Sport

Silver lining for Cardigan boxer Garan Croft at World Boxing Cup

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2023

CARDIGAN’S very own Garan Croft, a talented light-middleweight boxer, has returned home to Crymych, proudly clutching a silver medal from the prestigious World Boxing Cup held in Cologne, Germany. The young pugilist, part of Team GB, showcased his mettle alongside eight other medalists, contributing significantly to Great Britain’s commendable performance at the international stage.

The journey to this momentous achievement began in the quaint village of Crymych, nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire, boasting a mere 800 inhabitants. Garan and his twin brother, Ioan, discovered their passion for boxing at the age of eight at the Cardigan Amateur Boxing Club. Their early dedication and innate talent propelled them to Cardiff, where they trained rigorously with the Welsh team. Their perseverance bore fruit in January 2022 when they earned a coveted spot in the Great Britain Podium Squad at the Team GB training camp in Sheffield.

The Croft twins’ prowess was further validated in March 2022 when they clinched silver medals at the European Under-22 Championships in Porec, Croatia. Subsequently, their stellar performance continued, with Ioan securing a gold and Garan a bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham later that summer.

Their exceptional skills did not go unnoticed. A Team GB review at the end of the previous year identified the Croft Twins as integral components of British boxing’s Olympic aspirations for Paris 2024. This recognition set the stage for their remarkable journey to the World Boxing Cup in Cologne.

At the highly competitive World Boxing Cup, Garan Croft found himself in the finals of the light-middleweight class, displaying remarkable prowess and determination. In a closely contested bout, he narrowly missed the gold, succumbing to a 3:2 defeat against Germany’s Magomed Schachidov. Despite the heart-wrenching loss, Garan’s silver medal stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment and talent.

Reflecting on the commendable performance of Team GB, GB Boxing’s Performance Director, Rob McCracken, lauded the team’s efforts. He remarked, “The World Boxing Cup in Cologne has been an excellent tournament that has provided our boxers with valuable experience. The quality of the competition has been very high with some excellent nations participating, and it has been a very good week for our team.”

The World Boxing Cup, organised by the German Boxing Association in collaboration with World Boxing, the new international federation dedicated to upholding boxing’s legacy within the Olympic Movement, witnessed a display of unparalleled talent from athletes worldwide.

Garan Croft’s achievement not only brings pride to his small hometown but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring boxers across the United Kingdom. As the Croft Twins and their teammates pave the way for future generations, their remarkable journey emphasises the importance of determination, dedication, and passion in the pursuit of excellence on the global stage.

Sport

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup

Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)

AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.

Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.

Match results (Week 12):

Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
Badgers 2–8 St Johns
Reynalton 0–10 Carew
Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
St Twynnells – bye week

A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.

League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.

At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.

Full standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	8	0	2	+125	72
Reynaltón	11	5	2	4	+35	58
St Johns	10	5	1	4	+32	54
Hundleton	10	5	1	4	-2	54
Carew	9	5	0	4	-25	49
St Twynnells	10	4	2	4	-34	48
Kilgetty	11	5	0	6	-44	46
Badgers	11	3	1	7	-59	45
Lamphey	11	5	0	6	-10	44
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	-5	41
Cosheston	9	3	1	5	-13	40

If you’d like, I can also turn this into a shorter snippet for the website or expand with quotes, season context, or upcoming fixtures.

Sport

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

Published

18 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club has announced its latest Team of the Week, celebrating standout performers from across the junior age groups following another busy weekend of fixtures.

Players from the U7s through to the U16s Eagles have been highlighted for their work rate, teamwork and commitment on the pitch, with coaches praising the effort shown by all who took part.

The club said the selections recognise not only individual performances but the dedication shown by players at training and during matches throughout the season.

Parents and supporters were quick to share their congratulations online, with particular praise for U12s players George Bentley and Tom Wheeler, who impressed during their fixture.

Team of the Week – 14 December 2025

U7s: Ollie Bromham & Arthur Slee
U8s: Theo Headland & Lyla Phillips
U9s: Theo Canton & George Thornton
U10s: Rhys Davies
U10s Eagles: Frankie Campbell
U11s: Griff Jenkins & Ollie Edwards
U12s: George Bentley & Tom Wheeler
U12s Eagles: Cyra Ellis
U15s: Logan Keane
U16s Eagles: Laura Cichon

Coaches thanked players and families for their continued support as Haverfordwest RFC moves through the winter fixtures, saying the positivity around the club remains a key part of its success.