	18	14	3	1	+62	45
3	Hakin Utd Reserves	19	13	2	4	+39	41
4	Camrose	19	11	1	7	+18	34
5	Neyland	18	9	3	6	+14	30
6	Merlins Bridge Res	19	9	3	7	+14	27
7	Johnston	18	7	5	6	+7	26
8	Carew Reserves	21	6	3	12	-31	21
9	Solva	22	4	6	12	-19	18
10	Lawrenny	20	4	2	14	-51	14
11	Monkton Swifts Res	18	3	4	11	-45	13
12	Broad Haven	18	0	4	14	-67	4