Sport

Tenby triumphs in thrilling Division 1 opener against St Ishmael’s

Published

5 months ago

August 21, 2024

ON Tuesday night, the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League Division 1 commenced with a highly anticipated clash between recently promoted St Ishmael’s (Tish) and last season’s high flyers, Tenby United. The picturesque coastal village provided a stunning backdrop for what proved to be an engaging and closely contested encounter.

St Ishmael’s, despite being new to Division 1, have assembled a promising young squad. They are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead this season, but their determination and strong club spirit have put them in a strong position. Tenby United, on the other hand, are coming off an impressive season and, despite the heartbreaking loss of Adam Muskett during pre-season, are focused on honouring his memory with another successful campaign.

Before kick-off, a minute’s silence, led by referee Martin Jones, was impeccably observed in memory of Adam, setting a respectful tone for the evening. Once the match got underway, Tenby showed their quality from the start. The Mansbridge brothers, Daryl and Jerome, were in fine form, while new signing Joe Leahy played a deeper role, orchestrating the play with great effectiveness.

St Ishmael’s, however, were resolute across the park, demonstrating that they were not just here to make up the numbers. Despite Tenby’s early dominance, it was the home side that broke the deadlock. Captain Brennan Devonald showcased his composure with a superb one-touch finish from a long ball, giving Tish an early and somewhat unexpected lead.

Tenby remained unfazed, continuing to press forward with their fluid style of play. Joe Leahy continued to pull the strings, with Fraser Finlay also standing out for the visitors. It was Finlay who found the equaliser just before half-time, capitalising on a long free kick that slipped through the Tish goalkeeper’s grasp. The teams went into the break on level terms, with Tenby perhaps feeling fortunate to have drawn level.

The second half saw a spirited contest, with both teams earning plaudits. Tenby persisted with their attacking approach, committed to playing attractive football, while St Ishmael’s battled tenaciously, always posing a threat through the impressive Ieuan Hawkins.

As the clock ticked down, Tenby’s persistence paid off. In the 81st minute, Scott Ferney demonstrated his class with a clever piece of play, finishing clinically to give the visitors the lead. The final ten minutes, plus injury time, saw St Ishmael’s throw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Despite their valiant efforts, Tenby held firm to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

This was an excellent match played in ideal conditions, with both teams and the referee deserving great credit. If this opening game is anything to go by, both St Ishmael’s and Tenby United can look forward to successful seasons ahead, with the spirit of competition and sportsmanship very much alive in Pembrokeshire football.

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