Heavy losses dealt to both Pembrokeshire sides

PEMBROKESHIRE rugby teams Narberth and Crymych endured punishing defeats on Saturday (Mar 29) as both clubs came up against dominant opposition in their respective leagues.

Welsh Premiership: Merthyr 78–17 Narberth

In the top tier of Welsh club rugby, The Otters were overwhelmed by a clinical Merthyr side who ran in 12 tries. Despite the heavy defeat, Narberth showed flashes of resilience, with second-row Will Blackburn scoring twice and fly-half Jonathan Rogers adding a conversion.

There was a sliver of consolation for Narberth as fellow relegation rivals Bonymaen also lost, though the Swansea-based club managed to secure a valuable bonus point.

Championship West: Llanelli Wanderers 68–12 Crymych

Crymych’s afternoon was equally difficult as they were soundly beaten by Llanelli Wanderers. The home side dominated from the outset, racking up a 32–0 lead by half-time. Despite tries from flanker Tom Taylor and hooker Lee Griffiths in the second half, Crymych were unable to mount a serious comeback.

Adding to their woes, relegation rivals Gowerton produced a big win over Maesteg Quins, piling further pressure on Crymych as the battle for survival intensifies.

Both Pembrokeshire clubs now face uphill tasks in the final weeks of the season as they fight to maintain their league status.

Goodwick United 2 – Pennar Robins 0

GOODWICK United have been crowned league champions for the third season in a row, following a composed 2-0 victory over Pennar Robins.

Manager Chris O’Sullivan praised his side for getting “over the line” and is now urging them to complete the season unbeaten. Should they win their final two matches, Goodwick will have lost just once in three league campaigns—an extraordinary run that underlines their dominance in Pembrokeshire football.

After a tightly contested first half, the deadlock was broken three minutes after the restart. Will Haworth delivered a pinpoint cross that was met with a superb 12-yard volley from Matthew Delaney. The lead was doubled in the 68th minute when midfielder Rhys Jones curled a trademark free-kick into the bottom corner, sparking early title celebrations.

Goodwick’s dominance in recent seasons has been nothing short of remarkable. With just one league defeat in three years, they are now pushing to go down as one of the county’s all-time great sides.

Merlins Bridge cruise as Milford United turn attention to Cup

Merlins Bridge 4 – Milford United 1

MERLINS Bridge made light work of struggling Milford United, sealing a comfortable win at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village to claim their eighth league victory of the season.

The Wizards took control late in the first half, with Jason Griffiths smashing in a volley from Nathan Evans’ cross before Jordan Thomas added a second moments later, glancing in a Hayden Dimond free-kick.

Milford showed some resilience after the break and pulled one back on 63 minutes when Scott Reid slotted home following a clever assist from Joey Jones. But the hosts hit back almost immediately, with Nathan Evans finishing from close range. Substitute Ben Davies, returning from injury, completed the scoring in stoppage time after an unselfish square ball from Dimond.

Although league survival appears unlikely for The Robins, their attention now turns to the Senior Cup Final, where they face fierce rivals Hakin United in a bid to salvage their season with silverware.

Devonald’s late equaliser lifts St Ishmaels in relegation scrap

St Ishmaels 2 – Kilgetty 2

A LAST-GASP strike from captain Brennan Devonald kept St Ishmaels’ survival hopes alive, as they clawed back a vital point after trailing Kilgetty by two goals.

Teenager Mason Abbott looked to have secured all three points for the visitors with a goal in each half, putting Kilgetty firmly in control. But Tish weren’t done. They reduced the deficit when Kyle Marsh scored past his brother—Kilgetty goalkeeper Kurtis Marsh—in a family twist to the relegation drama.

Then, deep into stoppage time, Devonald pounced on a loose ball to fire home a dramatic equaliser, sparking jubilant scenes and securing what could be a crucial point in their battle for safety.

St Ishmaels are now three points clear of the drop zone, but must await other results to confirm their survival.

Leahy double pushes Carew closer to danger

Tenby 3 – Carew 1

TENBY delivered a commanding second-half performance to defeat local rivals Carew, who now sit just two points above the relegation places.

Shaun Whitfield set up Jonty Bennett to open the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute, but Carew responded swiftly. Former Tenby man Curtis Hurlow levelled matters after good work from Jerome Williams.

The second half, however, belonged to Joe Leahy. The Tenby striker struck in the 57th and 81st minutes with two composed finishes, sealing all three points for The Seasiders and leaving Carew looking nervously over their shoulders.

Relegation picture: Advantage Tish as Milford target cup glory

St Ishmaels’ dramatic draw leaves them in a stronger position in the fight for survival, three points clear of the relegation zone with just one game remaining. While their fate isn’t yet sealed, the late equaliser could prove decisive.

Milford United, meanwhile, face near-certain relegation, but their attention is now firmly fixed on the Senior Cup Final. A win over Hakin United would offer a welcome silver lining to a difficult season and the chance to lift silverware against their greatest rivals.

Llangwm 17 – Llanybydder 19

IN A fiercely contested battle at Pill Parks, Llanybydder secured their second win of the season, narrowly overcoming Llangwm in a match that showcased the grit and determination of two sides rooted near the bottom of Division Four (West) A.

Despite difficult campaigns for both clubs—this season and in recent years—their continued commitment to the game is a testament to the enduring spirit of Welsh grassroots rugby. These are the clubs where many begin their journey, and their dedication week in, week out deserves recognition.

Although Llangwm outscored their opponents three tries to two, it was Llanybydder who emerged victorious, capitalising on key moments and punishing their hosts’ ill-discipline.

Llanybydder, who had already beaten The Wasps 24-20 earlier in the season, took a 13-5 lead into the break thanks to tries from Mathew Rollins and Osian Roberts, with Roberts also adding a penalty. Their defence, bolstered by several permit players, stood firm under pressure, with captain Jack Evans once again leading from the front.

Llangwm responded through Ethan Edwards, playing on permit from Amman United, who crossed for an unconverted try in the first half.

The Wasps looked brighter after the restart, scoring twice through Dan Richards—finishing a fine team move—and Josh Griffiths. One of the tries was converted by Breig Matthews. However, their inability to convert early pressure into points ultimately cost them. Dominating the first quarter, they camped on Llanybydder’s line but came away empty-handed—a factor that loomed large in the final outcome.

Two second-half penalties from Osian Roberts proved decisive, sealing a hard-earned 19-17 win for the visitors.

Llanybydder will now avoid finishing bottom of the table, while both teams can take pride in their performances in what has been a testing season.