‘Disappointing’ Blues are lacking in confidence
Haverfordwest 19 – Llandeilo 21

Haverfordwest’s struggles continued in a narrow 21-19 defeat to Llandeilo on home turf. The Blues lacked confidence, with handling errors and poor decisions proving costly. Llandeilo capitalized early, but Haverfordwest clawed back to lead 11-9 at halftime, thanks to three penalties from Jack Codd and a late try.

However, the Blues failed to maintain their momentum in the second half. Despite a late surge, which included a try by Guy Barrons, they fell just short, leaving them to reflect on missed opportunities against a beatable opponent.

Tries: Haverfordwest – Guy Barrons, Scott Candler; Llandeilo – Osian Rees, Toby Ricketts
Penalties: Haverfordwest – Jack Codd (3); Llandeilo – Steff Roberts (3)
Conversion: Llandeilo – Steff Griffiths

Cardigan suffer defeat at the hands of skillful Llangadog
Cardigan 19 – Llangadog 24

After their WRU Division Three Cup success, Cardigan suffered a 24-19 defeat to Llangadog. Cardigan started strongly but conceded several tries to trail 14-7 at halftime.

Llangadog’s Shaun Leonard kept them in contention with four penalties, but defensive lapses allowed the visitors to pull ahead with two late tries. Despite Leonard’s efforts, including a well-taken conversion, Cardigan couldn’t overturn the deficit.

Tries: Cardigan – Ben Hughes; Llangadog – Tom Brady, Steffan Thomas, Iestyn Williams
Conversion: Cardigan – Shaun Leonard; Llangadog – Ceri Williams (3)
Penalties: Cardigan – Shaun Leonard (4)

Match abandoned after referee dispute
Narberth Athletic 11 – Neyland 24 (Abandoned after 62 minutes)

A fiery clash between Narberth Athletic and Neyland ended prematurely after tensions boiled over in the second half. Despite leading 11-5 at halftime, Narberth saw the tide turn as Neyland surged ahead to 24-11 with four tries.

The game descended into chaos when a Narberth player allegedly made contact with the referee, prompting the match official to abandon the game amidst heated crowd reactions. The WRU will now determine whether the result stands or if further action is necessary.

Tries: Narberth Athletic – Stephen Pilot; Neyland – George Evans, Josh Watts, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer
Penalties: Narberth Athletic – Shane Rossiter (2)
Conversions: Neyland – George Evans (2)

Six-try quins overwhelm the Wasps
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 42 – Llangwm 10

Pembroke Dock Harlequins delivered a masterclass against Llangwm, securing a dominant 42-10 victory. The Quins ran in six tries, with captain Ben Hathaway converting all of them and leading by example with one try of his own.

Llangwm’s flashes of brilliance, including contributions from Ieuan Power and Ryan Banner, were not enough to stem the Quins’ relentless attacking display. Hathaway’s leadership and the Quins’ cohesive play ensured a comfortable win and a season double over their rivals.

Tries: Pembroke Dock Harlequins – Tom Donovan, Craig Barnett, Harry Owen, Morgan Rogers, Ben Hathaway, Ryan Neilson
Conversions: Pembroke Dock Harlequins – Ben Hathaway (6)
Try: Llangwm – Matthew Hughes
Conversion: Llangwm – Breig Matthews
Penalty: Llangwm – Breig Matthews

PHARMACIES are calling for stricter regulation of online sales of weight-loss injections, warning of risks to patient safety amid predictions of a surge in demand this year.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), representing independent community pharmacies, has urged the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to require more thorough consultations with patients before dispensing weight-loss injections and other high-risk medications online.

The NPA cautioned that existing regulations allow medicines to be supplied without adequate consultation or access to patient records, leaving patients vulnerable. They called for a mandatory two-way consultation process to ensure prescribers have a full understanding of patients’ medical histories before issuing such treatments.

Greater safeguards needed

Responding to draft GPhC guidelines, the NPA criticised the proposed safeguards, stating they “still leave the door open for medicines to be prescribed and supplied without appropriate two-way patient consultation or access to a full clinical picture, particularly with high-risk medicines.”

The association recommended prescribers engage in direct dialogue with patients—either in person or via telephone—before offering weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro injections. The NPA also stressed the importance of obtaining comprehensive medical histories, rather than relying solely on online questionnaires.

Nick Kaye, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said:
“Obesity is one of the biggest challenges facing our country, and pharmacies want to play their part in helping patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
“Weight-loss injections can be effective when prescribed as part of a carefully managed programme, but the current regulations allow some patients to access these medications inappropriately, without proper consultation or examination of medical records.”

Addressing rising demand

The call for tighter regulations comes as demand for weight-loss treatments is expected to rise, with the government planning to expand the rollout of such medications. Many pharmacies already dispense weight-loss treatments or include them in private weight-loss programmes, emphasising a need for best practices to prioritise patient safety.

The NPA highlighted cases of patients who had been inappropriately prescribed weight-loss injections, including individuals with eating disorders or those with body mass indexes (BMI) outside the licensed range. Such cases increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Kaye added:
“Medicines are not like ordinary goods for sale; they must be handled with great care because they have the power to harm as well as to heal. We urge the GPhC to make a full consultation compulsory for high-risk medicines and ensure supply is prioritised for those with the greatest clinical need, including those with type 2 diabetes.”

Warning against unregulated sellers

The NPA and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have also warned against purchasing weight-loss injections from unregulated sources, such as beauty salons or social media platforms. Counterfeit medications from these suppliers pose significant health risks.

The NPA advised patients to consult a pharmacist if they are unsure about weight-loss treatments, ensuring they receive safe and effective care as part of a programme to achieve sustainable lifestyle changes.

JOYCE WATSON MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, has announced her decision not to stand in the next Senedd Election.

In a statement issued on Friday (Jan 24), Ms Watson said: “I have taken the very difficult decision to not stand as a candidate at next year’s Senedd Election.

“Serving the Labour Party has been the privilege of my life. To do so representing Mid and West Wales has been an incredible honour. I must thank all the people I have met and worked with on issues and campaigns across the years, and thank Labour members and colleagues for their trust and support.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, Ms Watson shared her roots in Tywyn, Manorbier, Cosheston, and Cardigan, where she grew up as one of eight children. After raising her family across the region, she settled in Pembrokeshire.
“I never dreamed that one day I would be elected to serve the people and places I know and love so well,” she said.

Throughout her tenure, Ms Watson focused on making a tangible impact. She highlighted her work addressing human trafficking, advocating for the construction industry, and representing the Senedd on international platforms, including Europe and the Commonwealth. She also established the White Ribbon campaign against domestic violence in Wales.

“Since I was first elected, our young democracy has grown in strength and confidence. The next election, under new rules and boundaries, will be transformative,” she said.

Ms Watson explained her decision to step aside, saying:
“It feels like the right time for me to step aside for new candidates, and to devote more time to my wonderful family.”

Looking ahead, she acknowledged the challenges of recent years but reaffirmed her commitment to Labour values:
“The past two decades have brought huge upheavals, at home and abroad, that present us with huge challenges. I remain convinced that the solutions to these problems are more co-operation and social justice, not less. I believe that Labour values are the best path to a fairer future.

“So, although I will be stepping down from the Senedd in May 2026, I will never stop fighting for these ideals.”

Ms Watson’s departure marks the end of a notable career of public service, with her contributions leaving a lasting impact on her constituents and beyond.