Sport

Joe Lennon Cup Final: The Vikings’ decisive victory

Published

6 months ago

August 11, 2024

MARBLE HALL was the scene of anticipation and excitement as over 200 fans gathered to witness the Joe Lennon Tournament final between Milford Utd and Hakin Utd. Both teams had sailed through their semi-final matches, setting the stage for what many expected to be a closely-fought contest. Playing on home turf, Milford Utd entered the match with a slight edge, with some tipping them to retain their title.

However, from the first whistle, it was evident that Hakin Utd had a different script in mind. Led by the returning club legend Scott Davies, Hakin took control of the match with an aggressive, high-tempo strategy that left Milford scrambling. Davies’ game plan was clear: overwhelm the opposition early and establish dominance. The execution was nothing short of spectacular. Alfie Stottor, later named Man of the Match, delivered a stunning 8-minute hat trick between the 12th and 20th minutes, effectively ending Milford’s hopes before they could even settle into the game.

Despite the early setback, Milford Utd showed resilience. They managed to create several chances, with Liam Parks’ blistering pace and Scott Reid’s creativity offering glimmers of hope. However, Hakin’s relentless pressure remained unyielding, and they added a fourth goal just before halftime, leaving Milford with a daunting 4-0 deficit at the break.

Refusing to go down without a fight, Milford Utd’s coach, Steve Parks, made several substitutions early in the second half, which momentarily stemmed the tide of Hakin’s attacks. Milford managed to hold their ground for a significant portion of the half, showing renewed energy and determination. Yet, Hakin’s class shone through once more as Shame Walsh netted a fifth goal, sealing the result beyond doubt. Milford’s persistence finally bore fruit late in the game when Liam Parks scored a consolation goal, bringing the final score to Milford Utd 1-5 Hakin Utd.

The match, while fiercely contested, was played in an admirable spirit, serving as a fitting tribute to the late Joe Lennon. In the post-match ceremony, match official Marty Jones was rightfully commended for his exemplary officiating throughout the tournament. Special thanks were extended to Jonny Bap and all those who contributed to organizing such a successful event. Alfie Stottor’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award, and Hakin Utd captain Jay Power had the honor of lifting the trophy, which will now be proudly displayed at The Obs for another year.

The Joe Lennon Tournament once again provided a fantastic spectacle, with everyone involved deserving credit for making it a memorable occasion.

(Cover photo: Hakin Utd)

Sport

Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France

Published

22 hours 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

1 day 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

3 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