• Johnston 3 – Monkton Swifts 2nds 2

JOHNSTON emerged victorious in a thrilling Division 2 Cup Final clash against Monkton Swifts 2nds, with the father and son duo of Scott and Alfie Crawford stealing the spotlight under the floodlights at Ogi Bridge Meadow on Wednesday evening.

In a riveting encounter on Wednesday (May 1) witnessed by a sizeable crowd, the Tigers displayed their mettle, clinching a well-deserved victory against Monkton Swifts’ second string side.

The match ignited from the outset, with Johnston seizing an early lead courtesy of a Craig Bendall header. However, Monkton Swifts swiftly retaliated as Will Davis found the net, leveling the score. Undeterred, Johnston regained control with Scott Crawford’s clinical finish, propelling them to a 2-1 lead at halftime.

The second half intensified with both teams fiercely contesting every inch of the pitch. Midway through, Monkton Swifts’ Jordan Kilby stunned Johnston with a spectacular long-range strike, equalizing the score. Yet, the Crawford family’s synergy proved decisive as 16-year-old Alfie Stotter capitalized on his father Scott’s assist, securing the cup with a composed lob over the Swifts’ goalkeeper.

Despite Monkton Swifts’ spirited efforts, including a disallowed goal early in the match, Johnston’s resilience ultimately prevailed, clinching the coveted trophy.

Scott Crawford and Steve Allen, joint managers of Johnston, were jubilant alongside League Council chairman Mike John as they received the silverware, marking a momentous triumph for the Tigers.

Scorers:

• Johnston: Craig Bendall, Scott Crawford, Alfie Stotter
• Monkton Swifts 2nds: Will Davis, Jordan Kilby

Lineups:
Johnston: Anthony Bevans, Geno Cleal, Marcus Allen, Lewis Boswell (Kieran Walker 70’), Craig Bendall, Kieran Blundell, Thomas Richards (Joshua Knapp 69’), Scott Crawford, Alfie Crawford (William Davies 88’), Joey George (Captain), Steve Allen.

Monkton Swifts 2nds: Jay Kilby, Alex Lewis, Jordan Kilby, Ryan Hughes, Ben Phillips, Will Davis, Liam Butland (Captain), Josh Sture (Ben Steele 60’), Lee Duignan, Rhys Sture.

Match Officials:

• Referee: Stefan Jenkins
• Assistants: Keith McNiffe & Ioan Nevatte
• Fourth Official: Mark Hicks

The Johnston faithful erupted in joy as the final whistle blew, heralding their team’s triumph and etching a memorable chapter in the annals of Pembrokeshire football.

MILFORD HAVEN RFC once again showcased its commitment to nurturing young talent as it celebrated its Mini’s Section Presentation on Sunday (May 5). The event, held with much enthusiasm, marked a significant moment for the club, reinforcing its dedication to the development of rugby at all levels.

The Mini’s section, a cornerstone of the club’s community engagement, witnessed a remarkable turnout, a testament to its growing popularity year by year. The event not only recognised the efforts of the young players but also extended gratitude to the invaluable contributions of coaches, parents, and supporters, whose unwavering support is instrumental in shaping the future of rugby in Milford Haven.

A special acknowledgment was reserved for Abbo, Paula, and Leanne, whose steadfast support has been pivotal in nurturing the Mini’s section, ensuring its success and growth. Their dedication and tireless efforts have played a significant role in fostering a nurturing environment for the young athletes to thrive.

The presence of the 1st Team Club Captain, Zac, and Vice Captain, Jimmy, added a touch of prestige to the occasion. Their attendance and active participation in presenting trophies to the Mini Mariners underscored the club’s ethos of unity and inclusivity across all age groups. Such gestures not only inspire the budding players but also instil a sense of belonging and pride in the larger Milford Haven RFC community.

In his remarks, Zac emphasised the importance of fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity within the club, where every member, regardless of age or experience, feels valued and supported. Such values lie at the heart of Milford Haven RFC, reinforcing its status as not just a rugby club but a tight-knit community.

As the event concluded, echoes of “Up the Mighty Mariners” reverberated through the grounds, encapsulating the spirit of determination and unity that defines Milford Haven RFC. With the Mini’s section flourishing and the club’s unwavering commitment to its development, the future of rugby in Milford Haven looks brighter than ever.

With each passing year, Milford Haven RFC continues to uphold its legacy as a nurturing ground for young talent, a beacon of sporting excellence, and a source of pride for the entire community.

As the red and white colours of the Mighty Mariners continue to soar high, so too does the spirit of camaraderie and passion that binds the club together, ensuring its continued success on and off the field.

IN a gripping showdown at Heywood Lane, Tenby on Wednesday (May 1), Milford Haven emerged victorious in the 2024 KO Cup Plate Final, edging past a resilient Whitland side by a narrow margin of 24-21.

The clash, witnessed by a fervent crowd, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, culminating in a nail-biting finish that saw Milford Haven secure their first-ever Plate trophy in the club’s history.

The Mariners took an early lead through a penalty courtesy of winger James Trueman, swiftly countered by Whitland’s full back Geraint Jones. However, Milford surged ahead with the first try of the match, as No 8 Dewi Williams powered over the line from close range, with Trueman adding the extras.

Despite Whitland’s efforts to claw back into contention with two penalties, reducing the halftime deficit to a single point, Milford Haven remained composed. The second half witnessed a relentless display from the Mariners, capitalizing on their dominant pack to create scoring opportunities.

James Trueman showcased his prowess with a spectacular try, expertly set up by swift passing from James Williams and Dan Jenkins. Trueman’s accurate kicking extended Milford’s lead further, before Scott Buirds crashed over for their third try, sealing a commanding advantage.

Yet, Whitland refused to concede defeat, launching a spirited comeback with tries from Owyn Griffiths and Dom Davies. Despite their valiant efforts, Whitland fell short in their pursuit of victory, with a crucial penalty attempt rebounding off the post in the dying moments.

Milford Haven’s Ollie Rothero was rightfully awarded the ‘man of the match’ accolade for his composed performance, epitomizing the team’s resilience throughout the contest. Rothero’s versatility and steadiness in the No 15 shirt proved instrumental in Milford’s triumph, despite stiff competition from Trueman’s impressive place-kicking and memorable try.

In the end, Milford Haven emerged as worthy victors, their victory a testament to their tenacity and unity on the field. As the final whistle blew, the Mariners celebrated a hard-fought triumph, etching their names in the annals of KO Cup Plate history.

The club said after the match on their Facebook page: “All the players, coaching team and committee would like to thank everyone that came over to Tenby to support the boys tonight. It really meant a lot to us as a club and no doubt the town!”

Line-ups:

Milford Haven: Ollie Rothero, Robbie Jones, James Williams, Dan Jenkins, Jamie Trueman, Efan Morgan, Dan McClelland, Aaron Mayne, Luke Ryan, Jimmy Buirds, Jay Goodall, Zac Davies (Capt), Ryan Mansell, Ieuan Davies, Dewi Williams. Replacements: Dai. Sweeny, Ben Jenkins, Ben Groves, Scott Buirds, Ethan Aldred, Lee Riley, Dean McSparron.

Whitland: Geraint Jones, Morgan Lewis, Jamie Goldsworthy, Dom Davies, Owyn Griffiths, Jonathan Thomas, Trystan Rees, Dafydd Walters, Marc Jones, Trystan Bowen, Benjamin Kirk, Dan Bennett, Lewis Tingay, Cian Evans, Zac France-Miller. Replacements: Ceiron Evans, Charlie Watson, Jack Worthing, Thomas Iraia, Geraint McCoan.