Sport

England thrash Wales with 10-try rout but miss out on Six Nations title

Published

9 months ago

March 15, 2025

Herald Sport

Wales 14-68 England

Youngster Henry Pollock shines with two debut tries in Cardiff drubbing

ENGLAND delivered their most dominant performance of the Six Nations with a record-breaking 10-try demolition of Wales, securing a crushing 68-14 victory at the Principality Stadium. Cardiff had never witnessed a heavier Welsh defeat in the championship, as Steve Borthwick’s side dismantled their hosts with ruthless efficiency. The 20-year-old Northampton flanker Henry Pollock capped his debut with two eye-catching tries, as England signed off their campaign in emphatic fashion.

Any pre-match hopes of a close contest were quickly extinguished as England ran riot, storming to a 33-7 half-time lead. It was a masterclass in attacking precision, with glimpses of promise seen in recent games finally coalescing into England’s most assured and clinical display of the season.

Despite the thumping win, France’s victory elsewhere meant England’s title aspirations were extinguished. Nevertheless, the visitors’ fluid interplay, ferocious back-row dominance, and the commanding presence of fly-half Fin Smith were enough to underline their rapid progress since a frustrating autumn campaign.

The contrast in mood from the pre-match atmosphere to the final whistle was stark. The Welsh faithful had roared their side on with the usual fervour, but as England’s relentless onslaught continued, the noise in the stands faded to a hush. The defeat confirmed Wales’ 17th consecutive international loss and a second successive Six Nations wooden spoon, marking another low in a bruising period for Welsh rugby.

From the outset, England imposed themselves. Smith’s early penalty to the corner set the tone, and within minutes Maro Itoje powered over from close range for the opening try. The visitors doubled their lead when Fin Smith’s pinpoint looping pass found Tom Roebuck, who marked his first Test start with a clinical finish in the corner.

Wales thought they had responded when Blair Murray burst clear after a ricocheted high ball, but referee Nic Berry ruled out the try due to an offside infringement. The disallowed effort only compounded Welsh woes, as England quickly extended their lead.

Pollock made an instant impact on his debut, breaking through to claim his first Test try, before Will Stuart, celebrating his 50th cap, muscled over for England’s fifth before half-time.

Despite a brief Welsh resurgence – Ben Thomas crossing for a well-worked try – England continued their dominance. Tommy Freeman’s try ensured he became only the second player in Six Nations history to score in all five rounds of a single championship.

The visitors showed no mercy in the second half, with Alex Mitchell winning a kick-chase to touch down before Pollock grabbed his second. Replacement prop Joe Heyes added his name to the scoresheet, and Cunningham-South powered over to bring up England’s tenth try.

Pollock’s brace will be a moment he remembers for life, as England recorded their most emphatic win in Cardiff in the history of this fixture. While the title may have eluded them, Borthwick’s men leave the tournament as a resurgent force, with the signs pointing to even greater things ahead.

Sport

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup

Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)

AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.

Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.

Match results (Week 12):

Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
Badgers 2–8 St Johns
Reynalton 0–10 Carew
Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
St Twynnells – bye week

A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.

League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.

At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.

Full standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	8	0	2	+125	72
Reynaltón	11	5	2	4	+35	58
St Johns	10	5	1	4	+32	54
Hundleton	10	5	1	4	-2	54
Carew	9	5	0	4	-25	49
St Twynnells	10	4	2	4	-34	48
Kilgetty	11	5	0	6	-44	46
Badgers	11	3	1	7	-59	45
Lamphey	11	5	0	6	-10	44
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	-5	41
Cosheston	9	3	1	5	-13	40

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Sport

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

Published

18 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club has announced its latest Team of the Week, celebrating standout performers from across the junior age groups following another busy weekend of fixtures.

Players from the U7s through to the U16s Eagles have been highlighted for their work rate, teamwork and commitment on the pitch, with coaches praising the effort shown by all who took part.

The club said the selections recognise not only individual performances but the dedication shown by players at training and during matches throughout the season.

Parents and supporters were quick to share their congratulations online, with particular praise for U12s players George Bentley and Tom Wheeler, who impressed during their fixture.

Team of the Week – 14 December 2025

U7s: Ollie Bromham & Arthur Slee
U8s: Theo Headland & Lyla Phillips
U9s: Theo Canton & George Thornton
U10s: Rhys Davies
U10s Eagles: Frankie Campbell
U11s: Griff Jenkins & Ollie Edwards
U12s: George Bentley & Tom Wheeler
U12s Eagles: Cyra Ellis
U15s: Logan Keane
U16s Eagles: Laura Cichon

Coaches thanked players and families for their continued support as Haverfordwest RFC moves through the winter fixtures, saying the positivity around the club remains a key part of its success.