Sport

Rugby Round-up: Division 3 & 4

Published

1 year ago

January 27, 2025

‘Disappointing’ Blues are lacking in confidence
Haverfordwest 19 – Llandeilo 21

Haverfordwest’s struggles continued in a narrow 21-19 defeat to Llandeilo on home turf. The Blues lacked confidence, with handling errors and poor decisions proving costly. Llandeilo capitalized early, but Haverfordwest clawed back to lead 11-9 at halftime, thanks to three penalties from Jack Codd and a late try.

However, the Blues failed to maintain their momentum in the second half. Despite a late surge, which included a try by Guy Barrons, they fell just short, leaving them to reflect on missed opportunities against a beatable opponent.

Tries: Haverfordwest – Guy Barrons, Scott Candler; Llandeilo – Osian Rees, Toby Ricketts
Penalties: Haverfordwest – Jack Codd (3); Llandeilo – Steff Roberts (3)
Conversion: Llandeilo – Steff Griffiths

Cardigan suffer defeat at the hands of skillful Llangadog
Cardigan 19 – Llangadog 24

After their WRU Division Three Cup success, Cardigan suffered a 24-19 defeat to Llangadog. Cardigan started strongly but conceded several tries to trail 14-7 at halftime.

Llangadog’s Shaun Leonard kept them in contention with four penalties, but defensive lapses allowed the visitors to pull ahead with two late tries. Despite Leonard’s efforts, including a well-taken conversion, Cardigan couldn’t overturn the deficit.

Tries: Cardigan – Ben Hughes; Llangadog – Tom Brady, Steffan Thomas, Iestyn Williams
Conversion: Cardigan – Shaun Leonard; Llangadog – Ceri Williams (3)
Penalties: Cardigan – Shaun Leonard (4)

Match abandoned after referee dispute
Narberth Athletic 11 – Neyland 24 (Abandoned after 62 minutes)

A fiery clash between Narberth Athletic and Neyland ended prematurely after tensions boiled over in the second half. Despite leading 11-5 at halftime, Narberth saw the tide turn as Neyland surged ahead to 24-11 with four tries.

The game descended into chaos when a Narberth player allegedly made contact with the referee, prompting the match official to abandon the game amidst heated crowd reactions. The WRU will now determine whether the result stands or if further action is necessary.

Tries: Narberth Athletic – Stephen Pilot; Neyland – George Evans, Josh Watts, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer
Penalties: Narberth Athletic – Shane Rossiter (2)
Conversions: Neyland – George Evans (2)

Six-try quins overwhelm the Wasps
Pembroke Dock Harlequins 42 – Llangwm 10

Pembroke Dock Harlequins delivered a masterclass against Llangwm, securing a dominant 42-10 victory. The Quins ran in six tries, with captain Ben Hathaway converting all of them and leading by example with one try of his own.

Llangwm’s flashes of brilliance, including contributions from Ieuan Power and Ryan Banner, were not enough to stem the Quins’ relentless attacking display. Hathaway’s leadership and the Quins’ cohesive play ensured a comfortable win and a season double over their rivals.

Tries: Pembroke Dock Harlequins – Tom Donovan, Craig Barnett, Harry Owen, Morgan Rogers, Ben Hathaway, Ryan Neilson
Conversions: Pembroke Dock Harlequins – Ben Hathaway (6)
Try: Llangwm – Matthew Hughes
Conversion: Llangwm – Breig Matthews
Penalty: Llangwm – Breig Matthews

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.