Sport

Haverfordwest County clinch dramatic victory over Caernarfon Town

Published

6 months ago

August 18, 2024

IN a dramatic clash at the Carling Oval on Saturday evening, Haverfordwest County AFC continued their flawless start to the JD Cymru Premier season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Caernarfon Town. Owain Jones emerged as the match-winner, netting a stoppage-time goal that sparked wild celebrations among the travelling Bluebirds supporters.

The match, broadcast live on Sgorio, saw both teams locked in a tense battle, with few clear-cut chances in the first half. Haverfordwest’s best opportunity came when Kyle McCarthy’s pinpoint free-kick found Ben Ahmun, whose header narrowly missed the target.

"To come away with six points is fantastic"

Ymateb: Tony Pennock, @HaverfordwestFC 🎙️

Hwlffordd yn curo'r Cofis ar yr Oval ac yn camu i frig y Cymru Premier 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/yWQiUoBGjA
— Sgorio ⚽️ (@sgorio) August 17, 2024

After a goalless first half, the game burst into life in the final 20 minutes. The Bluebirds broke the deadlock with a well-crafted goal. A long ball upfield was expertly controlled by Ben Fawcett, who laid it off to Iori Humphries. Humphries then delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Corey Shephard, who squared it to an unmarked Ahmun, allowing him to slot home from close range, giving Haverfordwest a 1-0 lead.

However, the joy was short-lived as Caernarfon Town responded almost immediately. A ball into the area fell to Matty Jones, who controlled it before firing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1 and setting up a nerve-wracking finale.

With momentum on their side, the hosts pressed for a winner, but Haverfordwest’s defense, marshaled by the experienced McCarthy, stood firm. As the game entered stoppage time, it seemed destined to end in a draw. But Haverfordwest had other plans.

In the dying moments, Ben Ahmun broke into the left side of the area and, with precision timing, delivered a cross to Owain Jones. Jones, showing great composure, directed his left-footed shot into the net, securing his first league goal for the club and sealing a memorable 2-1 victory.

The result lifts Haverfordwest County to the top of the JD Cymru Premier standings, the only team to win both of their opening matches. Manager Tony Pennock, who made one change to the side that defeated Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-0 in their season opener, praised his team’s resilience and fitness, highlighting their ability to perform until the final whistle.

“This team has shown incredible spirit and determination,” Pennock remarked after the match. “To come to a place like Caernarfon and get a result like this, especially in such dramatic fashion, speaks volumes about the character in this squad.”

The Bluebirds will now turn their attention to their next fixture, eager to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of success in the JD Cymru Premier. For the passionate Haverfordwest supporters, the journey back to Pembrokeshire was filled with jubilation, as they celebrated another step forward in what promises to be an exciting campaign.

WATCH THE MATCH HERE

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