Sport
Scarlets great Jonathan Davies awarded testimonial year
IT has been confirmed that Scarlets, Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies has been awarded a testimonial year.
‘Foxy’, as he is popularly known, has played 209 games in a Scarlets jersey over 16 seasons, making his debut for the club against Northampton Saints as an eighteen-year-old back in 2006.
From Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire, Jonathan played his junior club rugby for St Clears and Whitland before coming through the ranks of the Scarlets Academy and going on to become one of the leading centres in world rugby.
He twice toured with the Lions – to Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017), where he was named player of the series in the epic Test battle against the All Blacks. He has also played 96 Tests for Wales, featuring in two Grand Slam-winning sides, a further two championship wins, and two Rugby World Cups in New Zealand (2011) and Japan (2019). During his time playing for Wales, Jonathan also had the honour of captaining the national side on four occasions.
After a couple of years in France with Clermont Auvergne, he returned to his home club ahead of the 2016-17 campaign and was an integral member of the Scarlets side that lifted the Guinness PRO12 title in exhilarating fashion in Dublin that season.
He continues to be an influential figure and role model in the Scarlets squad at the age of 36.
“Never could I have imagined when I was a kid running out onto the field at Stradey Park after the final whistle, trying to get as many player autographs as I could, that I would be lucky enough to become a player myself and play for the Scarlets, let alone more than 200 times,” he said.
“I have made memories that I will never forget whilst wearing the famous Scarlets shirt. From beating London Irish at the Madjeski in Europe, where travelling support was immense, to my favourite moment, winning the league in 2016-17 alongside team-mates who were also friends.
“I am extremely grateful to the Scarlets for all their support over the years and for awarding me this testimonial year.”
The testimonial year runs from June 2024 to May 2025 and has events planned for Llanelli, Cardiff, London and Dubai. It will also be supporting Jonathan’s chosen charity LATCH, who provide support for children and their families who are being treated by the Oncology Unit at the Children’s Hospital of Wales.
Tim Griffiths, the chair of Jonathan’s testimonial committee, said: “I am proud and honoured to be chair of Jon’s testimonial committee. Jon has been a champion of our national game; one of the modern-day greats of Welsh rugby, who has achieved so much in the jersey of the Scarlets, Wales and the Lions.
“We are looking forward to celebrating all his achievements during an exciting testimonial calendar, while also raising money for the fantastic work of his chosen charity LATCH.”
Scarlets Executive Chairman Simon Muderack said: “We wish Jon all the best for his testimonial year. He is a player who has given much to the game, a proud West Walian who became one of the finest centres in world rugby.”
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney added: “Jonathan Davies has been one of Welsh rugby’s greatest servants. At the peak of his powers he was one of the best centres in the world game over a sustained period of time and he is still delighting fans at Parc y Scarlets on a regular basis.
“Certainly, during that successful Lions tour of Australia in 2013, everyone knew he was one of the first names on the team sheet for the Lions coaches and Warren Gatland has regularly, since, named him as one of the best players he has ever coached.
“Jonathan is a credit to his origins, to his family and to the schools and coaches of his youth, always paying them tribute and often back at the clubs and institutions who supported him as a youngster.
“He is a hugely impressive individual, humble about his achievements as one of the finest professional rugby players Wales has produced and he deserves all the accolades and credit that will follow him in his testimonial year with his beloved Scarlets.”
The JD13 first event, a dinner in the Quinnell Lounge at Parc y Scarlets, will also support the Phil Bennett Foundation and take place in June. Full information on that event will follow.
Sport
Haverfordwest secure bonus-point win over title-chasing Tumble
HAVERFORDWEST produced one of their standout performances of the season to claim a 34–22 bonus-point victory away to title-chasing Tumble on Saturday (Mar 21).
The Blues showed composure and attacking intent throughout, running in five tries against one of the division’s strongest sides to underline their credentials in the closing stages of the campaign.
Tumble, who began the day among the league leaders, were expected to provide a stern test on home soil, but Haverfordwest rose to the challenge with a clinical display in both attack and defence.
Iori Curtis was named man of the match following an influential performance, crossing for a try and playing a key role in the visitors’ attacking phases.
The try scorers for Haverfordwest were Karl Busch and Jack Evans, while Curtis added his name to the scoresheet. Scott Candler led the way with a brace, helping to secure the all-important bonus point.
Adam Phillips was reliable from the tee, converting three of the tries and adding a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The result marks a significant win for the Blues, not only for the points gained but for the manner in which it was achieved against high-quality opposition.
Club officials also praised the travelling supporters and player sponsors for their continued backing, which they say remains vital to the team’s success.
Sport
Cardigan edge thriller as Amman fight to the finish
Division 3 West: Amman United 26 – Cardigan 33
AMMAN UNITED remain in the bottom two of Division 3 West despite a spirited and entertaining performance against Cardigan at a sun-drenched Cwmamman Park.
The hosts made a bright start and took the lead after ten minutes. From a well-worked lineout move and a series of tight phases, number eight Alun Lewis powered over for the opening try.
However, Cardigan responded almost immediately. A turnover during an Amman attack allowed the visitors to counter, with winger Alun Jenkins sprinting nearly fifty yards to score. Full back Llyr Jones added the conversion.
The visitors extended their advantage following a dominant scrum, with quick ball moved wide for wing Iwan John to cross.
Amman hit back in a lively, free-flowing contest. A quickly taken tap penalty from Lee Evans released centre Gareth Drewson, who crashed over for a try, with Iestyn Griffiths converting.
Captain Rhydian Jones impressed with several trademark breaks, but Amman were hampered by struggles at both the lineout and scrum. It was from a five-metre scrum that Cardigan secured their third try.
The visitors claimed a bonus point just before half-time when outside half Jac Davies crossed for their fourth, again following a strong scrum, to give Cardigan a 26-12 lead at the break.
Amman began the second half strongly and reduced the deficit when Drewson collected his second try from broken play. Griffiths again added the extras.
Both sides were reduced to fourteen players following a scuffle, with Cian Lewis and Aaron Tomkinson shown yellow cards.
Craig Ratcliffe and Keelan Griffiths worked tirelessly for Amman, while substitute Owain Armishaw made a positive impact off the bench after Shaun Watkins was forced off injured. For Cardigan, Owen Fletcher, Luke Rogers and captain Marcus Castle stood out.
Further pressure from the visitors paid off when flanker Connor Owen crossed to extend the lead to 33-19.
Amman continued to push and were unfortunate not to score when Dylan Lloyds chased an up-and-under and appeared to have grounded the ball, only for play to be brought back due to an earlier injury.
The home side’s persistence was eventually rewarded when Lloyds crossed in the corner. Griffiths produced an excellent touchline conversion to secure a bonus point for Amman.
In a dramatic finish, Amman came close to snatching a draw, but Lloyds was held up over the line as he went for the corner, and the final whistle brought the contest to an end.
Youth reach final
Amman Youth also enjoyed success, progressing to the Welsh Youth Cup final after a tense 20-20 draw against Bargoed Youth at Briton Ferry. The young side advanced on try count and will now look forward to a trip to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in the coming weeks.
Business
Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged
A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.
In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.
A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.
“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.
“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.
“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”
It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.
“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.
“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”
The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.
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