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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Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club to hold next time trial event

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2026

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MEMBERS of Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club are being encouraged to take part in the club’s next Time Trial Series event.

The 20km bike time trial will take place at Herbrandston, next to the old school, on Sunday, May 17, starting at 8:15am.

The club says the event is open to members of all abilities, whether they are chasing a personal best, building confidence, or simply looking to take part in a friendly club event.

Those wishing to enter are asked to book their place through the Connect My Club app.

Parking at the start is limited, so members are being encouraged to car share where possible or allow extra time before the event.

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S4C secures exclusive Barbarians v Wales double-header

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2026

Herald Sport

S4C will broadcast a live rugby double-header from Twickenham this summer, with Wales taking on the Barbarians in both men’s and women’s fixtures.

The matches will be shown live and exclusively on Friday, June 27, with the men’s game kicking off at 2:00pm and the women’s match following at 5:00pm.

Both fixtures will be available across S4C, S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and S4C Chwaraeon’s YouTube channel, with Welsh and English-language commentary.

Sarra Elgan will present the coverage, with Lauren Salter reporting pitchside.

Gareth Charles will commentate on the men’s match, with analysis from Ken Owens and Elinor Snowsill. Siwan Lillicrap will also join the team for the women’s fixture, with further members of the broadcast line-up to be announced.

Tomos Grace, WRU Chief Commercial Officer said: “We’re delighted that S4C will bring coverage of Barbarians v Wales at Twickenham to supporters across the country and beyond.

“This fixture is always a celebration of rugby’s spirit and tradition, and it’s fantastic that fans will be able to enjoy it free-to-air, with comprehensive Welsh-language coverage at its heart alongside English provision, which is hugely important for the game in Wales.

“We look forward to what promises to be a memorable summer occasion for Welsh rugby.”

Sue Butler, Head of Sports at S4C, said the broadcaster was pleased to have secured exclusive rights to the event.

She said: “We are delighted to have secured the exclusive broadcast rights to this double-header, bringing Wales together with the Barbarians for a special day of summer rugby.

“These fixtures promise a great Wales day out, and we’re pleased that S4C’s coverage will be available across all platforms.

“This agreement underlines S4C’s commitment to delivering premium live sport exclusively to audiences across Wales and the UK, in both Welsh and English, and to showcasing the very best of international rugby on a global stage.”

John Spencer, President of Barbarian F.C., said: “Barbarian F.C. and Wales have an intertwined history, with supporters of both teams enjoying the spirit and values of the game.

“This summer’s double-header against Wales is a hugely exciting fixture and the announcement that the matches will be on S4C, on free-to-air TV, broadcast by a national broadcaster, with huge rugby experience, is really important.

“We want to showcase the very best of rugby and having the fixtures on S4C will allow us to reach a large audience for what will be a great day of rugby.”

Fans will also be able to attend the double-header at Twickenham, with tickets available through Ticketmaster and England Rugby.

The coverage will be produced by Whisper Cymru.

Sport

Merlins Bridge U14s girls celebrate league title success

Published

4 days ago

May 12, 2026

Herald Sport

YOUNG footballers from across Pembrokeshire are celebrating after Merlins Bridge U14s Girls secured the league title in the West Wales Women and Girls League.

The team confirmed their place at the top of the table after an away victory against Carmarthen Stars, capping a memorable season for the squad.

Title-winning season

The achievement follows the club’s decision to enter the West Wales Women and Girls League at U14 level, giving the players the chance to test themselves against teams from across the region.

Coach Jan Bojanowski said the success was a proud moment for the players, families and club.

The squad is made up of girls from across Pembrokeshire, who have shown commitment throughout the season and continued to develop as a team.

Growing girls’ football

Merlins Bridge AFC said the title win reflects the strength of girls’ football in Pembrokeshire and the increasing opportunities now available for young female players.

The team’s success is also a boost for grassroots football locally, with more girls taking part and representing their clubs in competitive leagues across West Wales.

The players celebrated with trophies and the league cup after completing their title-winning campaign.