Sport
Seasiders cause cup shock
Tenby 1 9
CUP GAMES are notorious for the upsets they cause, and Saturday’s fixture between Whitland and Tenby was no exception.
Whitland returned to competing in the Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup due to their relegation from the SWALEC Championship into Division 1 West, and the Borderers fine history in the competition was not relived, as last year’s finalists Tenby United, sat second two leagues below them in Division 3 West, caused one of the biggest upsets in Pembrokeshire rugby in recent memory.
Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn had suffered due to the heavy rain fall, however commitment from the Whitland ground staff allowed the fixture to be played in front of a healthy crowd.
There was no shortage of drama during the 80 minutes of play, as Nico Setaro struck three first half penalties, two coming from yellow cards to Tenby players Chris James and Luke Hansford.
The Seasiders replied with a fantastic long distance try, as a blind side move allowed Luke Dedman to touch down under the posts, with Jonathan Rodgers adding the conversion. The score remained 9-7 at the half.
The second half started with a Setaro penalty, taking the home side five points clear. However, ill fortune would strike Whitland as influential second row Raff Williams was wrongfully red carded, with culprit of the crime passing unnoticed.
However, against 14 men, Tenby increased the tempo and drove up field, and their continued pressure would pay dividends as Whitland captain Marc Jones was yellow carded with ten minutes of play remaining. A scrum was called for by Tenby, and from five meters out, the Tenby pack made light work of the defiant six-man scrum that opposed them, as number 8 Pat Roberts touched down, with Rodgers adding the extras.
Leading by two points, with less than 10 minutes to play, the tide of the game could have easily changed when Whitland were rewarded with a penalty some 45 meters from the posts. Nico Setaro stepped up to attempt a long range penalty, which would fall short, striking the underside of the cross bar allowing Tenby to clear their lines with a long kick up-field.
Superb defence from the Tenby side continued as they vowed not to award another penalty in kicking distance. A turn over would allow Tenby to work their way up field and with a two-man overlap, Number 8 Roberts was able to crash over for his second try with the very last play of the game.
Sport
New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.
Division Four Cup Final
New Hedges Saundersfoot 7-1 St Ishmaels Reserves
The Division Four Cup Final between New Hedges Saundersfoot and St Ishmaels reserves took place at Monkton Swifts, witnessed by an eager crowd. The game, officiated by Sean O’Connor, with Gareth Elliot and Dean Driscoll as assistant referees, promised an intense battle for the coveted trophy.
From the onset, New Hedges Saundersfoot showcased their dominance. Owen, Miles, Davidson, and Marsh all getting on the score sheet leading to an impressive goal tally.
The Mice never gave up and battled well but they struggled to contain their opponent’s attacking quality. Thomas Williams managed the one and only goal for Tish.
The final score stood at an emphatic 7-1 in favor of New Hedges Saundersfoot, underlining their superiority throughout the match.
New Hedges Saundersfoot emerged as deserved victors, clinching the silverware and adding a significant achievement to their season. Their comprehensive victory in the cup final will undoubtedly be celebrated by players and fans alike. Despite falling short of promotion in their league campaign, this triumph will serve as a testament to their talent and resilience on the field.
In conclusion, the Division Four Cup Final witnessed a commendable display of skill and determination from both teams. Congratulations to New Hedges Saundersfoot for their outstanding performance and well-deserved victory in the final.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Sport
Promotion, relegation and everything in between.
As we come to the end of the 2023-2024 season it’s time to look at the winners and losers so to speak as most promotion and relegation battles are now all sewn up.
We begin at the very top where Goodwick United have blown away the first division to become deserved champions elect. At the opposite end of the table Fishguard Sports struggled all season and we comfortably relegated, going down with them are Neyland who’s relegation was confirmed a few weeks ago. Neither team were cut adrift and battled right until the end which is credit to both outfits, sometimes relegation can act as a spring broad and both clubs will be hoping this is the case.
Monkton Swifts reserves were the outstanding team in the second division and were a cut above the rest on their journey to becoming league champions on 56 points with an impressive plus 61 goal difference. As Monkton can’t be promoted due to their first team being in the first division it allowed both Herbrandston and St Ishmaels to be promoted. Herbrandston finished in third on 40 points, whilst the Mice just beat them to second place ending up on 42 points. Both clubs will now use the summer to prepare for the step up that awaits.
At the opposite end of the division, Cosheston never really got going and after their points deduction ended on a lowly 6 points which is never going to be enough to avoid relegation. The second relegation place was much closer with St Clears, Carew reserves and Broad Haven all being in a dog fight for the majority of the season. Broad Haven showed good fight and character which steered them clear of trouble while Carew found form at a key time, which means St Clears will play their football in the third division next season.
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