Sport

Goals galore and dramatic encounters in Pembrokeshire Division One

Published

3 months ago

August 28, 2024

Football fans across Pembrokeshire were treated to an exhilarating midweek round of Division One action, with a flurry of goals and nail-biting contests that showcased the high level of competition in this year’s league. The matches saw a mix of emphatic victories, hard-fought draws, and a clear statement of intent from teams looking to make their mark on the season.

Clarbeston Road 1-1 Kilgetty: Stalemate reflects balanced battle

The encounter between Clarbeston Road and Kilgetty ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that reflects the evenly matched nature of the game. Clarbeston Road, the current Senior Cup holders, came into the match with high expectations, but Kilgetty proved to be resilient opponents. Laurie Haworth put Clarbeston Road ahead with a well-taken goal, but their lead was short-lived as Jordan Gorman equalised for Kilgetty, ensuring that both teams left with a share of the spoils. Despite chances on both ends, neither side could find a decisive breakthrough, leaving the contest finely poised.

Goodwick United 5-1 St Ishmaels: Champions show their class

Reigning champions Goodwick United delivered a commanding performance, sweeping aside newly promoted St Ishmaels with a 5-1 victory. Goodwick’s attacking prowess was on full display, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each finding the net twice, while Sean Pemberton added a fifth to underline their dominance. St Ishmaels, affectionately known as Tish, managed to pull one back through Adam Kingsbeer, but it was little more than a consolation in a match that highlighted the stark difference in quality between the top flight and the second division. Tish, still finding their feet at this level, will need to regroup quickly if they are to avoid being overwhelmed in the matches to come.

Herbrandston 0-10 Hakin United: Vikings run riot

Hakin United sent shockwaves through the league with a resounding 10-0 demolition of local rivals Herbrandston. It was a day to forget for the Herbie as they were simply no match for a rampant Hakin side. Shane Walsh and Justin Harding both helped themselves to hat-tricks, with Walsh’s clinical finishing and Harding’s blistering pace proving too much for the Herbie defence. The onslaught didn’t stop there, as Kieran King, Ben Aldred, Jordan Kilby, and Ryan Wilson all got their names on the scoresheet, underlining Hakin United’s status as genuine title contenders this season. For newly promoted Herbrandston, the step up to Division One has been harsh, and they will need to find solutions quickly to avoid further humiliation.

Monkton Swifts 3-3 Merlins Bridge: Six-goal thriller ends in a draw

Monkton Swifts and Merlins Bridge played out one of the most entertaining matches of the night, with a thrilling 3-3 draw that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Will Davis opened the scoring for Monkton Swifts, while Paul Miller added a brace, giving the hosts a solid platform. However, Merlins Bridge, showing great tenacity, fought back with David Cromwell scoring twice and Liam Manwaring securing a crucial third goal. Both teams will feel they had chances to win the game, but ultimately, the match ended in a draw, a fair result given the ebb and flow of the contest. This match was a perfect example of the competitive nature of Pembrokeshire’s Division One, where no team can afford to rest on their laurels.

Pennar Robins 1-1 Tenby: Defences dominate in tight contest

Pennar Robins and Tenby could not be separated in a tightly contested 1-1 draw. Jamie Wilkes, returning to Pennar Robins, marked his comeback with a goal, but his effort was cancelled out by a penalty from Tenby’s Noe Leahy. Both teams showed solid defensive organisation, making it difficult for either side to find clear scoring opportunities. As the match progressed, it became apparent that one moment of brilliance or a mistake could tip the balance, but in the end, a draw was a fair reflection of a game where defences were on top.

Milford United 0-2 Carew: Carew secure valuable away victory

Carew continued their promising start to the season with a professional 2-0 victory away at Milford United. Sonny Phillips and Leon Davies were the heroes for Carew, each finding the back of the net in a match where the visitors’ defensive solidity was matched by their efficiency in front of goal. Milford United struggled to break down a well-drilled Carew side and were ultimately punished by two well-crafted goals. The result sees Carew maintain their momentum as they look to establish themselves as one of the teams to watch in this year’s title race.

Conclusion: A competitive season in prospect

With each round of matches, it becomes increasingly clear that this season’s Division One will be fiercely contested, with no team guaranteed an easy ride. Hakin United’s crushing victory over Herbrandston has set the early pace, but with strong performances from the likes of Goodwick United and Carew, as well as the competitive draws elsewhere, the race for the title and the battle to avoid relegation promise to provide plenty of drama in the weeks and months ahead. Pembrokeshire football fans are in for a treat as the season unfolds, with every match offering the potential for excitement and unexpected twists.

Sport

Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1: Match reports

Published

1 hour ago

November 19, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 3–0 Merlins Bridge
League leaders Goodwick United claimed a commanding 3–0 victory over Merlins Bridge at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village. Rhys Jones broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a spectacular 25-yard free kick. An own goal by Nick Squire early in the second half doubled the advantage, and Jones sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. The result keeps Goodwick four points clear at the top as they push to retain their title.

Carew 16–0 Herbrandston
Carew delivered a record-breaking performance, thrashing Herbrandston 16–0 at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. James Hinchliffe led the charge with six goals, supported by Shaun Whitfield’s rapid hat-trick. George Waters contributed four goals, Gareth Lewis added two, and Leon Davies completed the rout. The emphatic win lifted Carew out of the relegation zone, while Herbrandston remains firmly at the bottom of the table.

Clarbeston Road 5–2 St Ishmaels
Clarbeston Road cruised to a 5–2 victory over St Ishmaels at Knock Field. Ben John missed an early penalty for Clarbeston but redeemed himself by assisting Jake Wesley’s equaliser. Laurie Haworth and Dan Rees found the net, with Wesley adding a second to complete the scoring for Clarbeston. St Ishmaels’ captain Brennan Devonald netted twice, but his side dropped into the relegation zone.

Monkton Swifts 1–4 Hakin United
Hakin United strengthened their title challenge with a 4–1 win over Monkton Swifts. Dylan Davies put Monkton ahead early, but Hakin responded through Ryan Wilson and Mark Jones to take a 2–1 lead into halftime. Jay Kilby scored twice in the second half, sealing a vital away win for the Vikings.

Milford United 2–2 Pennar Robins
Milford United and Pennar Robins played out an entertaining 2–2 draw at Marble Hall. Liam Davies gave Milford the lead, but Jamie Wilkes equalised for Pennar. Dan James then put Pennar ahead, only for Leon Davies to bring Milford level again. Milford’s Sam Davies was sent off late, but neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.

Tenby 2–3 Kilgetty
Kilgetty staged a thrilling comeback to defeat derby rivals Tenby 3–2 at the Clicketts. Joe Leahy opened the scoring for Tenby, with Jordan Gorman quickly levelling for Kilgetty. Scott Ferney restored Tenby’s lead before halftime. However, Kilgetty turned the tide in the final ten minutes as Lloyd Hughes equalised, and captain Richard Cope struck the decisive winner to secure a dramatic victory.

Sport

Local rugby action: Thrills, wins, and tough battles across divisions

Published

2 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Herald Sport

Crymych 19 – Llanelli Wanderers 33
Llanelli Wanderers showcased their title aspirations with a decisive bonus-point victory over Crymych. Despite a spirited effort from the Preseli Men, who trailed 12-18 at halftime, they couldn’t capitalize on second-half opportunities.

Crymych’s hooker Lee Griffiths scored two tries in the first half, and a late penalty try offered some consolation. The Wanderers, under Sean Gale’s guidance, proved dominant with tries from Rhydian Morgan, Lewis Jones, Rhodri Owens, and Sam Icke. Jones contributed two conversions and three penalties, keeping the Wanderers in contention at the top of the table. Crymych remain in a relegation battle.

Division One (West)

Pontarddulais 17 – Tenby United 26
Tenby United maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard-earned seventh victory of the season, defeating a determined Pontarddulais side. Though missing a bonus point, the disciplined Seasiders secured a valuable win.

Lloyd Thomas played a pivotal role, kicking four penalties and converting tries by Gwion Jones and Rob Luly. Acting skipper Jones shone with an individual effort. Pontarddulais responded with tries from Ethan Miles, Lewis Edwards, and Iwan Evans. Tenby stay second in the league with a game in hand over leaders Aberystwyth.

Division Two (West)

Whitland 13 – Fishguard & Goodwick 10
A late Harry Fuller penalty sealed Whitland’s narrow victory in a fiercely contested clash with Fishguard and Goodwick. The Seagulls led 7-3 at halftime after Ben John’s converted try answered Johnny Thomas’s penalty.

Rhys Nicholas turned the game in Whitland’s favor with a crucial intercept try, converted by Thomas. Although Mark Jones briefly leveled the scores, Fuller’s decisive penalty secured Whitland’s fourth win of the season.

Carmarthen Athletic 23 – Milford Haven 10
Carmarthen Athletic overturned a halftime deficit to claim a solid home win over Milford Haven. The Mariners led 10-6 at the break, thanks to Robbie Jones’s converted try and a James Trueman penalty.

The Athletic surged back with 17 unanswered points, including tries from Gethin Phillips, Morgan Morse, and Deian Morgan. Zak Williams added the conversions and penalties to seal the victory. Milford missed out on a losing bonus point in their fourth defeat of the season.

Division Three (West)

Cefneithin 16 – Cardigan 29
Cardigan continued their strong form with a bonus-point win over Cefneithin. The Teifisiders led 15-6 at halftime, with Marcus Castle and Shaun Leonard crossing the try line. Leonard was instrumental, adding another try and three conversions.

John Lumb and Jack Taylor scored second-half tries as Cardigan capitalized on excellent possession. Cefneithin fought back with a try by Jonathan Morgan and three penalties from Carwyn Evans but fell short.

Division Four (West)

Llanybydder 17 – Neyland 43
Neyland dazzled with a six-try bonus-point victory over Llanybydder. Leading 24-5 at halftime, the All Blacks saw tries from Owain Evans, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer, and skipper Georghe Williams.

Young winger Josh Watts added two second-half tries. Llanybydder responded with tries from Jake Evans, Dan Davies, and Dan Jones, converted by Ethan Sion Mathias, but Neyland’s dominance was unshaken as they returned to the top of the table.

Teirw Crymych 17 – St Davids 17
Teirw Crymych and St Davids battled to a draw in a thrilling encounter. The Bulls dominated early, building a 14-0 lead with tries from George Plummer and Trystan Griffiths, both converted by Adam Phillips.

St Davids stormed back with tries by Will James and Tom Clarke, before George Raymond’s late try leveled the scores. The conversion went wide, leaving both teams to share the points.

Dreigiau Emlyn 14 – Narberth Athletic 3
Narberth Athletic’s unbeaten run ended at Ddol Wiber as Dreigiau Emlyn’s forward strength secured a gritty win. A single forward-driven try and three penalties proved enough for the Dragons.

Athletic struggled to convert pressure into points, their only score coming from a Shane Rossiter penalty. The Dragons celebrated their third victory of the season.

Llangwm 17 – Pembroke 22
In a heated Division Four West derby, Pembroke edged out Llangwm in the first leg of the Palmer Cup at Pill Parks. The Scarlets held firm against a late surge to secure the win.

Llangwm opened strongly, with James Morgan and Dan Richards scoring tries, both converted by Harry Makepeace. Pembroke’s forwards turned the tide, with Jamie Brayford (2), Robin Badham, and Josh Greenwood crossing the line. Despite Llangwm’s late efforts, Pembroke extended their winning streak to three matches.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Vikings triumph over Port Talbot panthers

Published

3 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE VIKINGS faced a tough challenge against the formidable Port Talbot Panthers at Milford Haven RFC on Sunday afternoon. In a fiercely contested battle, the Vikings emerged as worthy winners with a final score of 33-17.

The Vikings’ try scorers included Dave Roberts, Karl Bate, Shaun Treadwell, Richard Williams, and Jack Elliott. Callum Power added to the scoreboard with four successful conversions. Karl Bate’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

A special mention goes to Sean Phillips, who made a welcome return to the team. Phillips delivered a brilliant 30-metre line break, unselfishly passing the ball to Dave Roberts, who crossed under the posts. His contribution exemplified the team spirit that defines the Vikings.

Matches between the Vikings and the Panthers are always marked by fierce rivalry, but also by strong friendships forged on and off the field. The team eagerly anticipates the return fixture in 2025.

The Vikings also extended their gratitude to Barry from Pembrokeshire College, a loyal supporter of the team. Additionally, thanks were given to sponsors Austwel LTD, Hedley Asset Management, and The Pembrokeshire Herald for their ongoing support.

Next match: A historic showdown

This Saturday, the Pembrokeshire Vikings will travel to Llandaff RFC to make history in a match against Rygbi Senedd Cymru. The team looks forward to another thrilling encounter as they continue their successful season.