Sport

Haverfordwest Coach Justin Mountstevens says team confident despite first loss

Published

2 years ago

November 23, 2023

An outstanding start to the season for the Blues so far this season, who were unbeaten until the trip to Aberaeron last weekend. As the biggest town in the county, Haverfordwest are expected to compete at a higher level than division three however it’s been a while since they have done. Could this be the year that it changes, so far signs are very promising.

Our Herald Sports Team spoke to Haverfordwest coach Justin Mountstevens to get his take on the season so far.

Herald – ‘A great start to the season for you so far, you as a coaching team must be happy with how it’s going?’

Justin – ‘We are very happy how things have gone so far after a rocky start. But we recognise there is always room for improvement and as coaching team we strive to raise the levels each week.’

Herald – ‘A first loss for the group last weekend how would you reflect on that?’

Justin – ‘As a group we were disappointed with loss at Aberaeron after a good win in Cardigan two weeks prior, we felt before the game that we were capable of coming away with a win. Aberaeron is a difficult place to go as the elements are always a challenge, we didn’t take our chances and gave too many penalties away. All of which we can rectify for not only the return fixture but the remainder of the season.’

Herald – ‘ Who would you identify as your biggest challengers for promotion this year?’

Justin – ‘Cardigan, Laugharne and Aberaeron will be the main challengers for promotion this season but you can never write off the likes of Pembroke or Neyland who always offer a stern challenge.’

Herald – ‘As a squad what would you say your biggest strengths are?’

Justin – ‘Our biggest strengths this season are our fitness levels, defence and we also have a powerful scrum which most teams find difficult to deal with. Having said that our back line is improving each week and beginning to gel nicely with a hunger for running attacking rugby.’

Herald – ‘Which of your players have stood out so far this season?’

Justin – ‘Michael Griffiths and Matty Phillips have been outstanding for us so far this season, with young Iestyn Arnold, Jack Evans, Owain Roberts and Scott Candler performing well each week. Captain Karl Busch and the front row as a unit have also performed week in out to date. There are also others in the squad who are raising their levels each week. I don’t want to say too much otherwise Narberth scouts will be circling again!’

Herald – ‘Finally what are your goals for the rest of this season and beyond?’ Justin – ‘Our goals for the remainder of the season are to remain unbeaten if possible (a big call, high level to maintain and we don’t want to come across as being overly confident but you have to set standards) and to ultimately win the league, gain promotion and continually improve as a squad.’

A very good insight into the Haverfordwest camp there from Justin, as they prepare to face struggling Pembroke this coming Saturday.

Related Topics:Haverfordwest pembrokeshire Rugby

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

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8 hours ago

December 14, 2025

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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

8 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

12 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.