Sport

Old rivals meet again – Football update

Published

1 year ago

November 17, 2023

AS WE LOOK ahead to another weekend of Pembrokeshire football, we’ve learnt that Hakin and Goodwick will meet in third round of the West Wales Cup in another mouthwatering match up.

The ‘big two’ are not the only Pembrokeshire teams to be drawn against local opponents. Milford United host Tenby, while Carew host Pennar Robins. It means we are guaranteed a good representation of local teams in the next round. With Merlins Bridge, Clarbeston Road, Fishguard, St Ishmaels, Johnston and Kilgetty all still in the competition.

This coming weekend provides another exciting schedule as the leagues have taken shape and teams have a good idea of their objectives. High flying Goodwick United will have to stay switched on this weekend as they host Matthew Fox’ impressive Clarbeston Road team who’ve proved they are very capable of an upset already this campaign. Hakin meanwhile host Carew, in a game they must win to keep the pressure on their rivals. Neyland, who are in need of points sooner rather than later host newly promoted Milford United, and will target this game as one they need something from. In the only other division one fixture this weekend Tenby who’ve started strongly host Carl Vincent’s Pennar Robins, who like Neyland will be keen to pull away from the wrong end of the league.

The second division cup kicks off this weekend with two ties, high flying Herbrandston take on Broad Haven. A late Broad Haven equaliser denied unbeaten Herbie a win when they met in the league. A draw won’t be the outcome tomorrow though, as both teams look to progress into the next round. Ashley Bladen is a key player for Broad Haven and much of their attacking play comes through him. Leigh Galdo will hope his team reproduce the excellent attacking display from last weekend in the senior cup where they netted 9. Elsewhere Camrose host St Clears, the hosts have started this season stronger than the visitors. However both teams will be hoping for a cup run and both have the ability to go all the way. Camrose will be hoping Jordan Raymond has his scoring boots on again, the Camrose attacker has 10 league goals so far this season and is a key player.

In division two league action, leaders Monkton Swifts Reserves face Hakin United Reserves. It’ll be a good test for the league leaders and a win for the visitors would put them level on points at the top of the league. A really tasty fixture which I’m sure will be full of passion and desire from both sides. Meanwhile Cosheston host Merlins Bridge Reserves, the hosts sit rock bottom with one point, and it feels like they need to start winning very soon if they have any chance of avoiding the drop.

There are also three senior cup fixtures:

St Ishmaels vs Fishguard Sports
Johnston AFC vs Pembroke Borough
Merlins Bridge vs Narberth AFC

All senior cup games kick off at 13:45. Johnston, Bridge and Fishguard go into these ties as favourites so to speak, however as we know cups are made for upsets and it’s worth keeping a close eye especially on ‘Tish’ who will be a tough opponent for Fishguard.

Sport

Dragons’ defeat to Pau dents their European ambitions

Published

2 days ago

January 16, 2025

Staff Writer

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

Published

6 days ago

January 13, 2025

Herald Sport

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

Published

6 days ago

January 13, 2025

Herald Sport

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.