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Bluebirds edged out by Canaries in closely-fought encounter

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Haverfordwest County were left wondering what might have been after a competitive game at The Oval ended 2-1 in favour of Caernarfon Town on Saturday (Sept 17).

JD Cymru Premier action returned after a week’s break following the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the Bluebirds got off to a poor start with Fidel O’Rourke’s strike giving the Canaries an early lead.

A fine solo effort from Jack Wilson drew the Bluebirds level, but, despite appearing to have the momentum, County conceded for a second time when Joe Faux found the net with what turned out to be the decisive goal.

Manager Tony Pennock made one change to the starting lineup from the last outing against Newtown a fortnight ago, with Elliot Scotcher coming in for Jazz Richards, who was unavailable through injury. There was also a first appearance in the matchday squad for striker Ivan Watkins, who joined the club on deadline day.

It was the hosts who started better as Rob Hughes’ shot from the edge of the area took a deflection and looped over the crossbar inside the first minute of the game.

Then, just four minutes later, Caernarfon went ahead when the ball landed invitingly for O’Rourke to fire home from inside the area, with the Bluebirds defending with just nine men with Rhys Abbruzzese and Ioan Evans off the pitch receiving treatment.

The heavy knock which Evans sustained eventually forced him off five minutes later, after he had tried to shake it off to no avail, with Watkins coming on in his place to make his debut for the Bluebirds.

Pennock’s side showed a good response to going a goal behind, and they created a great chance to equalise when a pinpoint ball upfield from Abbruzzese picked out Wilson, but he was denied by Josh Tibbetts after bringing the ball under control and shooting from just inside the area.

The remainder of the first-half was keenly-contested, as both sides battled to gain control. The closest County came to levelling was when Scotcher’s free-kick in stoppage time flew just over the bar.

Haverfordwest County came out with real intent after the restart, and could have found the net just two minutes into the second-half when Wilson’s ball to the far post almost picked out Jordan Davies, but the striker was unable to reach it and get the touch which surely would have sent it goalwards.

Watkins then blazed an effort over the bar as the Bluebirds continued to keep the pressure on, and it paid off just minutes later when another inch-perfect pass from Abbruzzese found Wilson, and the winger’s quick feet left Dion Donohue floundering before he shot past Tibbetts into the left corner to make it 1-1.

Now with the momentum, County pressed for a second goal, and they came close when Watkins’ squared pass found Ben Fawcett and Wilson was close by to strike the loose ball which was tipped over the bar by Tibbetts.

However, just five minutes later, the Caernarfon restored their lead when Faux was played in by a through ball and struck his first-time effort into the right corner.

After signing his first professional contract with the club last week, youngster Harri John was introduced with just under 20 minutes remaining to make his senior debut for Haverfordwest County.

The remaining chances in the game both fell the way of the Bluebirds. Captain Dylan Rees was unable to mark his birthday with a goal as his lobbed effort from inside the area was off target, before Fawcett saw his header from point-blank range well saved by Tibbetts to deny the Bluebirds what would have been a deserved share of the spoils.

Haverfordwest County are next in action on Tuesday evening, when they travel to Rhiw’r Ddar to face Taff’s Well in the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, kick-off is at 7.45pm.

The Bluebirds then return to league action on Saturday, September 24 as they host Flint Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, kick-off at 2.30pm.

Sport

Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1: Match reports

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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.

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Sport

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

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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.

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Pembrokeshire Vikings triumph over Port Talbot panthers

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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.

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