Sport

Rugby Round-up: Division 3 & 4

Published

3 days 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

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