Sport

Spotlight – Fishguard Sports Manager Phil Jones

Published

11 months ago

December 19, 2023

Earlier this week we spoke to Fishguard Sports manager Phil Jones to get his thoughts on the season so far. As it’s Christmas he even treated us to his all time Pembrokeshire League XI too..

Herald – Firstly, how would you reflect on the season so far. A tough one so far for you, did you expect to be in a bit of a relegation fight before the season began?

Phil – We finished last season in 10th place and that was (and still is) my minimum target for this season. Whether I expected a relegation battle was perhaps a realistic evaluation but we’re certainly in one now. The division is much stronger for everyone in that there are no easy games and with the majority of teams I honestly think that there is not much to choose between them

Herald – September seemed a tough month for you, however since that you’ve had some positives even in defeat? Narrowly losing to Goodwick stands out, as well as a good cup win. Would you say you’re improving?

Phil – I thought our start was especially hard as four of our first five games were away.

We were poor the last 30 minutes at Milford United and the last 60 at Goodwick getting thumped on both occasions.

Other than that we have competed well in all games but our performances haven’t realised in the league the points we perhaps deserved.

I can think of a few times when things haven’t gone our way like leading Monkton at home 2-1 with 20 minutes to go and losing 3-2; behind 2-1 against Clarbeston Road and having the best of it but conceding the next goal to lose 3-1 and as you mention Goodwick at home – still in the game with 10 to go but again conceding to lose 2-0.

The table doesn’t lie but I honestly believe we have a chance to turn things around.

The shining light of our season so far has been our performances in the West Wales Cup.

We have played at our best on 3 occasions against teams from the Neath area (2 away from home) and along with 6 other Pembrokeshire teams are in the last 16.

As far as hopes and expectations for the remainder of the season I trust we can find the answer to our league difficulties, put in some decent performances, get more points on the board and strive to get to that elusive 10th position.

A run in the Senior Cup would be nice (although St Ishmaels may have other ideas) and a Home Draw in the West Wales Cup.

I’m not asking for much am I haha.

Herald – And finally as it’s Christmas, you’ve been a very well respected and successful coach in Pembrokeshire a long time now if you don’t mind me saying. If you had to pick your best ever Pembs 11 for a game on Boxing Day let’s say, what would it be?

Phil –

GK – Nicholas Jones

In goal I would have my youngest boy – he’s Nick or Nicky to all but he’ll always be Nicholas to me.

Currently at Carmarthen Town he provides a safe pair of hands, good feet, vocal (I wonder where he gets that from) and a re-assuring presence between the sticks.

Full Backs – Matthew Divry and Lee Hudgell.

A pair of marauding full backs in Matthew D’Ivry and Lee Hudgell. Both previous managers of Merlins Bridge who are still playing and who I have the utmost respect for.

Centre Backs – Nigel Delaney and Patrick Hughes

My centre backs would be Nigel Delaney and Patrick ‘Chesney’ Hughes.

Nigel has won all you can win in local football and his experience would shine through. Ches is my Captain and right hand man at Fishguard and the sort of individual you would want at your side if you had to go to war

Midfield – Alan Davies. Nathan Thomas. Matthew Delaney.

My midfield 3 combines experience and youth.

First there is Alan Davies with his combative and industrious style who very rarely came off second best.

Next would be Nathan Thomas who is the epitome of what Merlins Bridge is all about. His competitive edge alongside Alan would ensure most midfield battles would be won and they would cover when Divs and Hudge bombed forward.

Completing the midfield would be Matthew Delaney.

Now back at Goodwick I coached Mattie for most of his junior career and he has developed into a fine box to box player who can finish if given the opportunity

Right Wing – Adrian Haworth

On the right would be a Pembrokeshire legend who won titles galore in Adrian Haworth. His pace and goal scoring exploits would be beneficial to the team and add to that the fact that he’s such a nice guy.

Left Wing – Charlie Davies

Left of an attacking three would be another one of my junior successes. Now at one of Nicholas’ previous clubs in Cinderford Town and scoring goals for fun, here we have Alan’s boy Charlie Davies and his wand of a left peg.

Striker – Peter Nash

Leading the line would be my old team mate from our time at Crundale, Peter Nash.

He moved to the area from Cardiff, joined his local team and helped us through the Divisions to ‘almost’ get to Division One. He had electric pace, was a brilliant finisher, is a true friend and could have played at a much higher level.

An 11 of family and friends that would make others sit up and take notice.

Add to that a bench containing Laurie; Will and Joe Haworth; Scott Delaney and Peter Thomas.

As manager I’d have Fishguard’s Gareth ‘Mad Dog’ McKenzie and Matthew Griffiths as my Assistants and a supportive Chairman in Jon Luke.

I’d like to end by wishing all players and officials in the Pembrokeshire football community a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

We’ll all be back at it in January.’

Thanks to Phil for taking the time to share his thoughts with us. That team would take some beating and I’m sure will spark debate up and down the county this festive break.

Sport

Fishguard boxer wins bronze at international championships

Published

19 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Herald Sport

A YOUNG Pembrokeshire boxer has achieved international recognition for his prowess in the ring.

Eighteen-year-old Mikey O’Sullivan, from Fishguard, secured a bronze medal in the 55kg class at the World Boxing Organisation World Championships held in Colorado. His remarkable performance included victories against opponents from Kyrgyzstan and Canada before being eliminated by the eventual gold medallist.

O’Sullivan, who trains with Cardigan ABC, was presented with a certificate by former International Boxing Federation featherweight world champion Lee Selby to honour his achievement.

Speaking about his success, O’Sullivan expressed pride in representing his hometown on a global stage, further solidifying his reputation as one of Pembrokeshire’s rising sports stars.

ROYAL NAVY BOXER TRIUMPHS

In another notable achievement, former Cardigan ABC boxer Ceri Glover, 20, from Aberporth, marked his senior 57kg debut for the Royal Navy with an impressive victory.

Glover defeated Tatenda Tapfuma of Titchfield ABC in his first bout since his February win for Cardigan ABC, showcasing his continued dominance in the ring.

Both boxers highlight the growing prominence of Welsh talent in the world of boxing, bringing pride to their communities and clubs.

*Ceri Glover from Aberporth (Image: Cardigan ABC)*

News

2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards Finalists announced

Published

2 days ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE finalists for the 2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards have been announced.

In total, 252 nominations were received and, following a selection meeting, the judging panel has named 39 finalists.

Matt Freeman, Manager of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide nominations.

“Every year it gets harder to narrow the nominations down to three finalists and once again the quality of the nominees was enormously high.

“The number and quality of nominees just shows the strength of the sporting scene here in Pembrokeshire.

All the finalists will be invited to a grand presentation ceremony at Folly Farm on Friday, November 29th, where the winners will be announced.

The ceremony will also reveal the winners of two further categories – the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award.

The awards are organised by Sport Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire County Council’s sport development team.

They are sponsored by Sport Pembrokeshire, Valero, Folly Farm and Pure West Radio.

The awards aim to recognise those people who have excelled in sport over the last 12 months, or who have given their time to coaching and organising grass roots sport.

Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2024 – Finalists

(In alphabetical order)

Coach of the Year

Francesca Morgan (Swimming)

Philippa Gale (Netball)

Tom Richards (Tennis)

Female Sporting Achievement

Gracie Griffiths (Race Walking)

Helen Carrington (Powerlifting)

Seren Thorne (Shooting)

Male Sporting Achievement

Jeremy Cross (Tennis)

Rhys Llewellyn (Athletics)

Sam Coleman (Powerboat Racing)

Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement

Carter Heywood (Football)

Hugo Boyce (Cycling)

Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)

Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement

Cerys Griffiths (Swimming)

Chloe John-Driscoll (Shooting)

Ffion Bowen (Football)

Disability Sport Award

Evelyn Thomas (Powerlifting)

Jules King (Crossfit)

Marc Evans (Cricket)

Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award

Finnley Walters (Boxing)

Jac Johnson (Gymnastics)

Lewis Crawford (Boccia)

Unsung Hero

John Laugharne (Rugby)

Owen Shanklin (Pool)

Sue Christopher (Surf Lifesaving)

Team Achievement of the Year

Alan Evans, Andrew Evans & Michael John (Short Mat Bowls)

Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club

Pembrokeshire County Bowls Team

Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year

Chaos Thunder U12’s Netball Team

Hakin United AFC u16’s

Neyland Yacht Club Junior Sailing Team

Young Volunteer of the Year

Anna May (Tennis & Surfing)

Caitlin Chapman (Netball)

George Richards (Cricket)

Club Organiser

Nadine Tyrrell (Gymnastics)

Nick Shelmerdine (Cricket)

Paul Hudson (Short Mat Bowls)

Club of the Year

Camrose AFC Women & Girls Football

Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club

Strength Academy Wales Cymru

Pictured above: The 2023 Club of the Year winner – Pembroke Cricket Club.

Sport

This week’s Herald local rugby roundup

Published

4 days ago

November 13, 2024

Herald Sport

Preseli Men concede late points to lose basement clash

Gorseinon 33 – Crymych 31

Crymych faced a heartbreaking defeat after leading 31-19 midway through the second half. Despite a promising start and a solid performance, Crymych allowed Gorseinon their first win in seven league starts due to a late try and a successful conversion. Crymych skipper Carwyn Phillips marked his milestone of 250 games with commitment alongside teammates Jon Hill, Iestyn Wood, and Llyr Davies. Osian Davies, Eilir George, and Lee Griffiths all scored tries, with George converting each, securing a 21-12 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Phillips added a bonus-point try, also converted by George, but Gorseinon surged back. Wingers Luke Evans and David Rees, centre Josh Hamer, and flankers Ben Morris and Iestyn Lewis each scored, with Tim O’Reilly’s crucial fourth conversion handing Gorseinon the win.

Premiership Division

Otters hold on to break their duck

Bonymaen 27 – Narberth 29

After six league defeats, Narberth clinched their first win in a nail-biter against fellow strugglers Bonymaen. The Otters built a 29-8 lead with tries from Will Blackburn, Ashley Sutton, and captain Tom Powell, with Jon Rogers converting and adding two more goals. But Bonymaen’s 19-point late surge nearly turned the tables as tries from Nathan Brooks, Andrew Richards, and Garin Williams narrowed the gap.

In the final moments, Narberth showed resilience to hold onto their slim lead, with hooker Tom Clarke earning the man of the match for his relentless work rate.

Division One (West)

14-man Seasiders hold on for a narrow win

Tenby United 17 – Yr Hendy 15

Tenby United preserved their perfect record, edging out Yr Hendy despite playing with 14 men after Lloyd Thomas received a red card early on. Thomas’s ejection forced tactical shifts, with Geraint Jones moving to outside half and Gwion Jones taking over at full back.

Captain Tom Barrass scored Tenby’s try after a turnover, with Geraint Jones adding a penalty for an 11-3 halftime lead. Yr Hendy’s Tyler Payne landed four penalties in the second half, but Tenby maintained their defensive discipline, securing a narrow 17-15 victory with man of the match Gethin Bradney leading with tackles.

Division Two (West)

Borderers bag deserved win

Nantgaredig 20 – Whitland 25

Whitland fought back from a 3-10 deficit to overcome Nantgaredig in a hard-fought match. After an extended break for an injury and a field switch, Whitland’s pack took control in the second half, with tries from Rhys Nicholas, Owyn Griffiths, Jack Mason, and Johnny Thomas, who also added a penalty.

Despite three tries from Nantgaredig’s Mark Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Aled Beynon, Whitland maintained their lead, showing consistency in both forwards and backs for a solid team performance.

Division Three (West)

Codd stars as Blues fend off Pontyberem

Pontyberem 13 – Haverfordwest 23

Haverfordwest centre Jack Codd’s 13 points helped his team overcome Pontyberem, who were still seeking their first win. Pontyberem took an early 10-0 lead, but Haverfordwest responded, with strong contributions from pack players Jonathan Mason, Mike Phillips, and captain Karl Busch. Rhodri Lewis opened the scoring for Pontyberem, but Codd’s accurate kicking sealed the win.

Division Four (West) A

James leads Saints to derby success

St Davids 31 – Llangwm 18

Will James shone for St Davids, scoring twice as they defeated local rivals Llangwm in challenging damp, cold conditions. Despite a strong start from Llangwm with an early try from Morgan Rees, St Davids struck back through James, who capitalized on a pass from Will Savage. Further tries from Nathan Foster and Iwan Davies extended the lead, with St Davids up 21-13 at halftime.

In the second half, Callum Jenkins scored for Llangwm, but James added his second try, and Zac Morgan secured St Davids’ fifth, sealing their 31-18 victory in this well-supported derby.

Bulls win at Bierspool

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 12 – Teirw Crymych 22

Teirw Crymych edged out Pembroke Dock Harlequins at Bierspool for their fourth win, with tries from Hedd George and Sean Wilson building a 12-0 lead. The Harlequins responded through Craig Barnett, but a late try and conversion from Adam Phillips sealed Crymych’s win, taking the margin just beyond a bonus-point range for the hosts.

Scarlets outlast Dreigiau Emlyn in thriller

Pembroke 36 – Dreigiau Emlyn 32

Pembroke pulled off a thrilling win at Crickmarren with six tries, including scores by Weatherall, Edwards, and Luke Hartland. Veteran forwards Brayford, Wiseman, and Palmer controlled the set pieces, while Dreigiau Emlyn countered with five tries of their own. Despite Emlyn’s persistence, Pembroke’s disciplined play earned them a narrow 36-32 win.