Sport

Crunch time in local Cup Competitions

Published

11 months ago

February 29, 2024

Recently we have lost so much local sport due to weather making pitches unplayable. This weekend however looks more promising and there are some huge cup ties due to take place. We’ve previewed the West Wales Cup and Senior Cup, with the second division cup preview to follow.

The West Wales Cup fifth round sees four Pembrokeshire based teams in action, with one all Pembs tie as Merlins Bridge host Kilgetty. Meanwhile Goodwick United travel to Seaside and Milford United host Penlan.

West Wales Cup Ties –

Seaside vs Goodwick United

Goodwick United are a team nobody wants to face in any competition in current form. However Seaside will be very confident themselves, they sit top of their division and are a massive sixteen points clear of second place. Last time out in this competition they beat Carew 2-1, and haven’t lost a game since October. A real test for Chris O’Sullivans men this one when they travel to Llanelli, I’m sure they’ll have plenty of support on the supporters bus too.

Milford United vs Penlan

Steve Parks and his men have been looking forward to this fixture since it was drawn, they are in excellent form this year and this will be a great match up. Penlan themselves are a strong outfit and beat Evans and Williams last time out in the competition. A mouthwatering match up down at Marble Hall which I’m sure will draw plenty of local support.

Merlins Bridge vs Kilgetty

The league table would suggest the Wizards are the stronger of the two Pembrokeshire teams in this tie. However Kilgetty have a lot of games in hand over the majority of the league and their league position is somewhat misleading. A team with plenty of quality and the hosts will have to be on top form to ensure the visitors don’t upset the party here.

Pembrokeshire Senior Cup Ties

Fishguard Sports vs Clarbeston Road

The hosts are not enjoying much success in their league campaign so far this season. The visitors are on the opposite end of the scale and have impressed in the league this year. Matthew Fox’ team have shown they have the quality to go all the way in this competition and he’ll be hoping for a good performance.

Haverfordwest Cricket Club vs Carew

Third division Haverfordwest Cricket Club are more than a potential banana skin for Carew. The visitors naturally will be confident going into this one however the hosts have plenty of experienced and quality players in their ranks and will be no push overs.

Pennar Robins vs Tenby

Two first division teams who have had two close games already this season. Last time out it was a 2-2 draw and before that Tenby won a close game 2-1. Another close game is to be expected and both teams will be quietly confident of progressing to the latter stages of this competition.

Sport

Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

4 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