Sport

Blues Grind Out Key Win

Published

1 year ago

January 23, 2024

It was a crunch match at the top of division three west, as Haverfordwest hosted second placed Cardigan. As expected it was a wet, cold and muddy affair. However neither the wind, the rain or Cardigan could stop the Blues from winning once again.

The game was dominated by the weather as you can imagine. Initially the game seemed to be in doubt due to a frozen pitch but in the end it was doubtful due to the heavy rain overnight. The game went ahead and was played at high pace with both teams looking to move the ball around. Cardigan took the lead with an early penalty kicking towards the Pembroke Road end. Cardigan had the wind in the first period and used it to pin the Blues back. But true to recent form the Blues ran everything back at them. This enterprising play was rewarded with a try for Matty Phillips on the 15 minute mark. The conversion attempt into the wind was missed. The game continued to swing back and forth as the weather started to deteriorate. The only other score of the first half was a penalty for Owain Roberts.
The second half continued in same vein as the first. After missing several kicks at the posts Owain Roberts kicked a penalty in the last quarter extending the blues lead to 11-3. Cardis had more of the possession in the last quarter without really threating the Blues try line, their only reward was a late penalty taking the final score to 11-6 to the County Town men. There were several good performances from the Blues with Phillips, Griffiths and Mason to name a few up front in very difficult conditions towards the end. But the Blues handling in attack and committed defence were the catalyst for the victory and huge team performance. For the second week running Prop forward Dan Berry was the man of the match for the Blues who are gaining momentum in the push for the title. Berry has fast become a key player for the Blues and continues to impress.

The result puts Haverfordwest just two points behind Caridgan in second place, with one less game played. It’s set to be an exciting title race.

Sport

Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Adams, Williams, and Jenkins return

WALES head coach Warren Gatland has named his team for the opening match of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations against France at the Stade de France, Paris, on Friday (Jan 31). The game kicks off at 8:15pm GMT and will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.

Josh Adams, Liam Williams, and Dafydd Jenkins return to the starting XV, with Adams on the wing, Williams at fullback, and Jenkins in the second row.

Jac Morgan leads the side

Captain Jac Morgan starts at openside flanker, joining James Botham at blindside and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8 in the back row. Will Rowlands partners Jenkins in the second row.

In the front row, Evan Lloyd earns his first Test start at hooker, while Henry Thomas is named at tighthead prop for his first start and his first Wales appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead.

Ben Thomas makes Six Nations debut

Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, with Ben Thomas making his Six Nations debut at fly-half. Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins form the midfield pairing, while Tom Rogers is named on the wing alongside Adams.

Among the replacements, Nicky Smith is set to win his 50th cap, while fly-half Dan Edwards could make his senior Wales debut. Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray are in line for their first Six Nations appearances, having made their senior international debuts in the Autumn Nations Series.

The front-row replacements include Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, and Smith. Tommy Reffell covers the back row, and Rhodri Williams provides scrum-half cover.

Gatland said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that, and start our championship well.”

Wales team to face France

Starting XV:
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) – 92 caps
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets) – 5 caps
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens) – 38 caps
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) – 42 caps
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby) – 59 caps
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby) – 7 caps
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby) – 59 caps
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys) – 35 caps
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby) – 5 caps
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets) – 4 caps
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92) – 36 caps
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs) – 19 caps
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby) – 16 caps
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys) – 18 caps (captain)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) – 52 caps

Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) – 51 caps
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers) – 49 caps
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby) – 10 caps
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby) – 1 cap
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers) – 23 caps
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons) – 5 caps
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys) – uncapped
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets) – 3 caps

This version is more structured, concise, and in line with a professional sports news style. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!

News

Fun free sport sessions for kids in Fishguard

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

YOUNGSTERS can discover new sports to love at a free multi-sports session starting next week.

The sessions for children aged 5-8 will be held every Monday in term time between 4.15pm-5pm at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

The first session is this Monday, February 3rd.

Delivered by Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People officers and assisted by

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, the event is an opportunity to try fun activities, new sports and develop fundamental movement skills.

All are welcome to come along.

Contact [email protected] for more information or to register your child.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association: Week 14 Results

Published

3 days ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association, also known as “The Friendly League,” has released the results for Week 14 of the competition.

Match Results

Hundleton 8 v Badgers 2
Llanteg 2 v St Johns 8
Reynalton 8 v St Twynnells 2
East Williamston 8 v Carew 2

The match between Cosheston and Kilgetty was postponed, while Lamphey had the bye.

League Table (Week 14)

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	12	11	0	1	167	92
Carew	12	8	1	3	111	79
Reynalton	12	8	0	4	48	70
Hundleton	13	7	0	6	61	68
St Johns	11	8	0	3	76	66
Cosheston	11	6	0	5	33	54
Llanteg	11	3	1	7	-29	51
St Twynnells	13	3	1	9	-125	48
Badgers	11	3	1	7	6	45
Kilgetty	11	3	0	8	-129	40
Lamphey	11	2	0	9	-142	29