Sport
Pembrokeshire Foootball Preview
Once again we’ve had a wet week and groundsmen and volunteers up and down the county will be working hard today to try and ensure we get some games tomorrow. There are five cup ties due to take place tomorrow, three in the Senior Cup and two in the fifth division cup.
In the first division Clarbeston Road host Hakin United in what is a mouthwatering clash, the visitors will be extra motivated after Clarby have beaten the Vikings twice already this season. Elsewhere in the first division table toppers Goodwick United travel to Neyland in what looks likely to be a routine win for the visitors if form is anything to go by. Tenby United host Fishguard Sports at the Clicketts with the hosts looking very safely placed in mid-table, while Fishguard need a drastic change of form to have any chance of survival. Pennar Robins much like Tenby seem very safely positioned in the league, Carl Vincent’s team host Kilgetty who could do with a win or two to pull clear of the bottom two.
The second division has been full of interesting results of late and this weekend in form St Ishmaels host Monkton Swifts Reserves, the visitors have been faultless of late but the Mice are a tricky opponent. Promotion chasing Herbie also have a tricky game ahead as they travel to Johnston on the back of the Tigers win in the Senior Cup. Carew Reserves host St Clears in what really is a relegation six pointer and one neither team can afford to lose. Finally Broad Haven host Camrose in a mid table clash, the hosts would like a few more wins to be sure they won’t be sucked into any sort of relegation battle.
The Senior Cup has the potential for an upset this weekend with each of the three games having a strong favourite. In Cosheston there is likely to be plenty of passion and desire as they host local rivals Monkton Swifts and would love to knock their neighbours out of the cup. Solva who are having a good season in the third division host Merlins Bridge who on paper would be expected to win comfortably however the conditions in Solva are going to be more challenging than the perfect 4g surface they are used to at home. Finally in the cup, Haverfordwest Cricket Club host Carew in again will be a very different test for the visitors, Cricket Club have plenty of experience and quality in their ranks and the Rooks will have to be prepared to avoid any slip up here.
Sport
Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France
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
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
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 |
For further details or any inquiries, please contact Steve Cox, League Fixtures Secretary.
-
Crime4 days ago
Man charged with sexual penetration of seven-week-old baby in court
-
News4 days ago
Budget cuts under fire as financial challenges grip Carmarthenshire County Council
-
News6 days ago
A48 crash: Four injured as police arrest man on suspicion of dangerous driving
-
News5 days ago
Traffic held on M4 after crash leaves car in central reservation
-
Crime6 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police tax bill could rise by nine percent
-
News7 days ago
County councillor warns of dangerous and illegal E-scooter use in Haverfordwest
-
Business3 days ago
Harlech Foodservice steps in after Pembrokeshire Foods owners retire
-
Crime3 days ago
Hakin woman prevented from seeing her mother after assault