Sport

Top class rugby in difficult conditions

Published

11 years ago

August 26, 2013

Fishguard and Goodwick 0
Cardiff RFC 61
TOP Welsh team Cardiff RFC, overcame Fishguard and Goodwick RFC in bleak conditions at The Moor, where the score line doesn’t fully reflect the home side’s contribution to the game.
The Welsh Premiership side travelled down to Fishguard on Saturday, honouring a commitment made by the two sides when Cardiff hosted the Seagulls after their Millennium Stadium final, and a big welcome was given to them by the home crowd, who braved wind and rain to witness a historic game.
Cardiff demonstrated full respect for their hosts by beginning the game with their strongest 15, and early on the battle was fought hard in the midfield, as the poor conditions disrupted the handling of both sides.
The new scrumage laws introduced by the IRB were being used, and as both sides got to grips with them, Fishguard’s pack held firm on their own ball against the Premiership pack, a positive forwards coach Randall Williams will be happy with. Cardiff ran in two tries in the first ten minutes, as Fishguard struggled with the speed of the opposition. However, Fishguard captain Steve Jenkins led from the front, as the Seagulls built momentum through their forwards. This momentum shift resulted in Aaron Fowler, hooker for Cardiff, being yellow carded for playing the ball on the floor, much to the jeers of the home crowd. The precision of the Cardiff line out was clear throughout the game, as they were able to secure their own ball, and disrupt the Seagulls line out. Any attacking lineout the home side had was turned over by their professional opposition, nullifying the hard work the Seagulls had done in securing an attacking position. After half time, both sides elected to give their new signings a run out. Fishguard worked hard in the second half to produce some magic, and man-of-the-match Simon James produced some fantastic work at the break down to give Fishguard attacking positions. However, the superior fitness of the visitors kept the home side out, as in the dying moments, Fishguard were camped on the Cardiff five-meter line, looking to score a consolation try. However, handling errors again were the bane of the Fishguard attack, and the final whistle blew on a hugely entertaining game. The final score of 61-nil became irrelevant, as the game was contested in a hard but fair manner, with both sides respecting their opposition.
After the game, the Cardiff team were given a very warm welcome in the Fishguard clubhouse where a presentation was held.
Fishguard Chairman James Morgans said :‘’I hope Cardiff have taken something out of this game, as we certainly have. It was a pleasure to host them, and hopefully we can continue our link in the future.’’ Speaking with Cardiff’s vice-chairman, Keith Morgan after the game, he said: ”It was easy for us to fulfil our commitment to come here to Fishguard to play as we had witnessed first-hand their style of rugby and support in Cardiff. These games were more frequent with the old Welsh cup style, however, the demise of those games as left a lot of smaller clubs with having played a Premiership side. I’m happy we have come here, and the standard in poor conditions were good, and I wish Fishguard the very best of luck for the season. Possibly, in the future, there may be an opportunity for them to travel to
Cardiff to play on the new surface and the Cardiff Arms Park.’’

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Sport

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2024

Herald Sport

Division Four Cup Final

New Hedges Saundersfoot 7-1 St Ishmaels Reserves

The Division Four Cup Final between New Hedges Saundersfoot and St Ishmaels reserves took place at Monkton Swifts, witnessed by an eager crowd. The game, officiated by Sean O’Connor, with Gareth Elliot and Dean Driscoll as assistant referees, promised an intense battle for the coveted trophy.

From the onset, New Hedges Saundersfoot showcased their dominance. Owen, Miles, Davidson, and Marsh all getting on the score sheet leading to an impressive goal tally.

The Mice never gave up and battled well but they struggled to contain their opponent’s attacking quality. Thomas Williams managed the one and only goal for Tish.

The final score stood at an emphatic 7-1 in favor of New Hedges Saundersfoot, underlining their superiority throughout the match.

New Hedges Saundersfoot emerged as deserved victors, clinching the silverware and adding a significant achievement to their season. Their comprehensive victory in the cup final will undoubtedly be celebrated by players and fans alike. Despite falling short of promotion in their league campaign, this triumph will serve as a testament to their talent and resilience on the field.

In conclusion, the Division Four Cup Final witnessed a commendable display of skill and determination from both teams. Congratulations to New Hedges Saundersfoot for their outstanding performance and well-deserved victory in the final.

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Sport

Promotion, relegation and everything in between.

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

As we come to the end of the 2023-2024 season it’s time to look at the winners and losers so to speak as most promotion and relegation battles are now all sewn up.

We begin at the very top where Goodwick United have blown away the first division to become deserved champions elect. At the opposite end of the table Fishguard Sports struggled all season and we comfortably relegated, going down with them are Neyland who’s relegation was confirmed a few weeks ago. Neither team were cut adrift and battled right until the end which is credit to both outfits, sometimes relegation can act as a spring broad and both clubs will be hoping this is the case.

Monkton Swifts reserves were the outstanding team in the second division and were a cut above the rest on their journey to becoming league champions on 56 points with an impressive plus 61 goal difference. As Monkton can’t be promoted due to their first team being in the first division it allowed both Herbrandston and St Ishmaels to be promoted. Herbrandston finished in third on 40 points, whilst the Mice just beat them to second place ending up on 42 points. Both clubs will now use the summer to prepare for the step up that awaits.

At the opposite end of the division, Cosheston never really got going and after their points deduction ended on a lowly 6 points which is never going to be enough to avoid relegation. The second relegation place was much closer with St Clears, Carew reserves and Broad Haven all being in a dog fight for the majority of the season. Broad Haven showed good fight and character which steered them clear of trouble while Carew found form at a key time, which means St Clears will play their football in the third division next season.