Irish interim also in contention for permanent Wales role

MICHAEL CHEIKA has emerged as the 3/1 favourite with BoyleSports to succeed Warren Gatland as the permanent Head Coach of the Wales Rugby Union team as the latest odds were revealed on potential candidates.

It was announced on Tuesday that Gatland was leaving his position in the wake of Wales’ challenging start to the Six Nations, which has extended their record-breaking losing streak to 14 international matches.

The 22-15 defeat to Italy in Rome last Saturday marked their first loss in the Italian capital since 2007 and left them facing the prospect of their second successive wooden spoon as they lie rooted to the bottom of the Six Nations table.

Cheika, who has previously coached Australia and Argentina at international level, is stepping down from his role as Head Coach at the Leicester Tigers at the end of the season, with the Midlands side currently sitting fourth in the Premiership table.

Matt Sherratt, who was appointed by the WRU to see out the Six Nations campaign, is only 4/1 third favourite to stay on after the tournament and take the job on a permanent basis, and trails Cheika and Ireland’s interim Head Coach Simon Easterby in the early betting.

Easterby is due to return to the Irish backroom team when Andy Farrell completes his Lions coaching duties and will lead the Six Nations favourites when they attempt to keep their Grand Slam prospects on track with a trip to Cardiff next weekend.

But the former flanker is now second favourite at 3/1 for the Wales hotseat and is believed to be a long-term target for the WRU along with Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith, who is also prominent in the list of potential appointments at 4/1.

Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “Michael Cheika is prominent in the scrum and punters are clearly well aware of his impending availability. But the prospect of Wales raiding a Six Nations rival remains a very possible outcome according to the latest odds, with Ireland’s Simon Easterby thought to be high on the list of permanent targets.”

Next Permanent Head Coach of Wales

3/1         Michael Cheika

7/2         Simon Easterby

4/1         Matt Sherratt

9/2         Franco Smith

8/1         Stuart Lancaster

9/1         Brad Mooar

10/1       Graham Rowntree

10/1       Steve Tandy

12/1       Frans Ludeke

12/1       Vern Cotter

12/1       Dai Young

16/1       Jonathan Humphreys

16/1       Dwayne Peel

16/1       Rob Howley

16/1       Shaun Edwards

20/1       Joe Schmidt

20/1       Adam Jones

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE Short Mat Bowls Association – Week 16 Results

THE LATEST round of matches in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s ‘Friendly League’ saw East Williamston extend their lead at the top with a commanding 10-0 victory over St Twynnells.

Elsewhere, Llanteg edged a tight contest against Badgers 6-4, St Johns secured an 8-2 win over Kilgetty, and Cosheston overcame Carew 7-3. The scheduled match between Reynalton and Lamphey was postponed, while Hundleton had a bye.

A catch-up fixture was also played, with Badgers defeating Llanteg 8-2.

League standings after Week 16:

With just a few rounds remaining, East Williamston look poised to secure the league title, while St Johns and Carew remain in contention for the runner-up spot.

– Steve Cox, League Fixtures Secretary

IN ANOTHER defeat for Herbrandston, Merlins Bridge completely dominated the game, and ball time. 

Kick-off was at 2:30pm at the Pembrokeshire Sport Village, on a 4G ground facility. 

Within 10 minutes, J. Thomas scored the first goal for Merlins Bridge. At 22 minutes, Merlins Bridge were 3 goals up. 

The first, and only, goal for Herbrandston was at 25 minutes into the game by M. Jones. 

Another 4 goals were scored after this by Merlins Bridge: J. Thomas, D. Davies, J. Griffiths, N. Evans. 

In a turn of events, a yellow card was served to O. Robinson of Herbranston for a bad tackle. 

The damage had been done by this yellow card, as the game only got increasingly worse for Herbrandston. In a continued thrashing, 4 more goals were scored by Merlins Bridge by T. G Williams, J. Griffiths, J. Thomas x2. 

Next weekend (Sat 15), Merlins Bridge are back against Pennar Robins: currently sitting at 24 (Pennar) and 20 (Merlins) on the League table- it should be a tense match. 

Merlins Bridge Line-Up:

D. Pearce, A. Plunkett, L. Hudgell, J. Thomas, F. Nash, D. Davies, J. Thomas, N. Evans, J. Griffiths, H. Dimond, T. G Williams.

Subs: M. D’Ivry, M. Preddy, P. Thomas.

Herbrandston Line-Up:

M. Mcluckie, T. Richardston, O. Robinson, D. John, E. Chalker, S. Findlay, S. Gilepsie, M. Jones, A. Whatling, C. Owens, A. Maccallum.

Subs: C. Hughes, A. Hughes, C. Davenport.