Sport
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1 Roundup
Goodwick United 7 – Monkton Swifts 2
GOODWICK UNITED extended their lead at the top of the table with a commanding 7-2 victory over Monkton Swifts. Rhys Dalling was the standout performer, netting four goals, including a stunning solo effort to complete his hat-trick. Goodwick led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Kieran Blundell and Rhys Jones. The second half saw an attacking masterclass as Jonny Horgan added two more before Dalling rounded off the scoring. Monkton Swifts managed a brilliant 25-yard strike from Connor Davies but were unable to contend with Goodwick’s relentless firepower.
Clarbeston Road 4 – Carew 4
A dramatic 4-4 draw unfolded as Carew snatched a stoppage-time equaliser at Clarbeston Road. Marcus Griffiths gave Carew an early lead, but Laurie Haworth and Ben John turned the game in favour of the hosts by half-time. Leon Davies’ brace put Carew back in front, but goals from Matthew Davies and a second from Haworth saw the Road edge ahead once more. Zac Rowell salvaged a crucial point for Carew in the dying seconds, lifting them out of the relegation zone in a pulsating encounter.
Hakin United 2 – St Ishmaels 0
Hakin United climbed to second in the standings with a solid 2-0 victory over St Ishmaels. The Vikings took control early, with Ryan Wilson opening the scoring with a spectacular long-range effort. Liam Parks doubled the lead with a close-range finish. Despite dominating the game, Hakin couldn’t extend their advantage further. The result pushed St Ishmaels into the relegation zone after a tough outing.
Pennar Robins 3 – Milford United 1
Pennar Robins overturned a first-half deficit to secure a 3-1 win against Milford United. Milford took the lead just before the break through Jack Dyer, despite Pennar dominating possession. Ben Adams equalised early in the second half, followed by a stunning finish from Cameron Brunton to put the hosts ahead. Luke Phillips sealed the victory with a late penalty. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy put in an impressive display, but his heroics couldn’t prevent the defeat.
Sport
Storm damage fund open for community clubs in Wales
SPORT WALES has launched a Storm Damage Fund to help community clubs recover from the recent storms. Following discussions with the Welsh Government, grants of up to £5,000 are now available to support not-for-profit clubs and organisations in Wales.
The fund covers recovery costs including repairs to facilities, clubhouses, equipment, flooring, infrastructure, and utilities. Clubs can also use the grants to replace white goods or pay for cleaning expenses. Grants range from £300 to £5,000.
Applications open at 9:00am on Tuesday, December 10, and will close at 4:00pm on Tuesday, December 17. With the short application window, clubs are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Sport Wales aims to process applications within four weeks, depending on demand.
Alan Jones, Sports Development Link Officer and Golf Development Officer, said: “I urge all partners to share this opportunity with eligible organisations and ensure applications are submitted promptly.”
For more details and to apply, clubs should visit the Sport Wales website.
Sport
Stunning start to the EPCR Challenge Cup 2024/25 season
THE OPENING weekend of the 2024/25 EPCR Challenge Cup delivered thrilling rugby action, with standout performances and record-breaking moments across the competition. Fans were treated to a feast of tries, dramatic plays, and individual brilliance as Europe’s elite club teams clashed in the first round.
Top performers steal the show
Several players etched their names into the headlines with eye-catching performances:
- Luke Matkava of Black Lion was a master off the tee, notching up an impressive 17 points, making him the weekend’s top scorer.
- Lucas Martin of Aviron Bayonnais led the charge with 22 carries, showcasing his relentless drive on the field.
- Nadir Megdoud, also from Aviron Bayonnais, dazzled defenders, beating 21 players—more than anyone else in Round 1.
- Jac Price of the Scarlets proved to be a defensive powerhouse, making a tournament-high 26 tackles.
Key stats and records
The opening round saw 49 tries scored and an impressive 384 points racked up across all matches. Among the key highlights:
- Connacht’s Chay Mullins delivered the only hattrick of the round, marking a dream debut.
- Antoine Aucagne of USAP scored the quickest try of the weekend, touching down just two minutes into their clash with the Toyota Cheetahs.
- Gloucester Rugby’s Seb Blake claimed the season’s first try in their match against Edinburgh Rugby, crossing the line at the 10-minute mark.
A weekend to remember
Jeandre Rudolph of Toyota Cheetahs showed versatility, making seven dominant carries, securing four turnovers, and scoring a try in a commanding display. Meanwhile, Scarlets’ duo Jac Price and Alex Craig led defensive efforts, with Price topping the tackles chart and Craig closely behind with 24.
The weekend opened with a nail-biting encounter between Dragons RFC and Montpellier Hérault Rugby, where Aurelian Barreau scored the tournament’s first points via an early penalty.
A promising start
The EPCR Challenge Cup continues to unite teams from the Gallagher Premiership, TOP14, and United Rugby Championship, offering a stage for unforgettable rugby moments. The Principality Stadium in Cardiff is set to host the finals weekend in May, promising an electric atmosphere for fans.
With such an explosive start, rugby enthusiasts can look forward to more drama and excitement as the tournament progresses. For detailed results, updated pools, and more, visit the EPCR Challenge Cup website.
Sport
Ospreys v Emirates Lions match relocated to Parc y Scarlets due to storm
THE HIGHLY anticipated Ospreys v Emirates Lions match in the EPCR Challenge Cup has been moved to Parc y Scarlets after Storm Darragh caused structural damage to the Swansea.com Stadium. The fixture, originally scheduled at the Swansea venue, will still take place on Sunday, December 8, with a 3:15pm kick-off.
Following extensive consultations with EPCR, alternative venues such as St Helen’s and the Dunraven Brewery Field were considered. However, Parc y Scarlets was chosen as the best option, ensuring both player safety and supporter welfare.
In a joint statement, Ospreys and EPCR expressed gratitude to the Scarlets for their swift cooperation in accommodating the match at short notice. “We are incredibly thankful for the Scarlets’ support during this unexpected situation,” the statement read.
The change of venue does not alter the match schedule, and arrangements for ticket and hospitality transfers are being finalised. Supporters are advised to await further updates regarding these details. The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports, SuperSport, and FloRugby.
An EPCR spokesperson added: “We appreciate the understanding of fans during this unforeseen change. We look forward to an exciting game at Parc y Scarlets.”
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