News
Rugby Report
Narberth win nail bitter
Blackwood 28
Narberth 30
THE OTTERS snatched a bonus point victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying moments of their tough game away to Blackwood.
Narberth were behind for large periods of the game, trailing 16-13 at half time. Blackwood scored 13 early unanswered points as Narberth took their time to settle into the fixture.
The Otters scored their first half points in the last 20 minutes of the half, as fly half Ianto Griffiths landed a penalty, and converted Morgan Griffiths’ try, before specialist long-distance kicker Nick Gale stepped up to the kicking tee, and struck a cracking long-range penalty.
The second half began much like the first, with the Otters on the back foot and Blackwood extending their lead to 28-13. If the first 20 minutes of the half belonged to Blackwood, then the final quarter of the game belonged entirely to Narberth, as they upped their intensity and stringed together some beautiful phases to crawl back into a strong position.
Steffan Phillips got the visitors rolling with a well taken try, as the number 8 went on a typical bull-dozering run to touch down, with Ianto Griffiths adding the conversion. Griffiths would then find a space in midfield and used his feet to sneak through the tiring Blackwood defence to score a try of his own.
As the travelling supporters found their voice in dying moments, Narberth dug deep, as the forwards slowly moved their way upfield, before the hero of the day second-row Alex Jenkins, found himself with the ball and crossed the whitewash to record a memorable victory for Narberth.
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Crymych’s second half slip up
Crymych 19
Cwmllynfell 21
CRYMYCH conceeded an 11-point lead to slip to a two point defeat at home to Cwmllynfell due to ill-discipline in the second half.
The first 40 minutes of play belong to the Preseli Men as scrum-half Rhys Davies, back from a stint with Premiership side Llanelli, slotted two penalties before Guto Griffiths continued his try scoring form, touching down in the corner. Griffiths had crossed in the corner earlier, but the try had been disallowed, much to the frustration of the home crowd.
Leading 11-0 at half time, Crymych were looking good for the victory, but so much can happen in 40 minutes of play.
Dyfan Dafydd added an extra penalty for Crymych, however Cwmllynfell dug their heels in and began to muscle their way back into the game. Craig Kelly, Daniel Jones and Luke Battenbow all scored for the visitors.
Crymych did manage a try through Gavin Thomas, but some ill-discipline in the final moments of the game, gifted Cwmllynfell two kickable penalties, which Tristan Lewis happily obliged to convert to give his team an unlikely victory, and leave the Crymych faithful frustrated.
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Whitland wither at home
Whitland 19
Waunarlwydd 37
LEAGUE LEADERS Waunarlwydd were too strong in the second half for the Borderers, as they only trailed by four points at the break.
Aidan Laxton scored Whitland’s only first half try and Nico Setaro struck two penalties. Waunarlwydd secured the bonus point victory in the second half with some outstanding play from the whole 15 players, before Whitland scored a consolation try through Laxton, and Setaro struck his third penalty.
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First win for Blues
Haverfordwest 14
Tumble 9
HAVERFORDWEST finally got their season on track with a hard fought home victory against a difficult Tumble side.
The Blues started the game with great intent as Ryan Banner and Scott Candler crossed the white-wash, as full back Ashley Sutton converted both.
However, these were the only points of the game for Haverfordwest, as they lost their discipline, and Tumble’s Steve Hewitt slotted three penalties for his side. The height of frustration for the Blues came when both Sutton and Adam Williams were sin-binned, but stern defensive work meant their try line remained intact.
Haverfordwest’s Ashley Sutton said after the game: ‘’It was really important to get the first win on Saturday. The boys have worked really hard in pre-season and deserved a few wins in previous weeks, but hopefully now the win on Saturday will kick start their season.’’
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Tenby remain undefeated
Cardigan 7
Tenby United 12
TENBY remain at the top of their division after a hard fought match away to Cardigan.
The drama began in the first half as Cardigan’s Emyr Harries was red-carded, and Tenby scored their opening try through Jack Guerriro, converted by Jonathan Rodgers. The Cardi’s then replied with Dorian Butler touching down, with Iestyn Crompton adding the extras.
The second half was a war of attrition as only Tenby’s Dai Meyrick was able to cross the try line, maintaining Tenby’s unbeaten record.
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Miserable day for Milford
Penybanc 50
Milford Haven 0
MILFORD HAVEN’s season continued down a bad path as they remained scoreless away from home, conceding no fewer than 50 points.
Effort was seen from all Milford players, but a lack of confidence from this season’s results cumulated in another poor performance for the Mariners.
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Fishguard fall short
Laugharne 25
Fishguard & Goodwick 21
THE SEAGULLS fell short in the final moments of play as Laugharne were able to take the lead, and the victory through a converted try.
Simon James again led from the front for Fishguard as he touched down twice, along with centre Mike Jenkins, with scrum half Alun George adding two penalties to the total.
But some missed opportunities to see the game off from Fishguard allowed Laugharne to snatch victory from the Seagulls.
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Quins win hard derby
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 17
Neyland 10
THE QUINS secured their first win of the season with typically brutal contest against Neyland in an entertaining game.
Neyland’s Delme Bateman opened the day’s scoring with a try in the corner, before Gregg Miller slid over for a try. The Quins battled back through Alex Pearce, converted by Adam Cawley. Arian Heath was then able to cross for the Quins, again converted by Cawley.
A final Cawley penalty secured the victory for the Quins, with Neyland picking up a losing bonus point.
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Scarlets lose 100% record
Pontyates 15
Pembroke 3
PEMBROKE lost their first game of the season, as both sides entered this contest undefeated.
In a tight game, neither side gave an inch, but it was the Pontyates kicker who edged his team ahead, as he maintained pressure on the Scarlets.
Lewis Davies scored Pembroke’s only points with a well struck penalty, but it wasn’t enough as Pontyates prevailed.
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Wasps stung away from home
St Clears 41
Llangwm 3
LLANGWM were only able to manage three points away from home as they met a strong St Clears side.
Andrew Brock kicked the three-pointer for the Wasps, but an impressive individual haul of 21 points for St Clears’ Chris Rodenhurst helped his side claim a bonus point victory.
Saints well beaten on the road
Burry Port 80
St Davids 5
TRAVELLING with the bare minimum 15 players, St Davids were always up against it as they faced the promotion favourites Burry Port on their home patch.
Trailing 46-0 at half time, the Saints would be forgiven for imploding, but they refused to lay down, and in the second half, mustered the power to work up-field, with Russell Watkins scoring for the Saints.
Climate
Keir Starmer ‘spotted’ in Cardigan for climate action
SHOPPERS and visitors in Cardigan were taken by surprise recently when Keir Starmer—or someone who bore a striking resemblance to him—made an appearance at a climate action stall. The stall, set up in the town centre, invited people to write to their Members of the Senedd urging them to support an international Fossil Fuel Treaty.
‘Keir’ led the way, being the first to post his letter in a special postbox on the stall, which was part of a Global Day of Action for climate justice.
Slow progress at COP29
Organiser Philippa Gibson, a retired Welsh teacher, explained the urgency behind the event. She said:
“The COP29 meeting in Azerbaijan this week is moving at a snail’s pace. Oil lobbyists and petro-states like Azerbaijan have overwhelming influence, blocking serious action on reducing fossil fuel dependency. But ordinary people across the world are saying enough is enough—it’s time for a fossil-free future.
“The climate crisis is already affecting Welsh communities. Rising sea levels are eroding our coastlines, while extreme weather endangers lives, homes, and food security. The economic shockwaves are being felt everywhere.”
Wales urged to lead the way
Physics teacher David Grace, another volunteer at the stall, highlighted the global stakes:
“These threats are even more severe for Pacific Island states, some of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. They are leading the Fossil Fuel Treaty campaign because their survival depends on it. Wales has a duty to stand with them and support their demands for a rapid global transition away from fossil fuels.”
The organisers noted that Wales has an opportunity to lead on climate action by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Thirteen nations, the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, and thousands of organisations worldwide have already joined the growing movement.
‘Strong support’ in Cardigan
The stall drew significant local support, with many residents signing a petition and posting letters or postcards to their Members of the Senedd. The postbox quickly filled up as people expressed their backing for the Treaty.
A campaigner from Parents for Future, who was helping at the stall, stressed the importance of action:
“By endorsing this treaty, the Welsh government would align with existing policies and commitments. As part of a global effort, Wales could set an example, showing that early action is key to preventing climate disaster. This is vital for the sake of all children, both here in Wales and in more vulnerable countries.”
The event highlighted a growing desire among communities to push for urgent climate action. As part of the day’s activities, ‘Keir’ left a memorable mark—not just as a leader, but as a symbol of the change people want to see.
(Keir’s mask was created by artist Bim Mason.)
Community
Ogi gives back this Black Friday with big rewards for customers
This Black Friday, Ogi – Wales’s biggest alternative telecoms company – is giving back to its customers with up to £400 available in rewards for new introductions.
Existing customers can earn £40 for each introduction – unlocking up to 10 rewards a year every time a new sign up is successful.
New customers can also enjoy great savings this “Black Fibre Friday”, with Ogi doubling the speed of its £15 a month entry-level package (now 400Mbps). Plus, if they sign up through an introduction, they’ll receive a £40 referral voucher too. The “Black Fibre Friday” event package also includes two Amazon eero routers at no extra cost.
Offering standard installation slots right up until Christmas, all new customers could get full fibre speeds in time for the festive film, tv and gaming binge.
With nearly half of UK adults shopping during Black Friday, retailers are expecting around £3.8 billion* in sales as consumers hunt for the best deals amid continuing pressure on household budgets.
Announcing the time-limited “Black Fibre Friday” deal, Chief Revenue Officer, Sally-Anne Skinner, said: “Traditionally, Black Friday tends to reward new customers, but this year we’re excited to give back in a way that benefits existing customers too. With our new ‘introduce a friend’ programme, current customers can earn up to £400 by recommending Ogi to friends and family – a great way to share the love and get rewarded. For new customers, we’re offering unbeatable value too, doubling the speed of our entry-level £15 per month plan, plus two smart Amazon eero routers included.
“At Ogi, we’re all about making life easier and more affordable, and this offer is a great way to get fast, reliable broadband just in time for the festive season. It’s a win-win: customers get the best broadband deals and extra rewards for sharing with others, and all from a Wales-based service provider.”
With Ogi’s latest “Black Fibre Friday” event, customers can refer up to 10 friends a year, and earn £40 for every successful new installation – with the potential to earn up to £400 in vouchers.
The deal runs for 15 days from Monday 18 November, until Monday 2 December (Cyber Monday), before prices return to Ogi’s standard £15, £20 and £30 a month for new customers signing up for 12 months. The introduce a friend programme will continue after the end of the Black Friday period, subject to terms and conditions.
Business
Wolfscastle Country Hotel crowned Wales’ best boutique wedding venue
THE Wolfscastle Country Hotel and Spa has been named Wales’ Best Boutique Wedding Venue for 2024 at the prestigious Welsh National Wedding Awards.
The ceremony, held on Sunday (Nov 10) at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall, welcomed more than 600 guests for its 13th annual celebration. Thousands of votes were cast by brides, grooms, and supporters to determine the winners from over 300 shortlisted nominees.
Double victory
The Wolfscastle Country Hotel and Spa not only won the regional title for west Wales but also secured the national accolade for the second time in three years.
Known for its glamorous reception spaces and elegant ceremony room, the hotel offers a comprehensive bridal package. This includes wedding accommodation and a private spa experience featuring a hot tub, sauna, and various treatments.
Celebrating success
Taking to social media, the hotel expressed gratitude to its guests and staff for their role in achieving this prestigious honour.
Hotel owner Andy Stirling said:
“We’re very proud to have been nominated and voted winners in both our local and national categories.
“I have the pleasure of seeing how tirelessly Lowri, and my wife Mandy Stirling, our wedding coordinators, work on every wedding to tailor the experience to suit the couples we have joining us.
“We pride ourselves on offering exquisite in-house catering provided by head chef Seb, head pastry chef Adama, and our excellent kitchen team, backed up by first-class table service from our highly experienced waiting staff.
“I am overwhelmingly grateful for the support of our guests and couples who have wedded with us in helping achieve this award.
“I know that myself and the team all look forward to hosting many more phenomenal weddings in the future.”
Welsh National Wedding Awards
The awards celebrate the best wedding venues and services across Wales, with attendees from all regions of the country.
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