Sport

Wild salmon stocks crash

Published

11 years ago

August 8, 2014

WE KNOW in west Wales rivers the decline in salmon runs and are causing great concern to anglers. Now it seems the UK and Welsh Assembly Governments are seeking answers to this problem. The Angling Trust, Angling Cymru with other organisations are demanding urgent implementation of an action plan.

Following official figures showing the worst estimates of salmon stocks on record, a coalition of concerned angling, fisheries and conservation groups has written to Fisheries Minister George Eustice and to Edwina Hart in the Welsh Assembly to demand urgent implementation of a five point action plan to halt the sharp decline in salmon stocks in England and Wales. The Angling Trust, Angling Cymru, Afonydd Cymru, Atlantic Salmon Trust, Fish Legal, The Rivers Trust, and Salmon and Trout Association have urged the Government to take the five remedial actions that are urgently needed to restore stocks of this iconic species to rivers and protect them for future generations. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) annual assessment of salmon stocks and fisheries in England and Wales in 2013 estimates that only 19 of the principal 64 salmon rivers in England and Wales reached their conservation targets, compared to 42 in 2011. This is the equal lowest number since conservation targets were introduced in 1993. Overall, the number of salmon estimated to be returning to England and Wales in the last two years was amongst the lowest on record. The report does not expect a significant improvement in stock levels. Since the 1970s there has been a 40% decline in the number of salmon returning to our rivers each year, despite the much-publicised return of salmon to previously polluted rivers such as the Tyne and Mersey. Coaching of potential anglers is important to our pastime. Adults and children can bring in new blood to angling. Cymru Angling, which represents all three disciplines, holds training courses for anglers who are interested in becoming a coach. Details can be had for west Wales on www.training.anglingcymru.org.uk . After the extremely hot weather we now have rain and already the rivers are running coloured. After a few days we should, hopefully see good runs of fish. Nine Oaks Fishery: The poor weather earlier in the month seemed to have stopped the Carp spawning. Now that the weather has turned warmer there are plenty of Carp moving in the margins, others sunning themselves on the surface. Floating baits give tremendous sport, especially early morning and afternoons onwards through the evening. Having said that plenty of good, hard fighting Carp, cracking Roach, some Tench and quite a few Barbel from the margins on traditional baits, including frozen Mussel with which Bill Baker the fishery owner caught his best Barbel to-date in the Main Lake. Considering they were stocked a little over two years ago as fingerlings, they have grown considerably since then, as have the Chub as well. Trout fishing has slowed with the recent bright skies and warmer weather. From now until the end of August, trout fishing as everywhere will be poor. Worming and spinning now an option. We would be pleased to receive reports on fishing, including pictures. Please send them in by Monday for the next publication.

Sport

Pembrokeshire First Division round-up

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2025

Herald Sport

Hakin United secure hard-fought win over Carew

Hakin United 3-1 Carew

HAKIN UNITED overcame a determined Carew side at the Obs, with two late goals securing the victory.

Ryan Wilson opened the scoring in the 16th minute, volleying home from a Jack Britton corner. Carew responded before halftime when Marcus Griffiths won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Mark Jones.

Jones made amends in the second half, setting up Shane Walsh to restore Hakin’s lead in the 77th minute. In stoppage time, Britton played in Alfie Stotter, who sealed the win with a delicate chip.

Goodwick United close in on league title

Goodwick United 5-0 Kilgetty

Goodwick United moved one step closer to retaining their league title with a commanding win over 10-man Kilgetty.

Will Haworth opened the scoring just before halftime with an overhead kick, and moments later, Nathan Greene doubled the lead with a powerful header from a Jonny Horgan corner.

Kilgetty’s hopes faded further in the second half when Kyle Marsh was sent off for a second booking. Goodwick capitalised, adding goals through Rhys Jones, substitute Kieran Blundell, and a second for Haworth to complete the rout.

They now need just one more win from their final three games to secure the championship.

Pennar Robins run riot as Herbrandston’s season ends in heavy defeat

Herbrandston 0-15 Pennar Robins

Relegated Herbrandston endured a crushing defeat in their final game, as Pennar Robins ran rampant with 15 unanswered goals.

Ben Adams led the charge with five, while Jack Jones netted four. Cameron Brunton added a hat-trick, with Noah Davison, Nick Willis, and Liam Williams also on the scoresheet.

Despite a difficult season, credit must go to Herbrandston and their leadership, with the club now looking ahead to a fresh start in August.

Sport

Ten-man Milford stun holders Clarby to reach Senior Cup final

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2025

Herald Sport

Milford United 2-1 Clarbeston Road
MILFORD UNITED booked their place in the Senior Cup final with a spirited and fearless performance, overcoming defending champions Clarbeston Road in a dramatic semi-final at Bridge Meadow.

With both sides having beaten each other in the league, a competitive encounter was expected, and The Robins wasted no time in making their mark. Young Jack Dyer fired them into the lead in the fourth minute with a superb volley, setting the tone for an intense battle.

Milford had a golden chance to double their advantage just before the half-hour mark, but Clarby held firm, ensuring the deficit remained at one goal heading into the break.

Half-time: Milford United 1-0 Clarbeston Road

Clarby came out strongly in the second half, piling on the pressure from the restart. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy produced a series of crucial saves, but in the 62nd minute, Clarby found the breakthrough, levelling the game at 1-1.

Moments later, Milford were dealt a major blow when captain Scott Griffiths was shown a straight red card, leaving them to battle the remainder of the match with ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, The Robins showed incredible resolve, and in the 82nd minute, Scott Reid fired home from close range to restore Milford’s lead—sparking wild celebrations among their supporters.

Milford saw out the closing stages with a determined defensive effort, securing a hard-fought victory that showcased their grit and resilience.

They will now face old rivals Hakin United in the final at Bridge Meadow on Saturday, April 12, with momentum firmly on their side.

Sport

Haverfordwest outclassed by Tenby in cup clash

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST 13-52 TENBY UNITED

TENBY UNITED asserted their dominance in a knockout cup clash against Haverfordwest, securing a commanding 52-13 victory on Saturday.

The Seasiders entered the match as strong favourites given the gulf between the two sides in league standings. Despite a determined effort from Haverfordwest, they trailed by 18 points at halftime and conceded another 21 in the second half without adding to their tally.

Jack Broadhurst opened the scoring for Tenby before Haverfordwest responded with a well-worked try from Guy Barrons, converted by Jack Codd. However, Tenby quickly regained control. Hywel Baker powered over, Kyle Rossiter finished a forward drive, and Tom Edmonds crossed after a break from Dai Jones. Lloyd Thomas added the extras before No. 8 Jack Brown crashed over just before the break to extend the lead.

The Blues had promising spells and earned two penalties, both converted by Codd, but failed to capitalise on further opportunities. In the second half, Tenby’s dominance continued. Gwion Jones, Lloyd Thomas, and Ryan Bolton all added tries, with Thomas finishing the match with 17 points in a one-sided contest.