Sport

Bluebirds edged out by Canaries in closely-fought encounter

Published

4 years ago

September 19, 2022

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.

Related Topics:Football Haverfordwest Haverfordwest County JD Cymru Premier

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Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

7 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level

CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.

The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.

Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.

The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.

The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.

Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.

The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.

Sport

Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals

Published

7 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success

TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.

The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.

Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.

The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.

Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”

Caption:

Winners: Tenby United RFC’s under 14s celebrate their District H final victory.

Sport

Carew set early pace as rain disrupts Pembrokeshire cricket programme

Published

9 hours ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

RAIN played a major part in Week 2 of the Nicholas Insurance Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League, with several Division 1 fixtures abandoned after strong first-innings performances.

Carew made the biggest statement in the top flight, cruising to a ten-wicket win over St Ishmaels to move clear at the top of the table.

St Ishmaels were bowled out for 110, with Tim Hicks (3-18), Shaun Whitfield (3-14) and Logan Hall (2-27) doing the damage. Carew then eased to 111-0, Hicks completing an outstanding all-round display with 55 not out, alongside Morgan Grieve’s unbeaten 54.

Elsewhere, Narberth piled up 301-7 before rain intervened against Herbrandston, Jamie McCormack hitting a superb 104. Lawrenny (297-7) and Burton (203-7) also posted big totals before the weather had the final say.

Division 1 results

Match	Result
Cresselly 30-2 v Burton 203-7	Match abandoned
Narberth 301-7 v Herbrandston 51-0	Match abandoned
Whitland 10-0 v Lawrenny 297-7	Match abandoned
Saundersfoot 205-7 v Neyland	Match abandoned
Carew 111-0 v St Ishmaels 110 all out	Carew won by 10 wickets

Division 1 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Carew	2	2	0	0	36
2	Saundersfoot	2	1	0	1	27
3	Herbrandston	2	1	0	1	25
4	Neyland	2	1	0	1	25
5	Narberth	2	0	0	1	20
6	St Ishmaels	2	0	1	0	15
7	Burton	2	0	1	1	14
8	Whitland	2	0	1	1	14
9	Cresselly	2	0	1	1	11
10	Lawrenny	2	0	1	1	11

Johnston lead strong Division 2 pack

Johnston sit top after a dominant 135-run win over Llangwm, powered by Lewis Boswell’s 99 and Steve Mills’ 62.

Hook maintained their perfect start, edging Haverfordwest by four wickets, while Cresselly II brushed aside Llechryd by nine wickets after bowling them out for just 41.

Division 2 results

Match	Result
Llechryd 41 all out v Cresselly II 44-1	Cresselly II won by 9 wickets
Llanrhian 155-5 v Fishguard 154-7	Llanrhian won by 5 wickets
Hook 143-6 v Haverfordwest 142-9	Hook won by 4 wickets
Llangwm 106 all out v Johnston 241-6	Johnston won by 135 runs
Pembroke Dock 152-2 v Pembroke 168-8	Match abandoned

Division 2 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Johnston	2	2	0	0	40
2	Hook	2	2	0	0	37
3	Cresselly II	2	2	0	0	36
4	Pembroke	2	1	0	1	28
5	Haverfordwest	2	1	1	0	24
6	Pembroke Dock	2	0	1	1	23
7	Llanrhian	2	1	1	0	22
8	Fishguard	2	0	2	0	16
9	Llangwm	2	0	2	0	13
10	Llechryd	2	0	2	0	3

Kilgetty and Carew II lead Division 3 race

Kilgetty and Carew II are locked together at the top after two wins from two.

Lamphey produced one of the standout performances of the week, hammering Burton II by 155 runs, while Laugharne continued their unbeaten start.

Division 3 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Kilgetty	2	2	0	0	38
2	Carew II	2	2	0	0	38
3	Laugharne	2	2	0	0	37
4	Lamphey	2	1	1	0	28
5	Saundersfoot II	2	1	0	1	26
6	Hundleton	2	1	1	0	24
7	Haverfordwest II	2	0	2	0	14
8	Stackpole	2	0	2	0	14
9	Pembroke II	2	0	1	1	13
10	Burton II	2	0	2	0	12

Narberth II lead Division 4

Narberth II sit top after a five-wicket win over Neyland II, thanks to Jordan Howell’s unbeaten 88.

Hook II edged a thriller by one wicket, while Haverfordwest III also maintained a perfect start.

Division 4 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Pts
1	Narberth II	2	2	0	39
2	Hook II	2	2	0	36
3	Haverfordwest III	2	2	0	36
4	Lawrenny II	2	2	0	35
5	Crymych	2	1	1	29
6	Llechryd II	2	1	1	28
7	Neyland II	2	0	2	15
8	St Ishmaels II	2	0	2	15
9	Herbrandston II	2	0	2	13
10	Carew III	2	0	2	11

Rowlands ton headlines Division 5

Tom Rowlands’ superb 108 guided Cresselly III to victory, while Llanrhian II remain joint top after a crushing win featuring Rick Walton’s remarkable 8-13.

Division 5 table

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	Ab	Pts
1	Llanrhian II	2	2	0	0	40
2	Cresselly III	2	2	0	0	40
3	Whitland II	2	1	1	0	25
4	Llangwm II	1	1	0	0	19
5	Pembroke III	2	0	1	1	14
6	Llechryd III	2	0	2	0	11
7	Pembroke Dock II	2	0	1	1	11
8	Hundleton II	1	0	1	0	6