Sport

Pembrokeshire Football Division 2 Preview 06-01-24

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2024

The league table has taken shape and clubs now know what their respective challenges and goals are for the second half of the season. We have what seems to be four possible title contenders based on the table, Monkton Swifts Reserves and Herbrandston occupy top two places, whilst Merlins Bridge Reserves are only one win off top. Narberth sit in fourth but have only played 11 league games and should they manage to win their games in hand they’ll be right in the mix.

At the opposite end of the table, there are again four teams who seem likely to be fighting a relegation battle for the rest of the season. Cosheston sit rock bottom on 1 point and seem very likely to be relegated unless they can dramatically improve results and fast. Carew Reserves have 6 points, St Clears have 8 points and Broad Haven 10 points to date. Results would suggest Broad Haven will have enough to steer themselves to safety, while St Clears will have to turn draws into wins, they’ve drawn 5 and only won one so far.

St Ishmaels vs Monkton Swifts Reserves

The hosts are unbeaten since September and after a shaky start to the season have shown they are a good outfit and much improved. Tish held table toppers Monkton to a draw in the reverse fixture in December. The Swifts can’t afford to drop anymore points really with Herbrandston hot on their heels and in excellent form. An interesting match up here, the game will be officiated by Keith McNiffe.

St Clears vs Hakin United Reserves

St Clears will be aiming to start the new year positively after 2023 wasn’t a great one for them. Hakin United Reserves beat St Clears 4-0 at the Obs, however they haven’t won since, suffering 3 league defeats in a row and conceding 5 in each of these games. This will give the hosts confidence, however I’m sure Hakin will be very keen to put this right and will see this fixture as a good opportunity.

Merlins Bridge Reserves vs Narberth

Two of the better teams in the division meet in what’s an important fixture for both teams. When they met in December Bridge came out 3-1 winners thanks to a Tomos Gwilliam hat-trick. Narberth will need to be consistent if they want to keep up pressure on the top three and a win against third place Bridge would be the perfect start. Joe Leahy seems to be playing regularly for the Bridge Reserves and is a quality player and is enough to worry any team in the county.

Cosheston AFC vs Carew Reserves

Must win is a phrase used often in sport but it couldn’t be more accurate here, Cosheston have failed to win all season and they need to start now if they want to steer themselves to safety. Carew Reserves sit second from bottom and themselves only have one win all season, and will be looking at this fixture as the perfect opportunity to get three points.

Johnston vs Camrose

Newly promoted Camrose sit in sixth place and would have taken that if you’d offered it to them at the start of the season. Last time out they narrowly lost 3-2 to Herbrandston after a costly red card, Camrose were 2-0 in that game proving they are a dangerous opponent for anyone in this division. Johnston sit in eighth however have only played ten league games whereas some teams have played fifteen. With some quality players in their ranks the hosts will be hoping to climb the league table in the coming few weeks.

SECOND DIVISION CUP – Herbrandston vs Broad Haven

Unbeaten in the league Herbie are proving to be one of, if not the best outfit in the second division. Manager Leigh Galdo will be aiming for cup success as well as winning the league. The hosts beat Broad Haven 4-0 at home in the league fixture back in December. However Broad Haven held Herbie to a 2-2 draw in September and have proved they can be a tricky opposition. With the weather having been very wet, this may suit battling Broad Haven more than free flowing Herbie, however the hosts are still firm favourites for this tie.

Related Topics:Division 2 Division 2 Cup Football pembrokeshire

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Politics

Implementation group announced to guide greyhound racing ban in Wales

Published

7 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Deputy First Minister outlines next steps towards ending the sport

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced the formation of a dedicated implementation group to oversee the transition towards a complete ban on greyhound racing in Wales.

The group was confirmed in a written statement issued on Friday (July 11) by Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs. It follows his previous statement made on June 24.

The newly formed group will include representatives from the greyhound racing industry, animal welfare charities, local authorities, and veterinary professionals. Its purpose is to ensure that the phase-out of greyhound racing is delivered in a way that prioritises animal welfare, supports those affected by the changes, and minimises disruption to local communities.

Dr Emily Blackwell, Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol Veterinary School, has been appointed Chair of the group. She will be supported by two veterinary surgeons, representatives of Valley Stadium—the only remaining greyhound racing track in Wales—members of the Cut the Chase Coalition, and various animal welfare organisations.

The group met for the first time on Friday to begin outlining its remit and planning its work schedule.

Mr Irranca-Davies said: “Legislation to ban greyhound racing in Wales will be introduced this autumn. In the meantime, we must ensure that the transition is well-planned and fair to all involved. This includes safeguarding the welfare of dogs currently within the industry and supporting owners and local communities as we move away from the practice.”

He added: “Wales aspires to be a leader in animal health and welfare. Ending greyhound racing is a step in that direction. The implementation group’s expertise will be vital in helping us achieve this goal.”

The Welsh Government says the group will continue to meet over the coming months as it prepares for the introduction of the ban later this year.

Sport

IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea to make Welsh history this weekend

Published

3 days ago

July 10, 2025

Herald Sport

World-class triathletes descend on South Wales as Swansea hosts its first-ever IRONMAN Pro Series event

WALES will play host to a major milestone in triathlon history this weekend as IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea becomes the first-ever IRONMAN Pro Series event to take place on Welsh soil.

The race, held on Sunday (July 13), marks the twelfth stop on the 2025 global tour and is expected to draw thousands of spectators to the Swansea seafront. More than 60 professional athletes and over 2,500 age-group competitors will take part in the prestigious swim-bike-run event.

Among the elite contenders is reigning Swansea champion Harry Palmer (GBR), making his season debut, alongside Kat Matthews, the 2024 IRONMAN Pro Series champion, and Kristian Høgenhaug (DEN), who finished third in last year’s standings.

With $50,000 in prize money and up to 2,500 series points at stake, the event carries serious weight for those chasing the overall series crown and qualification slots for the 2025 IRONMAN World Championships in Nice and Kona.

Race day will begin at 7:00am with the professional men’s start, followed by the pro women at 7:05am, and the mass start for age-group athletes at 7:10am. The course features a scenic but challenging route, with a city-centre finish expected to be buzzing with spectators.

The event will also be broadcast live across the world on platforms including YouTube, DAZN, Outside TV (US and Canada), and ESPN via Disney+ (Latin America and Caribbean).

Speaking ahead of the event, organisers said Swansea had earned its place on the global calendar. “Bringing the Pro Series to Wales is a huge moment for triathlon in the UK, and especially for South Wales,” a spokesperson said.

A free-to-attend Pro Athlete Panel will take place at 2:00pm on Friday (July 11) at the Waterfront Museum’s Ocean Room, offering the public a chance to meet some of the sport’s biggest stars.

Among those set to speak are Germany’s Anne Reischmann, who currently leads the 2025 standings, and Britain’s Lizzie Rayner, who already has two podium finishes this year.

The oldest registered athlete is David Ransom, aged 77, while the youngest is 18-year-old Jaden Morgan, highlighting the sport’s wide appeal.

Media wishing to attend must register in advance, with accreditation closing on Friday. Race-day walk-ins will not be granted access to restricted areas.

Education

Pupils’ multi-sports event hits the target

Published

5 days ago

July 8, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MORE than 60 pupils have enjoyed trying out a range of different sports in a special
Sport Pembrokeshire event held last month

The event was held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun with 65 pupils
from Years, 4,5 and 6 and the ALN unit taking part.

The sessions were run by local community clubs and Young Ambassadors from
Ysgol Bro Gwaun with pupils getting to enjoy rugby, cricket, hockey, archery and golf.
Sharon Osborne from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, said: “Thanks to Sport Pembrokeshire
for organising a fantastic morning of activities for our pupils. They all thoroughly
enjoyed themselves.”

Dan Bellis of Sport Pembrokeshire, added: “A big thanks to Fishguard & Goodwick
Hockey Club, Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club and the Young Ambassadors
from Ysgol Bro Gwaun for putting on a fabulous morning of activities in glorious
sunshine!

“A big well done to all the pupils from Ysgol Glannau Gwaun for their effort and
enthusiasm throughout the morning.”