News
Grand Slam dreams: Is Ireland set to extend winning streak against Wales?
DUBLIN’S Aviva Stadium prepares to host a pivotal clash in the third round of the Six Nations Championship this Saturday, as Ireland looks to continue their Grand Slam quest against a struggling Welsh side. With kickoff scheduled for 2:15pm GMT, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter in one of rugby’s most storied competitions.
Warren Gatland’s return to the Welsh fold brought a semblance of stability following a turbulent period, marked by a commendable World Cup performance. However, the Dragons face a daunting challenge in Dublin, arriving with an inexperienced squad and a record of two defeats from their opening Six Nations fixtures. In stark contrast, Andy Farrell’s Ireland is riding high on confidence, having bounced back from a World Cup quarter-final disappointment to lay down early markers in this year’s championship.
Ireland’s campaign kicked off with an impressive victory over France, followed by a resounding 36-0 win against Italy, positioning them at the top of the Six Nations table. The quest for another Grand Slam is well and truly alive, with the Welsh side the next hurdle in their path.
Pundits have weighed in with their predictions, reflecting the uphill battle Wales faces. Josh Graham expects Ireland to secure a victory by 11 points, acknowledging the Welsh resilience but doubting their ability to thwart the Irish momentum. Eddie McAteer foresees a more comfortable win for Ireland by 18 points, citing the team’s formidable form and cohesiveness. Similarly, Alan Pearey predicts a 14-point margin, underlining the gulf in class between the two sides this year.
Ireland not only aims for consecutive Grand Slams but also has its sights set on an unprecedented Six Nations feat – amassing a maximum of 28 points through five bonus-point victories and additional points for a clean sweep. With 26 points achieved in their 2018 Grand Slam year and 27 points last year, the ambition for a perfect scoreline adds an extra layer of excitement to their campaign.
The match will be broadcast live on ITV 1 in the UK, allowing fans across the nation and beyond to partake in the action from the iconic Aviva Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 51,711 spectators.
Historical head-to-head results between the two teams highlight Ireland’s recent dominance, with victories in the last four Six Nations encounters, including a significant 34-10 win in Cardiff last year. Team news reveals a strong lineup for Ireland, featuring key players such as Ciaran Frawley, Robbie Henshaw, and Josh van der Flier. Wales, captained by Dafydd Jenkins, fields a mix of experience and youth, with George North and Aaron Wainwright among the notable names.
As the Six Nations progresses, this clash between Ireland and Wales is set to be more than just a game – it’s a testament to the resilience, talent, and aspirations of two proud rugby nations. With Grand Slam dreams and national pride at stake, Saturday promises to deliver a spectacle that rugby fans will not want to miss.
Kick-off time 2:15pm GMT – Saturday 24 February. Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Capacity: 51,711
Ireland v Wales head-to-head results
2023 Six Nations: Wales 10-34 Ireland
2022 Six Nations: Ireland 29-7 Wales
2021 Six Nations: Wales 21-16 Ireland
2020 Six Nations: Ireland 24-14 Wales
2019 Six Nations: Wales 25-7 Ireland
Ireland v Wales team news
IRELAND Ciaran Frawley; Calvin Nash, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony (capt), Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris. Replacements 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Oli Jager, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Jack Conan, 22 Conor Murray, 23 Stuart McCloskey.
WALES Cameron Winnett; Josh Adams, George North, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dyer; Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, Dafydd Jenkins (capt), Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright. Replacements 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Will Rowlands, 20 Mackenzie Martin, 21 Keiran Hardy, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Mason Grady.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
-
News4 days ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News4 days ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News4 days ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime5 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News3 days ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
Business5 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News5 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
News7 days ago
‘Honest’ caravan site owner ran site ‘under the radar’ for 20 years