Sport
Vikings battle Llandaff: A close encounter against the Cardiff Chiefs
THE Pembrokeshire Vikings travelled to Llandaff RFC on Sunday, 13th October, for a tough contest against the Cardiff Chiefs. In what turned out to be a fiercely competitive game, the Chiefs gained an early advantage with two quick scores. However, the Vikings were undeterred and mounted an impressive comeback.
Callum Power led the charge, crossing the try line and converting his own effort, bringing the Vikings back into contention. Ross Price added to the tally with a sensational 50-yard sprint, securing a well-earned try and boosting team morale.
Several standout performances contributed to the Vikings’ resilient display. Jack Colley, Nathan Jones, Sean McKenzie, John-Joe McDonagh, John Ellis, Youssef El Tawab, and James Tyler all put in solid shifts throughout the match. Notably, Richard Williams made his rugby debut and earned his first start, a significant milestone in his sporting career.
Though the result didn’t fall in their favour, the team left the field with heads held high, having put in a commendable effort. It was a day to remember for the players and supporters alike, showcasing the fighting spirit of the Pembrokeshire Vikings.
(Photos: Mira Angielczyk)
Charity
Local MS joins Haverfordwest County for Prostate United Challenge walk
SENEDD Member, Paul Davies, has taken part in Haverfordwest County AFC’s walk for the Prostate United Challenge.
Mr Davies, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, walked just over 3km with first team player and Haverfordwest County Academy Technical Lead, Dan Hawkins and they talked about importance of the Prostate United Challenge.
The Prostate United Challenge encourages football clubs and fans to walk, run or cycle every day in October in an effort to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
Mr Davies said: “I’m grateful to Haverfordwest County for inviting me to join the Prostate United Challenge walk. It’s a cause that’s close to my heart and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take part.
“1 in 8 men get prostate cancer and I’m one of them. Initiatives like the Prostate United Challenge are a great way of showing support for those living with prostate cancer and help raise much-needed funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
“It was also great to see the progress being made on the 3G pitch, which is currently being constructed and I look forward to home games returning to the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium soon.”
Sport
Football: Pembrokeshire Division Two roundup
THE second division of Pembrokeshire football continues to deliver thrilling contests as the race for promotion heats up. Camrose remain in pole position, while Broad Haven and Lawrenny face a looming relegation battle.
Camrose 6-0 Carew Reserves
Camrose produced a commanding 6-0 victory over Carew Reserves, extending their lead at the top of the table. Scott Chalmers was the star of the show with a hat-trick, while Joe Haworth, Martyn Tweedie, and Jordan Raymond also got on the scoresheet. This emphatic win cements Camrose’s place as title favourites.
Fishguard Sports 11-0 Broad Haven
Fishguard Sports ruthlessly dismantled Broad Haven, romping to an 11-0 victory. Adam Lawrence, Stephen Lewis, and Luke Thomas all scored hat-tricks, while Patrick Hughes and Matthew Lewis rounded off the scoring. The result dramatically boosted Fishguard’s goal difference and kept them just a point behind the league leaders.
Hakin United Reserves 0-2 Johnston
Johnston secured a crucial 2-0 away win against Hakin United Reserves, with both goals coming from Josh Knapp. In a tightly contested match, Johnston’s clinical finishing proved the difference as they moved up the table, while Hakin United Reserves missed the opportunity to break into the top three.
Lawrenny 4-4 Monkton Swifts Reserves
In one of the most entertaining fixtures of the weekend, Lawrenny and Monkton Swifts Reserves played out an exciting 4-4 draw. Lawrenny’s Thomas Cole, Ben Morrison, and Charlie Arthur found the net, but Monkton Swifts matched them with goals from Rudy Poole, Thys Sture, and Jason Finnegan, ensuring both sides walked away with a point.
Narberth 1-0 Merlins Bridge II
Narberth edged out Merlins Bridge II in a closely fought match, securing a 1-0 win courtesy of Conor Bowen’s decisive goal. This narrow victory keeps Narberth in contention at the top, tied on points with Fishguard Sports.
Neyland 4-4 Solva
Neyland and Solva played out a pulsating 4-4 draw, with both sides showing attacking flair. Ben Gale, Dylan James, and Jay Johnstone netted for Neyland, while Danny Thomas, Harry Elliott, and Morgan Elliott helped Solva battle back to earn a share of the spoils.
League Table Update
Camrose lead the table with 19 points from eight matches, having won six of them. Hot on their heels are Fishguard Sports, just a point behind on 18, with their goal difference boosted significantly by their 11-0 demolition of Broad Haven. Narberth and Neyland both remain in the hunt for promotion, level on 17 points, although Neyland have a game in hand.
At the bottom of the table, Broad Haven and Carew Reserves are still winless, with Broad Haven’s worrying -28 goal difference making their path to survival look increasingly difficult.
Sport
Local rugby results roundup
Premiership Division: Pontypridd 52 – Narberth 23
Narberth led 18-12 late in the first half, but Pontypridd struck back just before the break, trailing by only one point at halftime. In the second half, Pontypridd dominated, racking up 24 unanswered points. Although Lewys Gibby added a late try for Narberth, further tries from Pontypridd secured a convincing victory. Pontypridd remains second in the league, while Narberth continues to search for their first win of the season.
Championship Division: Crymych 29 – Gowerton 32
Crymych mounted a spirited second-half comeback, levelling the match late on. However, a missed conversion kept the scores tied, and a last-minute penalty from Gowerton’s Ben James clinched the win for the visitors.
Division Two (West): Loughor 17 – Fishguard & Goodwick 18
Fishguard & Goodwick extended their unbeaten run with a narrow one-point victory over Loughor. Despite a strong challenge from the home side, Fishguard’s defence held firm in the closing stages, securing a crucial win.
Division Two (West): Carmarthen Athletic 38 – Whitland 10
Carmarthen Athletic outclassed Whitland with Zac Williams leading the charge, contributing 28 points through tries, conversions, and penalties. Whitland managed a single try in response, as Athletic cemented their position in third place in the league.
Division Three (West): Cefneithin 17 – Haverfordwest 17
A dramatic last-minute try saw Haverfordwest snatch a draw, though they missed a conversion that could have sealed the win. Cefneithin were reduced to 13 men after two red cards late in the game.
Division Four (West) A: Narberth Athletic 29 – Pembroke 17
Narberth Athletic recorded their third consecutive win, overcoming Pembroke with a solid attacking display and disciplined play. Pembroke, meanwhile, are still seeking their first victory of the season.
Concerns over player shortages
In a concerning trend for local rugby, two matches were postponed once again due to teams being unable to field enough players. Milford Haven and St David’s, both struggling with availability, were forced to cancel their fixtures, raising ongoing worries about participation levels in the region.
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