Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

Narberth seal Griffiths Cup in tight affair

Published

on

NARBERTH won the Griffiths Cup on Good Friday (Apr 15) as they beat Crymych in the final, played at Neyland.

The clouds cleared on Friday afternoon for the final of the under 18s competition which is sponsored by the Griffiths family of Neyland.

This year’s finalists were old rivals Narberth and Crymych who over the years at Junior level have had many thrilling encounters.

This was no exception and a large crowd were entertained by running rugby and ferocious forward exchanges.

There was no quarter given with the game in the balance to the last minute.Narberth played down the hill in the first half with the wind in their favour. They had the bulk of the early possession and had several good passages of play but superb Crymych defence held out.

The pressure had to tell and Narberth scored from a  smart blindside move from a scrum involving Cian Rogers and Elliot Evans releasing Owen Llewellyn in the corner.

They scored again following a sweeping move that went touchline to touchline with Owen Llewellyn again scoring. Crymych responded well and had several attacks with their forwards generating excellent fast ball but strong defence held on. The half time score was 10 nil to Narberth.

The young otters scored first in the second half with great work from Kyle Day and Yori Evans resulting in James Price scoring in the corner.

As expected Crymych came roaring back with an excellent try through 16 year old Jake Noot converted by Owain Davies.

They added a further try from impressive winger Hedd George with Davies again converting.

It was now a one point game with the momentum and the elements with Crymych. Narberth nerves were settled with a well struck penalty from Fraser Jones.

The action continued with several breakouts from Narberth and sustained pressure from their opponents. There was one last attack from Crymych which fell agonising short in the corner as the final whistle went. This had been a game of fine running skills and exchanges “red in tooth and claw”.

Outstanding for Crymych were Macs Page, Cai Evans, and Iestyn Wood and for Narberth, the back row of Yori Evans, Cian Rogers and skipper Ioan Phillips had tremendous games alongside wingers James Price and Owen Llewellyn.

However Man of the match went to Narberth’s Kyle day who showed amazing athleticism and pace from his second row berth.This was a credit to Pembrokeshire rugby with two well coached sides. It was officiated by Ceri Harries with assistants Martyn Rudd and Dave Byrne.

Crymych: Tomos Davies: Hedd George; Deian Davies; Macs Page; Dylan Bowen: Owain Davies; Gruffydd Edwards: Ben Mansfield; Rhys Jones; Gad Bowen: Iestyn Wood; Steffan Morris: Cai Ifans; Aneurin Vaughan: Ptolemy Alleyne. Replacements: Lloyd Hughes; Jake Noott; Iwan Laugharne; Huw Reed; Dyfrig Deller; Charlie Fenn; Iolo Phillips; Ellis James.
Coaches: Aled Harries; Barry Davies.  Team Manager: Ann-Marie Wood.

Narberth: Fraser Jones: James Price; Bradley Cramb; Shayne Norcross; Owen Llewellyn: Charlie Phillips; Elliott Evans: Jack Davies; Harley Young; Owain Jones: Kyle Day; Aaron Thompson: Ioan Phillips; Cean Rogers; Iori Morgan. Replacements: James Morgan; Jamie Goldsworthy; Jayden Scourfield; Hugo Kessels; Harri Harries; Tom Monk; George Jones; Will Nicholas.
Coaches: Randal Evans; Shane Higgon; Rob NicholasTeam Manager:Simon Phillips.

Sport

This weekend’s Division 4 West rugby roundup

Published

on

THE latest fixtures in Division 4 West delivered intense clashes, narrow escapes, and exhilarating victories as teams showcased their determination and skill. Here’s a breakdown of the matches and standout moments.

Dreigiau Emlyn 7-10 St Davids

St Davids claimed a narrow 10-7 win over Dreigiau Emlyn in a hard-fought match. Celt Davies put Dreigiau Emlyn on the scoreboard with a try, converted by Llew Morgan. St Davids responded with tries from Ethan Griffiths and Dan Murphy, with Bob Froy converting one. Despite Dreigiau Emlyn’s strong defensive stand, St Davids held on for a slim victory.

Llangwm 23-21 Pembroke Dock

In a thrilling contest, Llangwm edged out Pembroke Dock by just two points, finishing 23-21. George James led Llangwm’s scoring with a try, two conversions, and three penalties. Gethin Thomas added a try, pushing Llangwm into a narrow lead. Pembroke Dock fought back with tries from Harry Owen, Danny Wilkes, and Morgan Rogers, all converted by Ben Hathaway. However, Llangwm’s precise penalty kicks clinched the close contest.

Llanybydder 24-31 Pembroke

Pembroke emerged victorious in a high-scoring 31-24 match against Llanybydder. Llanybydder displayed resilience with tries from Arwel Williams, Matthew Rollings, Ifan Mason-Evans, and Griff Morgans, two of which were converted by Rollings. Pembroke’s offense proved too strong, with tries from Robin Badham, Jack Oliver, Fraser James, Dai Rogers, and Toby Edwards, alongside three conversions by Josh Greenwood. Pembroke’s offensive depth secured the win in this lively encounter.

Neyland 20-23 Narberth Athletic

Narberth Athletic pulled off a close 23-20 victory over Neyland, with Shane Rossiter at the heart of the action, scoring all of Narberth’s points through three tries, two penalties, and a conversion. Neyland responded admirably, with tries from Luke Griffiths-Dawes (2) and Josh Watts, while Oli Rothero added a conversion and a penalty. Rossiter’s consistent performance under pressure proved decisive, securing Narberth Athletic’s hard-earned win.

Continue Reading

Sport

WRU to apologise over contract dispute but denies sexism claims

Published

on

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION has announced it will apologise for its handling of contract negotiations with the senior women’s team but refutes recent allegations of sexism.

WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Chief Executive Abi Tierney acknowledged significant failings in the process, admitting that it is “absolutely clear” the governing body owes an apology to the players.

WRU Chair Richard Collier-Keywood acknowledged ‘failings’ (Pic: BBC)

The BBC reported this week that a leaked email showed players were threatened with exclusion from both WXV2 and next year’s World Cup as talks deteriorated. On August 2, players were given a “final offer” ultimatum with a strict three-hour deadline. If they didn’t sign, matches against New Zealand, Scotland, and Australia were set to be cancelled, and contracts withdrawn.

This episode surfaces amid recent claims of sexism and inequality, less than a year after an independent review condemned the WRU’s internal culture following a BBC Wales investigation.

“This is not a good day for us; we totally accept that. We should have done better and didn’t, but we’ve learned our lessons and will keep trying to improve,” said Collier-Keywood.

The WRU is expected to publish recommendations from a review of the negotiation process later this month, which has been fast-tracked following a Telegraph report on Thursday.

Key findings of the report

The WRU has disclosed early findings, which include:

  • A failure to recognise the growth and change in the women’s professional game.
  • An error in issuing the three-hour signing deadline.
  • Strong differences on how to develop women’s rugby in Wales.
  • Players were inexperienced in negotiations and left isolated.
  • Players considered striking before a match against Scotland on September 6.
  • Poor communication and lack of transparency escalated tensions, worsened by inappropriate behaviour at various stages.

The report states that sexism was not a factor behind the failings.

“There are sweeping criticisms in the report along with clear recommendations for change,” Collier-Keywood said, emphasizing the need for an apology and further engagement with the national team.

‘Sexism not apparent’

Independent board members Alison Thorne and Claire Donovan, who conducted the review, stated that while inappropriate behaviour was noted, sexism was not evident.

“After more than 50 hours of discussions with everyone involved, I did not sense that sexism was part of the issue,” said Donovan. Reflecting on her own 15-year rugby career, she acknowledged the past prevalence of sexism but said the grievances in this case appeared to stem from “a lack of respect and understanding of power dynamics.”

The WRU has also committed an additional £6 million toward women’s and girls’ rugby over the next five years, raising the total investment to £26 million.

Accusations of ‘blackmail’

Despite the WRU awarding 37 full-time contracts, Jess Kavanagh, a former Wales wing, criticised the WRU, suggesting the contract process bordered on “blackmail.” She questioned if the WRU had genuinely learned from past mistakes.

“We’ve heard apologies for years about various issues in the WRU, but apologies mean nothing until we see real change,” Kavanagh said. “Being forced to sign a contract under threat – that’s blackmail. In 2024, that should not happen in any workplace.”

Performance impact

Wales’ performance has suffered during the dispute, with the team finishing at the bottom of the 2024 Women’s Six Nations, managing only one win against Italy. Collier-Keywood acknowledged that the tension surrounding contracts may have contributed to the poor performance.

“There was unnecessary stress, which I believe affected performance. People were distracted, and that’s on us,” he stated.

The contracts were eventually signed just before Wales traveled to South Africa for WXV2 in September, although they lost their opening two matches.

The Welsh government, previously critical of the WRU over a misogyny scandal last year, expressed concern over these latest issues, calling for an urgent meeting with the WRU.

A spokesperson added: “We expect our national sporting bodies to lead by example.”

Continue Reading

Sport

Swansea sign free-agent defender Cyrus Christie

Published

on

SWANSEA CITY have bolstered their defence with the signing of 32-year-old Cyrus Christie on a contract until the end of the season.

The former Hull City defender, who has been a free agent since his departure at the close of last season, has been training with Swansea since early October. Head coach Luke Williams views Christie as a versatile addition, capable of covering any position across the backline.

Christie returns to Swansea for a second stint, having previously impressed during a loan spell in the second half of the 2021-22 season. During that period, he made 23 appearances and scored three goals after joining from Fulham. While former Swansea boss Russell Martin had shown interest in making Christie’s move permanent, the Republic of Ireland international ultimately opted to sign with Hull City.

“He is experienced at this level, a powerful athlete who can both defend and attack, so I am really happy,” Williams commented. “We lack some Championship experience, and Christie provides a physical presence that’s especially valuable in the absence of players like Ben Cabango and Harry Darling.”

Continue Reading

News1 day ago

Missing photographer Chris Ellery safe in Ireland after two-day ordeal

A KEEN photographer from Bristol, Chris Ellery, has made a miraculous landing in Ireland after his small boat broke down...

Crime2 days ago

Pembrokeshire man admits ‘overstepping’ in stalking case

A HAVERFORDWEST man acknowledged he ‘overstepped’ following charges of home burglary and stalking. Spencer Lepetit, aged 35 and residing in...

News2 days ago

Police confirm man found dead in Clarbeston Road property

A MAN has been found dead at a property in Clarbeston Road on Friday (Nov 1). Dyfed-Powys Police were called...

News2 days ago

Cliff fire ignited by Fireworks near Lindsway Bay

AT 10:11pm on Thursday (Oct 31), the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crew from Milford Haven Fire...

Crime3 days ago

Fishguard man jailed for sexual assault on stranger in her own home

A FISHGUARD man who subjected a woman to a “brutal” assault in her own home, dragging her back by her...

Business3 days ago

Pembrokeshire’s Barti Rum wins Gold at Great British Food Awards 2024

Renowned food expert and TV personality Merlin Griffiths has awarded Barti Spiced Rum a gold Badge at this year’s Great...

Sport3 days ago

Pembrokeshire racer crowned world champion with Tom Brady’s electric raceboat team

A Welsh racer has clinched the title of world champion with Team Brady, a team co-owned by American football legend...

News4 days ago

Taxes up, spending up – It’s Reeves’ gig gamble

THE HEADLINE from today’s Budget is a £40bn increase in taxes. However, those tax increases are aimed at wealth, investment...

News4 days ago

£1.7bn boost for Welsh Government in UK Budget

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves presented the UK Budget on Wednesday, unveiling an additional £1.7bn in funding for the Welsh Government next...

Health5 days ago

RAAC problems to persist at Withybush General Hospital

WITHYBUSH Hospital in Haverfordwest is facing ongoing challenges due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), with management acknowledging the issue...

Popular This Week