Sport
Quins win thriller with Cardigan

PEMBROKE DOCK Quins made a fine start to the season with a hard earned bonus point win over a more experienced Cardigan side.
It was the Teifisiders who got off to the better start, with the Quins conceding three penalties in the opening 5 minutes, but luck was on their side as the visitors failed to capitalise on them.
But with the Teifisiders firmly entrenched in the Quins 25, something had to give and after 12 minutes veteran Loose Head Prop Andrew Fletcher powered over half way out and Outside Half Llyr Jones added the extras.
Just three minutes later the Quins hit back in dramatic fashion when Outside Half Euan MacDonald put in a long raking grubber kick which just eluded Right Wing Tom Donovan, but in form Centre and Captain Gethin Bradney was on hand to touchdown near the corner flag for an unconverted try to pull the score back to 5-7.
Cardigan on the other hand were still on top, and it was not long before Llyr Jones added a penalty on 30 minutes and then just on half time Cardigan Hooker Rhodri Parry Jones forced his way over the Quins Line. Llyr Jones converted to send the visitors in 5-17 at the break.
At the start of the second half the Quins had it all to do, and they responded superbly, another grubber kick from Euan MacDonald ended up in the hands of Gethin Bradney and the Captain, leading by example, touched down near the posts, Euan MacDonald converted to pull the score back to 12-17 within just three minutes of the restart.
Llyr Jones pushed his side into a 12-20 lead with a penalty on the hour in one of the visitors rare forays into Quins territory.
As the rain was falling the Quins were getting the better of things. Scrum Half Keiron Machin soon forced his way over half way out for a try which Euan MacDonald converted to make it a one point game at 19-20.
As the game entered the final stages the Quins were asking serious questions of their opponents and with just 10 minutes left they forced a penalty 35 yards out. Up stepped Euan MacDonald to send his penalty shot over via the upright to put the Quins into the lead for the first time in the Match at 22-20.
The Quins now were not letting up silencing the visitors crowd in the process, they forced at another long range penalty, this time the ball dipped under the bar.
The visitors, under pressure, made a mess of the clearance, and the quick thinking Second Row Liam Scourfield was on the spot to take a quick lineout to his fellow partner in crime Ben Gibby and the young Second Row made no mistake as he touched down wide out for the vital bonus point try which went unconverted to end the scoring.
Sport
Spotlight: Herald Sport speaks with referee Marty Jones

MARTY JONES swapped his boots for the whistle a couple of years ago now and has become a well known referee through the county. With fellow former players Mark Hicks and Mikey John also following in his footsteps this season, we sat down with Marty for an insight into the life of a Pembrokeshire Referee.
Herald – Marty, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. By now you’re a well renowned and respected ref in the county. What inspired you to take up reffing?
Marty – Renowned, maybe, respected ..by most. I love footy and after my playing days I wanted to keep doing something, and reffing seemed the logical step. I had reffed some junior games over the years as my lads played for Hakin youth, and quite enjoyed it, so figured why not? I qualified just before COVID and have done as many games as possible.
Herald – With former team mates Mikey John and Mark Hicks recently following in your footsteps, it’s a good sign for the game. What do you enjoy about being the man in the middle?
Marty – It’s great to see ex players take up the whistle, it’s vital for grassroots that we get new refs, and keep them! No ref, no game and all that. I hope that by seeing the likes of me, Hicksy & Mikey reffing, more players coming to the end of their playing career will think about it. For me I enjoy still being involved with footy on a Saturday (and whatever mid week games there are) and you are kept active and on your toes at all times. For me, it’s just about being involved with grassroots footy. If I could play still, I would, but I’ll ref until I either don’t enjoy it anymore or can’t physically do it.
Herald – Would you say the referees association in the county is in a good place? Attracting former local players is definitely a positive.
Marty – I can only speak as I have found, and the Pembs Refs association has been excellent for me. Loads of experienced heads to ask any questions, no judgements when you mention mistakes made (not that I have of course) and there’s always somebody there who will help. To a man, they are great people.
Herald – I’d like to think refs are given a warm welcome across the county. However are there any grounds in the county where you particularly look forward to visiting?
Marty – Again, only speaking in my experience, I’ve been welcomed at almost every ground. People know I’m not particularly shy, so if there’s a problem I’ll tell people. But, respect works both ways, so I’ve learnt to be more respectful too. For me (and the Hakin fans won’t like this much) Goodwick have always been great, fantastic facilities, always a good crowd and a brilliant pitch.
Fishguard as well, a great club where I get a cuppa at half time and full time so that’s always welcomed, Neyland always a great club as well. It’s unfair to name just a couple because in all my games I’ve only been made to feel unwelcome at one ground (which shall remain nameless at this stage). I don’t ref Hakin games, but obviously The Obs in pre season is my favourite (although maybe not so much when Milford beat them in the Joe Lennon this year).
Herald – Finally have you got any message for anyone considering doing the refs course?
Marty- Yes. If you love football, seriously consider reffing after you’ve played. Pembs League is always in need of more refs, and as players you know how the game works and will likely make a great ref. For younger people, it’s a gateway to a great pastime, something you can make a career out of. 99% of the time it’s brilliant, get yourself on the course and speak to anybody from the Pembs Refs Association and have a chat with them. You need to be a certain type of crazy, but you’ll love it!!
A great insight into local refereeing there from Marty, and if anyone is interested in becoming a referee simply contact Pembrokeshire Referee Association. You’ll be sure to see Marty on a pitch somewhere before Christmas, clubs who don’t supply a ‘cuppa’ at half time now know what’s required of them.
Sport
Spotlight on Milford United Football Club

WE RECENTLY sat down with Milford United manager Steve Parks, we timed it well on the back of an outstanding 7-1 win at Marble Hall. The season has started extremely well for Parks’ men, many may have predicted a relegation dog fight this season. However as the weeks and games tick by this seems to be very unlikely as the boys from Marble Hall prove they belong in the top division.
Herald Thanks for your time Steve, a fantastic win for you yesterday beating Tenby 7-1, how do you reflect on that?
Steve Yesterday was a great win against a good Tenby side who have been strong this season. To win this tie and score 7 was a true reflection of our ability as a team and our willingness to play the ball through the right channels.
Herald Assuming stabilising division one status is your priority this season? You seem to have had a very positive start, is that how you see it?
Steve To progress into the last 16 of the West Wales Cup is a true reflection of our cup performances this season beating three first division teams, one from Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire with 21 goals scored and only 2 conceded.
This seasons objective was to remain in the 1st Division and gain valuable experience along the way . We have a mixture of youth and experience in our squad and potential to improve as a team as the season progresses.
Herald Who have been your stand out players so far this season?
Steve As a Manager I am conscientious about
naming stand out players, all squad members have had a part to play this season. We have a young talented goalkeeper who is growing with confidence with every game he plays. We are very strong in defence and have creative midfield players that offer our forwards plenty of opportunities in front of goal.
Herald With the two cup competitions still alive for you and mid table in the league so far. What would be deemed a successful season for you this season?
Steve A successful season for Milford united would be to finish mid table in the League, have a good Senior Cup and West Wales Cup run. The season started well winning the Joe Lennon Cup which we haven’t won for a very long time. We as a club are looking forward to the challenges ahead of us for the rest of the 23/24 season and hope to be as competitive as we can.
Sport
West Wales Cup Round Up 02/12/23

Unfortunately the weather got the better of the majority of fixtures this weekend in Pembrokeshire and indeed West Wales. However the games that did go ahead provided us with plenty of action and plenty to talk about.
In the West Wales Cup, Milford United hit 7 in a huge victory over Tenby. We expected this to be a close affair with both clubs having similar records so far in the league and having drawn earlier in the season. However yesterday was a complete dominance for the hosts, Scott Reid with a hat-rick, two penalties for Liam Parr and a goal a piece for Grimwood and Parks. It sees Milford into the next round of the competition and it’ll be a shock to the system for Tenby. Milford host Monkton Swifts in the league next week and it’ll be another opportunity to make a statement in their first season back in the top division.
A brace for Anthony Couzens ensured Fishguard Sports’ progressed to the next round of the competition, as they defeated AFC Glais 4-3. The cup proved a nice break from what has been a tricky season in the league so far for Phil Jones and his men.
Carew came out on top of the all Pembrokeshire tie in the West Wales Cup at the Gerald Hicks Recreation Ground. They defeated Pennar Robins 6-2, as they welcomed Sam Christopher back to the club after a spell elsewhere. Christopher was on the score sheet along with Hinchcliffe (2) who also got an assist and is in top form. Curtis Hurlow also popped up with a rare goal for the defender, youngster Archie Smith also getting on the score sheet in a win sure to please manager Scott Richards.
The West Wales Cup fixtures that didn’t take place yesterday will be re scheduled for next Saturday, taking precedence over any scheduled fixture.
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