Sport

Merlins Bridge win West Wales Youth Plate

Published

3 years ago

May 9, 2022

Report by Jonny Sutton

A GLORIOUSLY sunny day at Richmond Park, Carmarthen saw Merlins Bridge play off against Rhos in the West Wales Youth Plate

Having finished 3rd and 4th in their league campaigns, both teams supporters turned out in anticipation of a keenly contested match.

The pre match billing was accurate and the crowd were treated to an action packed match full of high quality football from both an attacking and defending viewpoint.

A cagey 1st 45 minutes ended nil nil with Rhos in control of the possession whilst Bridge probably had the best chance of the half.

Pacey winger Tom Mezzetta put, the usually lethal Striker, Fletcher Picton through 1 on 1. Picton never quite had complete control of the ball and although he got a shot away, the Rhos keeper pulled off a fine save.

At the other end the Bridge defence, consisting of full backs Tyler Sutton, Rhys Corney and Centre Halves Callum O’Riordan, Josh Silk and Henry Thomas, kept the Rhos attack at arms length.

Nil-nil at half time but on the hour the game swung in Rhos’ favour. A free kick on the left was swung into the box where the Rhos Centre Half Harvey Ranford headed the ball back across goal for Jacob Humphreys to power a close rang header home despite Bridge appeals for offside.

This was the moment that the Bridge youngsters would sink or swim, with tiring legs and bodies and up against a side who now had their heads up.

For the next 5 minutes it looked like Rhos would pinch a second as their confidence grew but then a 2nd wind came.

Bridge got classy midfielder Leon Davies on the ball more through the hard working trio behind him – Iwan Davies, George Morris and Skipper Harrison Goddard. With Davies starting to pull the strings half chances started to be created.

With 15 minutes to go a break from wingman Tomos Gwillam was stopped with a foul. From the resulting free kick, a wicked dipping ball into the box, was knocked home by the unfortunate Cole Shingler for an own goal. Bridge didn’t care who scored, they were level and chasing a winner.

With their heads up and attacking they almost snatched it near the death through Callum Rees but his left footed effort lacked the pace to beat the keeper.

The final few minutes of normal time saw Bridge defend a number of dangerous set pieces but they held out to take the game to extra time

As extra time started, both sets of fans finger nails were down to the bone as the game was swinging back and forth.

The energy levels by now had dropped and Bridge were finding space for their full backs to push into, left back Sutton started to get more of the ball and was constantly used as an outlet for Bridge to get forward.

Late in the second period of extra time another Rhos ball into the box was cleared off the line from Corney with the keeper stranded.

With the full time whistle going, players all over the pitch collapsed knowing they’d given everything and the lottery of penalties was going to decide the tie.

Rhos were now favourites having won a shootout to progress in the previous round whereas Bridge had lost their previous shootout earlier in the season in the West Wales Cup Semi Final

The first 10 penalties were all tucked away with the Bridge scorers Josh Silk, Henry Thomas, Tomos Gwillam, Iwan Davies and Fletcher Picton.

With the pressure ramping up and sudden death kicking in, Bridge flinched first with George Morris having his penalty saved by the Rhos Keeper.

This was the moment for Griffiths to step up and become the hero. Firstly saving the Rhos penalty to ensure another round of penalties and then, after Rhys Corney tucked his away, he repeated the feat again, saving low down to his left hand side and sending his team into ecstatic celebrations

For the team and coach Kevin Thomas it was a great way to end the season and bow out of Junior Football.

TEAM: Niall Griffiths, Tyler Sutton, Callum O’Riordan, Josh Silk, Rhys Corney, Henry Thomas, George Morris, Harrison Goddard, Callum Rees, Fletcher Picton, Tom Mezzetta. Subs: Leon Davies, Iwan Davies, Daniel Aghamelu, Iwan “Iwy” Davies, Tomos Gwillam.

Sport

Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1: Match reports

Published

4 days ago

November 19, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 3–0 Merlins Bridge
League leaders Goodwick United claimed a commanding 3–0 victory over Merlins Bridge at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village. Rhys Jones broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a spectacular 25-yard free kick. An own goal by Nick Squire early in the second half doubled the advantage, and Jones sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. The result keeps Goodwick four points clear at the top as they push to retain their title.

Carew 16–0 Herbrandston
Carew delivered a record-breaking performance, thrashing Herbrandston 16–0 at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. James Hinchliffe led the charge with six goals, supported by Shaun Whitfield’s rapid hat-trick. George Waters contributed four goals, Gareth Lewis added two, and Leon Davies completed the rout. The emphatic win lifted Carew out of the relegation zone, while Herbrandston remains firmly at the bottom of the table.

Clarbeston Road 5–2 St Ishmaels
Clarbeston Road cruised to a 5–2 victory over St Ishmaels at Knock Field. Ben John missed an early penalty for Clarbeston but redeemed himself by assisting Jake Wesley’s equaliser. Laurie Haworth and Dan Rees found the net, with Wesley adding a second to complete the scoring for Clarbeston. St Ishmaels’ captain Brennan Devonald netted twice, but his side dropped into the relegation zone.

Monkton Swifts 1–4 Hakin United
Hakin United strengthened their title challenge with a 4–1 win over Monkton Swifts. Dylan Davies put Monkton ahead early, but Hakin responded through Ryan Wilson and Mark Jones to take a 2–1 lead into halftime. Jay Kilby scored twice in the second half, sealing a vital away win for the Vikings.

Milford United 2–2 Pennar Robins
Milford United and Pennar Robins played out an entertaining 2–2 draw at Marble Hall. Liam Davies gave Milford the lead, but Jamie Wilkes equalised for Pennar. Dan James then put Pennar ahead, only for Leon Davies to bring Milford level again. Milford’s Sam Davies was sent off late, but neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.

Tenby 2–3 Kilgetty
Kilgetty staged a thrilling comeback to defeat derby rivals Tenby 3–2 at the Clicketts. Joe Leahy opened the scoring for Tenby, with Jordan Gorman quickly levelling for Kilgetty. Scott Ferney restored Tenby’s lead before halftime. However, Kilgetty turned the tide in the final ten minutes as Lloyd Hughes equalised, and captain Richard Cope struck the decisive winner to secure a dramatic victory.

Sport

Local rugby action: Thrills, wins, and tough battles across divisions

Published

4 days ago

November 19, 2024

Herald Sport

Crymych 19 – Llanelli Wanderers 33
Llanelli Wanderers showcased their title aspirations with a decisive bonus-point victory over Crymych. Despite a spirited effort from the Preseli Men, who trailed 12-18 at halftime, they couldn’t capitalize on second-half opportunities.

Crymych’s hooker Lee Griffiths scored two tries in the first half, and a late penalty try offered some consolation. The Wanderers, under Sean Gale’s guidance, proved dominant with tries from Rhydian Morgan, Lewis Jones, Rhodri Owens, and Sam Icke. Jones contributed two conversions and three penalties, keeping the Wanderers in contention at the top of the table. Crymych remain in a relegation battle.

Division One (West)

Pontarddulais 17 – Tenby United 26
Tenby United maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard-earned seventh victory of the season, defeating a determined Pontarddulais side. Though missing a bonus point, the disciplined Seasiders secured a valuable win.

Lloyd Thomas played a pivotal role, kicking four penalties and converting tries by Gwion Jones and Rob Luly. Acting skipper Jones shone with an individual effort. Pontarddulais responded with tries from Ethan Miles, Lewis Edwards, and Iwan Evans. Tenby stay second in the league with a game in hand over leaders Aberystwyth.

Division Two (West)

Whitland 13 – Fishguard & Goodwick 10
A late Harry Fuller penalty sealed Whitland’s narrow victory in a fiercely contested clash with Fishguard and Goodwick. The Seagulls led 7-3 at halftime after Ben John’s converted try answered Johnny Thomas’s penalty.

Rhys Nicholas turned the game in Whitland’s favor with a crucial intercept try, converted by Thomas. Although Mark Jones briefly leveled the scores, Fuller’s decisive penalty secured Whitland’s fourth win of the season.

Carmarthen Athletic 23 – Milford Haven 10
Carmarthen Athletic overturned a halftime deficit to claim a solid home win over Milford Haven. The Mariners led 10-6 at the break, thanks to Robbie Jones’s converted try and a James Trueman penalty.

The Athletic surged back with 17 unanswered points, including tries from Gethin Phillips, Morgan Morse, and Deian Morgan. Zak Williams added the conversions and penalties to seal the victory. Milford missed out on a losing bonus point in their fourth defeat of the season.

Division Three (West)

Cefneithin 16 – Cardigan 29
Cardigan continued their strong form with a bonus-point win over Cefneithin. The Teifisiders led 15-6 at halftime, with Marcus Castle and Shaun Leonard crossing the try line. Leonard was instrumental, adding another try and three conversions.

John Lumb and Jack Taylor scored second-half tries as Cardigan capitalized on excellent possession. Cefneithin fought back with a try by Jonathan Morgan and three penalties from Carwyn Evans but fell short.

Division Four (West)

Llanybydder 17 – Neyland 43
Neyland dazzled with a six-try bonus-point victory over Llanybydder. Leading 24-5 at halftime, the All Blacks saw tries from Owain Evans, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer, and skipper Georghe Williams.

Young winger Josh Watts added two second-half tries. Llanybydder responded with tries from Jake Evans, Dan Davies, and Dan Jones, converted by Ethan Sion Mathias, but Neyland’s dominance was unshaken as they returned to the top of the table.

Teirw Crymych 17 – St Davids 17
Teirw Crymych and St Davids battled to a draw in a thrilling encounter. The Bulls dominated early, building a 14-0 lead with tries from George Plummer and Trystan Griffiths, both converted by Adam Phillips.

St Davids stormed back with tries by Will James and Tom Clarke, before George Raymond’s late try leveled the scores. The conversion went wide, leaving both teams to share the points.

Dreigiau Emlyn 14 – Narberth Athletic 3
Narberth Athletic’s unbeaten run ended at Ddol Wiber as Dreigiau Emlyn’s forward strength secured a gritty win. A single forward-driven try and three penalties proved enough for the Dragons.

Athletic struggled to convert pressure into points, their only score coming from a Shane Rossiter penalty. The Dragons celebrated their third victory of the season.

Llangwm 17 – Pembroke 22
In a heated Division Four West derby, Pembroke edged out Llangwm in the first leg of the Palmer Cup at Pill Parks. The Scarlets held firm against a late surge to secure the win.

Llangwm opened strongly, with James Morgan and Dan Richards scoring tries, both converted by Harry Makepeace. Pembroke’s forwards turned the tide, with Jamie Brayford (2), Robin Badham, and Josh Greenwood crossing the line. Despite Llangwm’s late efforts, Pembroke extended their winning streak to three matches.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Vikings triumph over Port Talbot panthers

Published

5 days ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE VIKINGS faced a tough challenge against the formidable Port Talbot Panthers at Milford Haven RFC on Sunday afternoon. In a fiercely contested battle, the Vikings emerged as worthy winners with a final score of 33-17.

The Vikings’ try scorers included Dave Roberts, Karl Bate, Shaun Treadwell, Richard Williams, and Jack Elliott. Callum Power added to the scoreboard with four successful conversions. Karl Bate’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

A special mention goes to Sean Phillips, who made a welcome return to the team. Phillips delivered a brilliant 30-metre line break, unselfishly passing the ball to Dave Roberts, who crossed under the posts. His contribution exemplified the team spirit that defines the Vikings.

Matches between the Vikings and the Panthers are always marked by fierce rivalry, but also by strong friendships forged on and off the field. The team eagerly anticipates the return fixture in 2025.

The Vikings also extended their gratitude to Barry from Pembrokeshire College, a loyal supporter of the team. Additionally, thanks were given to sponsors Austwel LTD, Hedley Asset Management, and The Pembrokeshire Herald for their ongoing support.

Next match: A historic showdown

This Saturday, the Pembrokeshire Vikings will travel to Llandaff RFC to make history in a match against Rygbi Senedd Cymru. The team looks forward to another thrilling encounter as they continue their successful season.