Sport
Football Round Up 25/11/23
Goodwick United continue to impress as they yet again won, this time 5-0 away at Grange Albion in the capital. The venue and the kick off time was moved last minute however it didn’t seem to disrupt O’Sullivan’s men goals coming form Haworth, Dalling, Jones and O’Sullivan and a fourth clean sheet in a row meant it was plain sailing into the next round of the FAW Amatuer Trophy.
Closer to home a late goal from Jay Power ensured Hakin claimed all three points away to Carew who again for the second week running pushed the Vikings hard. James Hinchliffe grabbed a brace for the hosts who will be gutted to have conceeded so late after a good peformance. As predicted newly promoted Milford United gave Merlins Bridge a good game and it was a narrow 1-0 victory for the Haverfordwest based team thanks to a goal from Steffan Williams.
Neyland and Monkton Swifts couldn’t be sepearted as they drew 1-1 with the visitors ending the game with nine men after losing Steele and Ferrier to red cards. Dylan Davies opened the scoring for the Swifts after 15 minutes before Max Bowman Davies equalised after 39 minutes. It would be unfair to say the sending off’s had much of an impact on the result as they came very late in the contest. Neyland are likely to be the happier of the two with this result as the Swifts struggle to find form. Tenby came from behind to beat Pennar Robins 2-1 with goals from Muskett and Ferney in reply to Williams’ opener for the hosts. The result lifts them to fourth in the league and they will be pleased with their return of 15 points so far following their promotion last season. The Robins sit 9th on 9 points and with Neyland and Carew improving and both just a point behind them, they’ll be keen to pull away from the foot of the table sooner rather than later.
A tense local derby was expected in Little Castle Grove as Herbrandston hosted Hakin Reserves, having drawn 2-2 earlier in the season. However Galdo’s men took any prospect of a nervy final twenty minutes out of the picture as they were 4-0 after an hour played. Goals from Whatling, Plunkett (2) and key midfielder Beach put the result to bed. Lees added the fifth after 70 minutes and a clean sheet ensured a pretty perfect afternoon for the yellow and blacks. Monkton Swifts Reserves however just keep winning this time 6-1 at home to Carew Reserves. Liam Butland grabbing a brace and an assist as he takes his total league goals for the season to 12 already. A sign of the Swift’s strength is Butland not even being close to their leading scorer, William Davis scored twice yesterday to bring his total to 25 from 12 league games, not to mention the 6 assists. Carew continue to struggle and only Cosheston sit below them in the table as it stands. Meanwhile in the mid table battles Camrose and St Ishmaels drew 2-2, with the hosts coming back from 2-0 down with ten men, they will definitely be the happier of the two sides. Also in the mood for a comeback yesterday were Broad Haven they also showed good character to come back from 2-0 at home to St Clears it finished 2-2 here too.
In the second division cup Narberth hosted Merlins Bridge in the standout tie of the two, the hosts took the lead through Ashley Williams before subsitute Martin equalised for the visitors. Chris Brown restored the hosts lead, before Bridge had enough of the back and for and two assists for veteran Matthew D’Ivry set up Jago and Martin again to make it 3-2. Leahy then converted a penalty after 70 minutes and there was no looking back for Bridge as they progress into the next round. Meanwhile Johnston also secured their place in the next round after putting 7 past Cosheston, the visitors did manage two consolation goals but that’s all they were as they continue to struggle.
Sport
Dragons’ defeat to Pau dents their European ambitions
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
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
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.
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