Sport
Quins upset Blues to reach KO Cup semi-final
PEMBROKE DOCK Quins upset all the odds by beating League 3 West A leaders Haverfordwest on Saturday (Apr 16) in a pulsating clash with the result in doubt up until the last minute.
The win now puts them into the semi-final of the KO Cup against Aberystwyth at home on a date to be arranged.
On a beautilful Easter Saturday in front of probably the biggest crowd in Pembrokeshire rugby this season, it was the Quins who forced the first error after just three minutes. Outside Half Euan MacDonald sent his 45-yard attempt just wide of the Blues Uprights.
The Blues were dominating the early scrums but were not taking full advantage of the penalties that the Quins were conceding, the Quins first up tackling was stopping the Blues virtually every time they tried to mount a serious attack, and with Prop Jack Davies and a resurgent Flanker Jordan Palmer causing all sorts of problems at the Breakdown and with Centres Jack Price and Gethin Bradney bottling up the middle, things were not going the Blues way as they found the Quins difficult to break down.
On 26 minutes the Quins struck when Centre and Captain Jack Price scattered Blues defenders everywhere and touched down near the posts, Euan MaDonald converted and against all the odds the Quins were 7-0 up.
Once again the Blues responded, but still could not make any inroads into Quins defence.
Then right on half time the Quins scored their second try through Jack Price with a carbon-copy of the first try, Euan MaDonald added the extra to stretch the Quins lead to 14-0 and a few minutes later the referee blew for half time with the Quins on the attack.
The second half started and the Blues showed that they are not unbeaten in the League for nothing, when Wing Jack Evans hauled his side back into the game, out flanking the Quins defence to touch down wide out with the half just four minutes old, Outside Half Jake Morgan missed the difficult conversion.
Points were now a precious commodity for the Blues as they tried to get within one score of the Quins.
The Quins, after defending as if their lives depended on it finally transgressed, and Jake Morgan slotted over a penalty from in front of the posts to drag his side back into it at 14-8.
The home side still held on, barely getting out of their half as they dug deep.
With 10 minutes to go the Blues struck when Centre Matthew John cut through the Quins defence to touch down wide out. The Quins defenders to their credit made the conversion difficult and Jake Morgan missed.
The Quins were now leading 14-13 and it was going to be a tough ask for the young side to hang on.
But this they did admirably, the forwards were putting in a huge effort with Hywel Baker, Harry Owen, Ben Gibby coming to the the fore as the Quins rang the changes from the bench and the interchanges.
With five minutes to go the Quins almost put the game beyond doubt when replacement Centre Aaron James hacked through but the bounce of the ball eluded him about a yard from the line.
The Quins were now firmly deep in Blues territory for the first time in the half. As the game went into injury time and with the Blues’ backs behind their own goal line, the Quins looked odds on favourites.
The Blues tried to run out of defence with 6 minutes into injury time already gone, they transgressed more in desperation than anything else and up stepped Euan MaDonald to put the penalty over, the referee blew for no side and the Quins Marched into the Semi Final.
The Pembrokeshire KO CUP is one of the oldest cup competions in Wales, it has struggled over the years since professionalism, but by hook or crook it has still managed to keep going.
With Grass Roots Rugby struggling,this match was a beacon of hope with a large crowd and a local Derby played on a Bank Holiday which is very important to the respective Clubs.
Sport
Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston
Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6
BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.
The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.
St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.
Team line-ups
Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.
St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.
Sport
Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3
Goodwick United 7-0 Carew
Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.
Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports
Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.
Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United
Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.
Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road
In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.
Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers
Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.
Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins
Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.
Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes
Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.
Analysis:
Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.
Sport
Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory
Broad Haven 4-4 Solva
In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.
Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports
Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.
Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II
Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.
Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II
The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.
Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth
Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.
Analysis:
The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.
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