Sport
Narberth Under 16s host touring Irish side

ON Saturday (Apr 9) Narberth Under 16s hosted a touring side from Ireland and supporters who attended were treated to a close game of rugby.
The visitors’ squad of 37 players and committee men came from Mallow which is a town in County Cork, Ireland, approximately thirty-five kilometres north of Cork.
The previous day the team had played Llangwm and on Sunday they were due to play Haverfordwest. A very busy weekend was made possible only by them bring a large squad allowing them to rotate players and guarantee that each lad would get game time in at least two matches in quick succession.
Narberth were only able to field 12 players and so the Mallow Committee very sportingly loaned three of their players to the Narberth squad.
In the first half Mallow kicked off looking into the Sun playing East to West on a superbly maintained dry pitch.
After 10 minutes the Otters Under 16’s scored under the posts following a good passing sequence right to left amongst the backs. The try scorer wearing the 14 shirt was speedy Irish lad Reilly O’Hanlon. The conversion by scrum half Olly Hough took the score to 7-0.
Later, from a cleaned out ruck near the five metre line the outside half broke through on the left side and Aeron William scored. The try was nearly converted by Olly Hough.
In another break on the left-hand wing another try was scored by the Irish player Reilly O’Hanlon in Narberth colours and it was converted by Ollie Hough. The score after 15 minutes 19-0.
Then another try by the Otters after 20 mins converted by the scrum half Olly made the score near the end of the first 30 minute half 26-0.
The rotated squad from the 37 Irish players with fresh legs started to dominate the tiring Welsh team and they scored after some skilful jinking and swerving moves by the No 12 the inside centre which was converted by the number 10 outside Half Callum Lyon’s. After 25 minutes the score was 26-7.
In the second half 10 minutes into the game the number eight for Narberth Aaron Williams made a breakout from a ruck a few moments after the Irish Loose Head prop had been slightly injured and winded.
The conversion attempt 8 metres in from the left touch line was narrowly missed and the score stood at 31-7. But it was not over for the Irish stalwarts. They rallied and battled on gaining dominance in the forward.
During the closing minutes of the game there was a further score by the Irish player No 10 Outside half Evan Sheahan but this was not converted. Score 31-12.
Not to be outdone, and now playing back in his Irish green colours Reilly O’Hanlon scored with 5 minutes to go, converted Evan Sheahan. Score 31-19.
The dominance of the Irish team which had enough squad members to rotate players continued right up to the last minute where Reilly and Evan completed their double act by scoring and converting. The Final score was 31-26.
This was a very entertaining game played in a truly sportsman-like way and the game was a credit to the skills of both sides. After the match the teams enjoyed a hot meal with refreshments in the Clubhouse and Narberth team coach Ian Hough commented on the good standard of play before his wife Cathy Macphee, who had helped organise the reception, was presented with a memento by the Irish Chairman Mike Boyle.
Sport
Rugby Previews 9/12/23

Last weekend the county’s rugby was victim to the cold weather, with frozen pitches the issue. This weekend we hope waterlogged pitches don’t prevent too many games from going ahead.
We start our preview in the championship where unbeaten Narberth travel to mid table Trebanos. The Otters are In outstanding form and are only a single point behind leaders Brecon who have also won all 9 of their league games so far. A bonus point win will be the Otters focus on Saturday in the Swansea Valley.
A mouthwatering affair in the second division as unbeaten Tenby travel to top of the table St Clears. Tenby have impressed this season so far and are six wins from six. St Clears despite being top have lost two games this season, they’ve played ten games to Tenbys six: the table maybe slightly misleading. Tenby will be under no illusion however that this’ll be an easy game, it’s going to be a tough game between two of the best teams in this division. This is our one to watch this weekend.
Division three west has a few mouthwatering derbies itself. Llangwm travel to St Davids who will be full of confidence following recent results. For that reason Saints go into this one as slight favourites however Llangwm will be confident of brining the points home to the village. Elsewhere Neyland host Pembroke Dock Quins in what’s set to be a passionate and fairly evenly matched affair. It’ll be a day for the forwards Saturday and the battle between these two packs will be key.
Haverfordwest travel to struggling Llanybydder and perhaps an opportunity to rotate a few players. The Blues are strong favourites for this and anything other than a bonus point win would be a shock. Pembroke host high flying Laugharne another very tough game for the Scarlets as they struggle to make their mark on this season so far.
Sport
Spotlight: Herald Sport speaks with referee Marty Jones

MARTY JONES swapped his boots for the whistle a couple of years ago now and has become a well known referee through the county. With fellow former players Mark Hicks and Mikey John also following in his footsteps this season, we sat down with Marty for an insight into the life of a Pembrokeshire Referee.
Herald – Marty, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. By now you’re a well renowned and respected ref in the county. What inspired you to take up reffing?
Marty – Renowned, maybe, respected ..by most. I love footy and after my playing days I wanted to keep doing something, and reffing seemed the logical step. I had reffed some junior games over the years as my lads played for Hakin youth, and quite enjoyed it, so figured why not? I qualified just before COVID and have done as many games as possible.
Herald – With former team mates Mikey John and Mark Hicks recently following in your footsteps, it’s a good sign for the game. What do you enjoy about being the man in the middle?
Marty – It’s great to see ex players take up the whistle, it’s vital for grassroots that we get new refs, and keep them! No ref, no game and all that. I hope that by seeing the likes of me, Hicksy & Mikey reffing, more players coming to the end of their playing career will think about it. For me I enjoy still being involved with footy on a Saturday (and whatever mid week games there are) and you are kept active and on your toes at all times. For me, it’s just about being involved with grassroots footy. If I could play still, I would, but I’ll ref until I either don’t enjoy it anymore or can’t physically do it.
Herald – Would you say the referees association in the county is in a good place? Attracting former local players is definitely a positive.
Marty – I can only speak as I have found, and the Pembs Refs association has been excellent for me. Loads of experienced heads to ask any questions, no judgements when you mention mistakes made (not that I have of course) and there’s always somebody there who will help. To a man, they are great people.
Herald – I’d like to think refs are given a warm welcome across the county. However are there any grounds in the county where you particularly look forward to visiting?
Marty – Again, only speaking in my experience, I’ve been welcomed at almost every ground. People know I’m not particularly shy, so if there’s a problem I’ll tell people. But, respect works both ways, so I’ve learnt to be more respectful too. For me (and the Hakin fans won’t like this much) Goodwick have always been great, fantastic facilities, always a good crowd and a brilliant pitch.
Fishguard as well, a great club where I get a cuppa at half time and full time so that’s always welcomed, Neyland always a great club as well. It’s unfair to name just a couple because in all my games I’ve only been made to feel unwelcome at one ground (which shall remain nameless at this stage). I don’t ref Hakin games, but obviously The Obs in pre season is my favourite (although maybe not so much when Milford beat them in the Joe Lennon this year).
Herald – Finally have you got any message for anyone considering doing the refs course?
Marty- Yes. If you love football, seriously consider reffing after you’ve played. Pembs League is always in need of more refs, and as players you know how the game works and will likely make a great ref. For younger people, it’s a gateway to a great pastime, something you can make a career out of. 99% of the time it’s brilliant, get yourself on the course and speak to anybody from the Pembs Refs Association and have a chat with them. You need to be a certain type of crazy, but you’ll love it!!
A great insight into local refereeing there from Marty, and if anyone is interested in becoming a referee simply contact Pembrokeshire Referee Association. You’ll be sure to see Marty on a pitch somewhere before Christmas, clubs who don’t supply a ‘cuppa’ at half time now know what’s required of them.
Sport
Spotlight on Milford United Football Club

WE RECENTLY sat down with Milford United manager Steve Parks, we timed it well on the back of an outstanding 7-1 win at Marble Hall. The season has started extremely well for Parks’ men, many may have predicted a relegation dog fight this season. However as the weeks and games tick by this seems to be very unlikely as the boys from Marble Hall prove they belong in the top division.
Herald Thanks for your time Steve, a fantastic win for you yesterday beating Tenby 7-1, how do you reflect on that?
Steve Yesterday was a great win against a good Tenby side who have been strong this season. To win this tie and score 7 was a true reflection of our ability as a team and our willingness to play the ball through the right channels.
Herald Assuming stabilising division one status is your priority this season? You seem to have had a very positive start, is that how you see it?
Steve To progress into the last 16 of the West Wales Cup is a true reflection of our cup performances this season beating three first division teams, one from Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire with 21 goals scored and only 2 conceded.
This seasons objective was to remain in the 1st Division and gain valuable experience along the way . We have a mixture of youth and experience in our squad and potential to improve as a team as the season progresses.
Herald Who have been your stand out players so far this season?
Steve As a Manager I am conscientious about
naming stand out players, all squad members have had a part to play this season. We have a young talented goalkeeper who is growing with confidence with every game he plays. We are very strong in defence and have creative midfield players that offer our forwards plenty of opportunities in front of goal.
Herald With the two cup competitions still alive for you and mid table in the league so far. What would be deemed a successful season for you this season?
Steve A successful season for Milford united would be to finish mid table in the League, have a good Senior Cup and West Wales Cup run. The season started well winning the Joe Lennon Cup which we haven’t won for a very long time. We as a club are looking forward to the challenges ahead of us for the rest of the 23/24 season and hope to be as competitive as we can.
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