Sport

Narberth’s Joe Allen open to return to international football

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2024

Narberth lad Joe Allen has made it clear that if Cymru manager Rob Page were to extend an invitation to return to the international scene for Euro 2024, he wouldn’t hesitate to accept. Turning 34 this week, Allen stepped away from his Cymru career 13 months ago. However, he’s now expressed his readiness to make himself available for potential Euro 2024 participation, although he’s realistic about the likelihood of a call from Page.

Cymru is gearing up to face Finland in a crucial Euro 2024 play-off semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium this Thursday. Should they emerge victorious, they’ll face either Poland or Estonia five days later, with the opportunity to secure a spot in this summer’s tournament in Germany.

Reflecting on a potential return, Allen remarked, “Of course, if he asked me, I would never decline.” However, he added, “But I’ve been acknowledging lately that I don’t foresee that call coming.” Allen praised the strength of the current Cymru squad, particularly lauding the younger players for their impressive performances. He believes they deserve the chance to showcase their abilities on the Euro stage if they secure qualification.

Allen played a pivotal role during Cymru’s golden era, notably featuring in their memorable Euro 2016 campaign where they reached the semi-finals. He also contributed to Cymru’s qualification for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, albeit facing injury setbacks during the latter tournament.

Despite encountering fitness challenges since returning to Swansea in 2022, Allen is currently enjoying a commendable run of form and fitness this season. Cymru, however, faces some midfield constraints, with players like Josh Sheehan, Charlie Savage, and Dylan Levitt stepping up to fill the gaps. Ethan Ampadu, although primarily a defender for Leeds United, might feature in midfield against Finland, while captain Aaron Ramsey recently made a comeback from injury.

Allen’s decision to retire from Cymru duty last year was influenced by a combination of time and injuries, signalling a passing of the torch to the next generation. Last August, Page emphasised his commitment to nurturing young talent, indicating no plans to persuade Allen to reconsider his retirement.

Sport

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup

Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)

AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.

Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.

Match results (Week 12):

Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
Badgers 2–8 St Johns
Reynalton 0–10 Carew
Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
St Twynnells – bye week

A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.

League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.

At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.

Full standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	8	0	2	+125	72
Reynaltón	11	5	2	4	+35	58
St Johns	10	5	1	4	+32	54
Hundleton	10	5	1	4	-2	54
Carew	9	5	0	4	-25	49
St Twynnells	10	4	2	4	-34	48
Kilgetty	11	5	0	6	-44	46
Badgers	11	3	1	7	-59	45
Lamphey	11	5	0	6	-10	44
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	-5	41
Cosheston	9	3	1	5	-13	40

If you’d like, I can also turn this into a shorter snippet for the website or expand with quotes, season context, or upcoming fixtures.

Sport

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

Published

18 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club has announced its latest Team of the Week, celebrating standout performers from across the junior age groups following another busy weekend of fixtures.

Players from the U7s through to the U16s Eagles have been highlighted for their work rate, teamwork and commitment on the pitch, with coaches praising the effort shown by all who took part.

The club said the selections recognise not only individual performances but the dedication shown by players at training and during matches throughout the season.

Parents and supporters were quick to share their congratulations online, with particular praise for U12s players George Bentley and Tom Wheeler, who impressed during their fixture.

Team of the Week – 14 December 2025

U7s: Ollie Bromham & Arthur Slee
U8s: Theo Headland & Lyla Phillips
U9s: Theo Canton & George Thornton
U10s: Rhys Davies
U10s Eagles: Frankie Campbell
U11s: Griff Jenkins & Ollie Edwards
U12s: George Bentley & Tom Wheeler
U12s Eagles: Cyra Ellis
U15s: Logan Keane
U16s Eagles: Laura Cichon

Coaches thanked players and families for their continued support as Haverfordwest RFC moves through the winter fixtures, saying the positivity around the club remains a key part of its success.