Sport

Clarby on the charge as Fox’s men impress once again

Published

1 year ago

January 7, 2024

Hakin United 1 – 4 Clarbeston Road

CLARBESTON ROAD got off to a flying start to 2024 with a hard fought victory over top of the table Hakin at a very sticky Obs Ground. Hakin would have been looking to get the victory that would keep them at the top of the table, and would have been looking to avenge the defeat against Clarby earlier in the season in the Senior Cup. Matthew Fox’s team have been impressing all season, the cup win we deemed as a ‘shock’, it would be unfair to label this result a shock, Hakin would have been well aware of the visitors quality before kick off, however were unable to stop them.

Hakin started the brighter without creating anything clear cut but were the team in the ascendancy for the opening exchanges. However it was Clarby who then grew into the game and started to get the ball down and play. It was a route one ball that broke the deadlock. A long kick upfield from Clarby keeper Mansell evaded the Hakin defence, and Laurie Howarth, against his former club, was on hand to cut inside from the left of the box and unleash an unstoppable shot into the top right stanchion of Aldred’s goal. Buoyed by the goal, Clarby were on the front foot and when Ben John, who caused trouble for the Hakin defence all game., was brought down 25 yards from goal, up stepped Matthew “Chicken” Davies and he smashed his effort goal bound through the crowded box and into the roof of the Hakin net for a two nil lead.

Hakin, however, soon got a goal that got them back in it. A free kick down the hosts right was swung to the back post, and with the ball only half headed clear, Jordan Richards was on hand to thump home a side foot volley into the top left corner. This gave Hakin the lift they needed and they began to build pressure looking for the equaliser. Having some joy down the flanks, they then threw a number of good deliveries into the visitors box but the centre half pairing of Tom Withers and Sami Hurton held firm. Shane Walsh continued to probe and press down the Hakin right but it was Clarby defending resolutely looking to hit on the break.

It was the Hakin eagerness to press for an equaliser that opened up the game for Clarby in transition and it was Ben Rocky John who made most of the spaces being left. He picked up the ball wide right of the area, and his run beat a couple of Hakin defenders and he was able to stab the ball past Aldred to restore the 2 goal advantage which Clarby took into the break.

Understandably it was Hakin who came out after the break looking for an early goal. Resolute Clarby defending again meant that they held firm but Hakin were getting the chances and it was Mansell again on hand with a couple of great saves, one for a free kick from 20 yards and another from an acrobatic effort from substitute Ashley Bevan. Travis Jones was working hard in the Clarby midfield to keep Hakin at bay and limit chances to long range efforts.

As the game entered the last 20 minutes, with the next goal vital, it was Clarby that grabbed it. Again it was Ben John who managed to evade the challenges of Jay Power in the Hakin defence, and he was able to finish into the bottom right corner of the goal.

Clarby were then content to sit in and defend and were able to see out the game to take the win. In the final 10 minutes, Clarby rang the changes and 16 year old George Thomas entered the field for his Clarby debut, one I am sure he won’t forget.

Referee John Jenkins blew the whistle for full time and a well earned 4-1 Victory for the visitors. Having beaten Hakin twice this season already, the questions is are Clarby the up and coming challengers for Goodwick. Granted they may not quite be there yet, but the rate they are improving has not gone unnoticed and has impressed many throughout the county.

Related Topics:Clarbeston Road Division 1 Football Hakin pembrokeshire

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Sport

Dragons’ defeat to Pau dents their European ambitions

Published

2 days ago

January 16, 2025

Staff Writer

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

Published

5 days ago

January 13, 2025

Herald Sport

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

Published

5 days ago

January 13, 2025

Herald Sport

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.