Sport

Tenby United take control with dominant victory over Aberystwyth

Published

1 year ago

January 27, 2025

Tenby United 41 – Aberystwyth 12

IN ONE of the weekend’s standout performances, Tenby United delivered a commanding 41-12 victory over Aberystwyth at home. The Pembrokeshire side demonstrated a winning combination of power, discipline, and flair that left their opponents unable to keep pace.

From the opening whistle, Tenby set the tone with an aggressive and physical approach. Playing with the wind in the first half, they quickly gained territory, as their forwards drove relentlessly into Aberystwyth’s half. Within the first 15 minutes, they had already crossed the line twice.

The opening try came from lock Alun Davies, who powered over after a series of hard carries by the pack. Moments later, winger Rhys Thomas displayed blistering pace to finish a scintillating counter-attack sparked by a turnover deep in Tenby territory. Fly-half James Warburton was on target with both conversions, giving the home side an early 14-0 lead.

Aberystwyth responded with a well-worked try from centre Gareth Hughes, who exploited a gap in Tenby’s defense to touch down. However, any hope of a comeback was short-lived. Just before halftime, scrum-half Morgan Lewis darted through a fatigued Aberystwyth defense after a quick tap penalty, securing another try for the hosts.

At halftime, Tenby held a commanding 24-5 lead, leaving little doubt about the eventual outcome.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Tenby’s forwards continuing to dominate. Their powerful scrums and well-executed mauls wore down Aberystwyth’s defenses, and the relentless pressure soon led to more points. Prop Jake Thomas added another try, barging over from a five-meter lineout to extend Tenby’s advantage to 31-5.

Aberystwyth managed a second try midway through the half when winger Ben Williams capitalized on a loose ball to race over. But it was merely a consolation effort, as Tenby had already sealed the game.

The final try of the match came from fullback Sam Jones, who weaved through Aberystwyth’s tired defense to score under the posts. Warburton capped off his flawless kicking performance by converting all five tries, bringing the final score to 41-12.

Tenby’s victory was a complete team effort. The forwards dominated the set piece, laying a strong platform for the backs to shine. Warburton’s tactical kicking was impeccable, and his perfect conversion rate added to the hosts’ clinical display. Winger Rhys Thomas was a constant threat with his pace and footwork, creating opportunities throughout the game.

Aberystwyth showed flashes of individual brilliance but struggled to match Tenby’s intensity and physicality. To bounce back, they will need to address issues with discipline and decision-making in the weeks ahead.

Scorers
Tries: Tenby United – Alun Davies, Rhys Thomas, Morgan Lewis, Jake Thomas, Sam Jones
Conversions: James Warburton (5)
Tries: Aberystwyth – Gareth Hughes, Ben Williams
Conversion: Steve Jenkins

Tenby’s emphatic win keeps them in the hunt for promotion, while Aberystwyth will need to regroup and tighten their game as they move forward.

Cover image: Tenby United/Facebook

Sport

Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.

Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.

Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.

Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.

County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.

Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.

Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

2 days ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.

Sport

Joe Allen to leave Swansea coaching role after final game

Published

3 days ago

May 5, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH’S Joe Allen left his role on Swansea City’s coaching staff after Saturday’s final game of the season against Charlton Athletic.

The Pembrokeshire-born former Wales midfielder, 36, returned to the Swans’ backroom team in November alongside fellow club favourite Leon Britton to support head coach Vitor Matos.

The move was always expected to be short-term, with Allen stepping in after Matos was initially unable to bring in some of his staff from previous club Maritimo due to work permit issues.

Allen, who came through Swansea’s academy, retired as a player last May after his second spell with the club.

He first made his name at Swansea, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 before moving to Liverpool. He later spent six years with Stoke City before returning to the Swans in 2022.

Allen also won 77 caps for Wales and was a key figure in the national side’s most successful modern era, including the run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His departure from Swansea’s coaching set-up will come alongside that of head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson, who is also leaving this summer.

For Pembrokeshire football fans, Allen remains one of the county’s most successful sporting exports, having gone from Narberth to the Premier League, Anfield, and the Wales midfield.