Sport
Bluebirds end losing streak with draw against Flint
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY had to settle for a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw with Flint Town United yesterday, which ended the Bluebirds’ run of four consecutive defeats.
Dylan Rees’ goal after 23 minutes gave County the lead at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, but Bobby Beaumont equalised just before half-time.
The Bluebirds had more of the play throughout the game, but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities after the break as the match ended honours even.
Manager Tony Pennock made three changes to the side from Tuesday’s game against Taff’s Well, with Zac Jones, Jazz Richards and Rhys Abbruzzese coming in for Lee Idzi, Iori Humphreys and Ryan George. There was a first league start for 16-year-old Harri John, while midfielder Corey Shephard made a welcome return to the squad for the first time since April.
The hosts made a positive start to the game, which much of the action taking place inside the Silkmen’s half. Jordan Davies saw his shot go wide after Jayden Major was off target with the first effort of the afternoon.
Having knocked on the door in the opening 20 minutes, the Bluebirds went ahead when captain Rees reacted fastest to leap off the ground and direct the ball into the right corner with his acrobatic effort to make it 1-0.
Pennock’s side were very much on the front foot at this point, and they created a couple more chances when Jordan Davies’ cross picked out Ben Fawcett, who headed wide, before Abbruzzese’s well struck shot was saved at the near post by Harry Allen.
County appeared to be in control with half-time approaching, but the visitors were able to draw themselves level just two minutes before the interval when Beaumont headed in at the far post from a corner.
Abbruzzese was heavily involved for the Bluebirds with another high energy display, and the wing-back almost set up Jamie Veale who saw his shot saved by Allen, before his snapshot from distance was just wide of the left post.
Chances were harder to come by for the Pembrokeshire outfit in the final half hour, with their best opportunity arriving when Jack Wilson’s squared pass took a deflection off a Flint player before rolling just wide of the right post.
County were boosted by the return of Shephard, who was introduced from the bench for the final 15 minutes, as the game drew to a conclusion with neither side able to score a late winning goal.
The Bluebirds are back in action on Tuesday night, when they host Cardiff Metropolitan at the Ogi Bridge Meadow. Kick-off is at 7.45pm, and you can purchase tickets beforehand from the club’s Official Ticket Partner, Ticketpass. A percentage of every sale will be donated to their Official Charity Partner, the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation.
Sport
Dragons’ defeat to Pau dents their European ambitions
The Dragons’ European ambitions suffered a setback with a home defeat to Pau in Newport. This loss has intensified the pressure on the team as they prepare for a crucial match in South Africa. Having dented their hopes, the team now faces an uphill battle to recover. from it.
Match overview
In the recent game, the Dragons were unable to secure a victory against Pau. Despite a strong start, they couldn’t maintain their performance throughout the match. Pau capitalised on their opportunities, making it difficult for the Dragons to regain control. The team was unable to close out crucial moments of the game, which led to their downfall.
Before the match, the Dragons were given odds of 10/11 while Pau were given even odds. With Rugby Union matches now attracting a lot more online sports betting, according to senior editor Ian Bruce, many new and exciting sites are available to UK punters looking for some rugby betting action. Punters can visit and compare a range of the best sites here, being assured that they are safe and cover a wide array of sports and odds, with some offering added perks like instant payouts.
For punters betting on the Dragons, with this loss, their chances of progressing in the European competition are now uncertain. The Dragons will need to reassess their strategy and tighten up their play in the upcoming fixtures. Their performance was a reminder of how competitive European rugby can be and how small mistakes can lead to significant consequences. The result leaves them with a tough challenge ahead if they are to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Key moments
Aaron Wainwright, keeping up his form from last year, and Rio Dyer, did their best for the Dragons. Their efforts were commendable, but the team’s overall performance fell short. Wainwright showed his typical work rate, making key tackles and contributing in the forward pack.
Dyer, on the other hand, was dynamic in attack, creating several opportunities. However, their individual brilliance wasn’t enough to lift the team as a whole. Key mistakes at crucial moments, such as turnovers and missed tackles, allowed Pau to exploit gaps in the Dragons’ defence.
In particular, the Dragons struggled in the breakdown area, where Pau won vital turnovers. Despite individual highlights, the team’s overall execution lacked consistency, which cost them the game. This match showcased how even with standout players, team performance is crucial for success at this level of competition.
Looking ahead
The Dragons now face a critical game in South Africa. This match is vital for their European hopes. A win is essential to keep their ambitions alive. They cannot afford another slip-up, especially in a tournament as competitive as the European Champions Cup. The team needs to make adjustments in key areas, particularly their decision-making under pressure and their discipline.
The match will be a true test of their character and ability to bounce back from adversity. The Dragons have shown resilience in the past, but this game will be a significant marker of whether they can push through and stay in the competition. They will need to focus on their strengths, play with intensity, and avoid the mistakes that have hurt them recently.
News
South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association results
THE RESULTS of the catch-up games played over the Christmas/New Year period are as follows:
- Llanteg 10 – 0 Hundleton
- Reynalton 8 – 2 Badgers
- Cosheston 10 – 0 St Twynnells
Updated League Table
Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | S/D | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
East Williamston | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 127 | 74 |
Carew | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 86 | 65 |
Reynalton | 11 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 31 | 62 |
Hundleton | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 65 | 60 |
St Johns | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 69 | 58 |
Cosheston | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 33 | 54 |
Llanteg | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | -22 | 44 |
St Twynnells | 11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | -108 | 41 |
Badgers | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 36 | 40 |
Kilgetty | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | -85 | 40 |
Lamphey | 10 | 1 | 0 | 9 | -155 | 22 |
Singles tournament success
A big thank you to everyone who participated in the singles tournament this weekend. After a competitive Round Robin in the morning, players were divided into red and blue streams for the afternoon knockout stages.
- Red Stream Winner: Simon Hall (Reynalton)
- Runner-up: Andrew Maclean (East Williamston)
- Blue Stream Winner: Margaret Richards (Reynalton)
- Runner-up: Chris Clarkson (Lamphey)
Upcoming event
The next tournament will be the Doubles, held at Heatherton on Saturday, 15th February. Entry forms will be distributed shortly once details are finalized.
Sport
Pembrokeshire Second Division Match Report – January 11, 2025
A THILLING weekend of football in Pembrokeshire’s Second Division delivered key results that tightened the race for promotion and intensified the relegation battle.
Narberth 2-0 Hakin United II
Narberth bolstered their title aspirations with a commanding 2-0 victory over league leaders Hakin United II. Brychan David broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, and Jordan Williams secured the win with a second goal. The result leaves Narberth just two points behind Hakin in a hotly contested title race.
Merlins Bridge II 0-2 Fishguard Sports
Fishguard Sports continued their march towards a top-three finish, claiming a vital 2-0 win away at Merlins Bridge II. Ieuan Llewellyn coolly converted a penalty to give Fishguard the lead, while Luke Thomas added a second to seal the victory. With games in hand, Fishguard remain firmly in contention at the top end of the table.
Lawrenny 1-2 Neyland
Neyland edged a close contest against Lawrenny with a 2-1 win that keeps their top-half ambitions alive. Thomas Cole scored for the home side, but goals from Aidan Rees and Jack John secured all three points for Neyland in a hard-fought encounter.
Monkton Swifts II 1-7 Johnston
Johnston produced a dominant performance, thrashing Monkton Swifts II 7-1. Ryan Doyle netted twice, with further goals from Steve Allen, James Larsen, Marcus Allen, Callum Rees, and Joey George. The emphatic victory consolidates Johnston’s strong campaign, while Monkton Swifts II remain perilously close to the relegation zone.
Carew II 3-3 Solva
Carew II and Solva played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in a match filled with excitement. George Davies scored twice for Carew, with Charlie Perkins also on target. Solva responded with two goals from Josh Bland and an own goal that levelled the match. Both sides remain stuck in mid-table, with the result doing little to ease their relegation concerns.
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