Sport

Richards and Hughes leading the way in Welsh Triathlon Super Series

Published

2 years ago

July 14, 2022

THE baby-faced assassin and the girl who beat asthma will bid to continue their dominance of Welsh domestic triathlon competition this weekend.

Luke Richards and Carys Mai Hughes lead the respective men’s and women’s standings in the Welsh Triathlon Super Series, which resumes in Pembrokeshire on Saturday.

Both will be looking to stay clear of the chasers when the series hits Broadhaven with the Bluestone Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon, highlights of which will be shown on S4C.

The leaders’ places at No.1 in the competition isn’t the only thing Richards and Hughes share, either, as both are relative newcomers to the sport.

Richards, 26, is a former Wales karate international who describes himself as a “baby-faced assassin” and only took up triathlon two years ago, while 32-year-old Hughes is even more of a recent convert to the sport and is just 12 months into competition.

Both, though, can firm up their positions as series leaders this weekend, after which there will be just two stages left of the series.

After a 1.5 kilometre swim in stunning St. Bride’s Bay, competitors will cycle 43k along Pembrokeshire roads, before a 10.6k run, the first 3k of which are along the beach and coastal path.

Richards, who competes for Rhondda Triathlon Club, admits: “I’m surprised I’m leading because I have only been involved in triathlon for two years.

“I started doing Ironman contests after watching one in Tenby and turning to my old man and saying, ‘I reckon I could beat these.’

“He told me I hadn’t got a clue how hard it is. So, I thought now I’ll have to show him.

“I did some Ironman events, did okay, and then only entered the Super Series to work on my transitions and see how I managed on short course.

“I came third in Llanelli, finished fourth in the Tata Steel event in Port Talbot, then came fourth in Fishguard. Now, I’m hoping for an even better result in Broadhaven this weekend.”

Richards, who works as a lifeguard at Bronwydd Swimming Pool in Porth, leads the men’s series from Guto Morgans of Carmarthen Triathlon Club, with Team Watt’s David Coates in third.

If Richards maintains his form then he is set to take control of the men’s competition with two final rounds to come in Bala and Llandudno.

“I haven’t done much short course triathlon before, but having had a bit of success, I’m tempted to strip it all back and do just short course stuff next year.

“Some people think this is an old man’s sport but I disagree. I think it’s a great sport for young people.

“I’m 26 but only look 21. I’m the baby-faced assassin! But this is all new to me. I’m just a Valleys boy, having fun.”

In the women’s competition, Hughes – who hails from Strumble Head near Fishguard – is even more of a newcomer but has managed to establish a lead over second place Maddison Shaddick, from Swansea Vale Triathlon club, and Cardiff Triathletes’ Eloise Crowley in third.

Heathwood Triathlon Club’s Hughes was once an asthma sufferer as a teenager, but overcame that to become a decent club runner with Les Croupiers in Cardiff.

It was a trip to Lanzarote – which turned into a six-month stay – that ignited her passion for triathlon.

That was followed by a stint travelling around Spain in a camper van, honing her fitness.

“I did my first triathlon in July of last year,” she says. “It wasn’t even a proper triathlon, it was a sportif.

“It was a last minute thing, but triathlon has now transformed my life.

“I am taking a career break to train full-time. That was also partly due to the pandemic and the changes in my job.

“I just thought I’d take a year out and do something for me, something I wanted to do. I got myself a coach, did all the textbook stuff and piled on the races.

“A big goal was to win the Welsh Super Series. I feel better at the long course stuff. I’m not much of a sprinter, but I can keep going and I’m learning more each time.

“The Welsh Super Series has been part of that development. I consider myself a Pembrokeshire girl and this weekend is a local race, which is quite a treat.”

Watch highlights of the Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon on S4C at 8.00pm on Friday 22 July. Watch the whole series so far on S4C Clic.

Sport

Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

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

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

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

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

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.