Sport

Tenby United take control with dominant victory over Aberystwyth

Published

3 days 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

Wales team announced for Six Nations opener against France

Published

10 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Adams, Williams, and Jenkins return

WALES head coach Warren Gatland has named his team for the opening match of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations against France at the Stade de France, Paris, on Friday (Jan 31). The game kicks off at 8:15pm GMT and will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.

Josh Adams, Liam Williams, and Dafydd Jenkins return to the starting XV, with Adams on the wing, Williams at fullback, and Jenkins in the second row.

Jac Morgan leads the side

Captain Jac Morgan starts at openside flanker, joining James Botham at blindside and Aaron Wainwright at No. 8 in the back row. Will Rowlands partners Jenkins in the second row.

In the front row, Evan Lloyd earns his first Test start at hooker, while Henry Thomas is named at tighthead prop for his first start and his first Wales appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead.

Ben Thomas makes Six Nations debut

Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, with Ben Thomas making his Six Nations debut at fly-half. Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins form the midfield pairing, while Tom Rogers is named on the wing alongside Adams.

Among the replacements, Nicky Smith is set to win his 50th cap, while fly-half Dan Edwards could make his senior Wales debut. Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray are in line for their first Six Nations appearances, having made their senior international debuts in the Autumn Nations Series.

The front-row replacements include Elliot Dee, Keiron Assiratti, and Smith. Tommy Reffell covers the back row, and Rhodri Williams provides scrum-half cover.

Gatland said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that, and start our championship well.”

Wales team to face France

Starting XV:
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) – 92 caps
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets) – 5 caps
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens) – 38 caps
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) – 42 caps
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby) – 59 caps
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby) – 7 caps
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby) – 59 caps
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys) – 35 caps
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby) – 5 caps
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets) – 4 caps
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92) – 36 caps
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs) – 19 caps
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby) – 16 caps
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys) – 18 caps (captain)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) – 52 caps

Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) – 51 caps
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers) – 49 caps
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby) – 10 caps
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby) – 1 cap
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers) – 23 caps
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons) – 5 caps
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys) – uncapped
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets) – 3 caps

This version is more structured, concise, and in line with a professional sports news style. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!

News

Fun free sport sessions for kids in Fishguard

Published

13 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

YOUNGSTERS can discover new sports to love at a free multi-sports session starting next week.

The sessions for children aged 5-8 will be held every Monday in term time between 4.15pm-5pm at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

The first session is this Monday, February 3rd.

Delivered by Sport Pembrokeshire Active Young People officers and assisted by

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, the event is an opportunity to try fun activities, new sports and develop fundamental movement skills.

All are welcome to come along.

Contact [email protected] for more information or to register your child.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association: Week 14 Results

Published

3 days ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association, also known as “The Friendly League,” has released the results for Week 14 of the competition.

Match Results

Hundleton 8 v Badgers 2
Llanteg 2 v St Johns 8
Reynalton 8 v St Twynnells 2
East Williamston 8 v Carew 2

The match between Cosheston and Kilgetty was postponed, while Lamphey had the bye.

League Table (Week 14)

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	12	11	0	1	167	92
Carew	12	8	1	3	111	79
Reynalton	12	8	0	4	48	70
Hundleton	13	7	0	6	61	68
St Johns	11	8	0	3	76	66
Cosheston	11	6	0	5	33	54
Llanteg	11	3	1	7	-29	51
St Twynnells	13	3	1	9	-125	48
Badgers	11	3	1	7	6	45
Kilgetty	11	3	0	8	-129	40
Lamphey	11	2	0	9	-142	29