HAVERFORDWEST RFC produced a dominant Boxing Day display as they swept aside Llangwm 49–7 to retain the Bishops Cup in front of a large festive crowd.

The traditional holiday fixture once again proved a highlight of the local rugby calendar, with Llangwm RFC praised for their hospitality as supporters from both clubs turned out in force for the annual contest.

Haverfordwest were in control from the opening exchanges, combining pace and precision to build a commanding lead and run in seven tries over the course of the match. Llangwm continued to battle throughout and were rewarded with a well-earned try of their own, but the visitors’ strength in depth and organisation told as the game progressed.

The match marked a memorable occasion for two young Haverfordwest players, with Ifan Williams and Liam Hughes both making their senior debuts for the Blues. Williams capped an impressive performance by being named Man of the Match, receiving the award in front of teammates and supporters after the final whistle.

Despite the heavy scoreline, the fixture was played in good spirit and underlined the enduring importance of the Boxing Day clash between the two clubs.

Haverfordwest’s emphatic victory ensures the Bishops Cup remains with the Blues for another year, rounding off the festive programme on a high note.

CRYMYCH FOOTBALL CLUB is celebrating the end of 2025 sitting top of Division One, capping off an outstanding year both on and off the pitch for the community-run club.

The club’s first team head the table at the close of the year, while the reserves are also enjoying a strong season, currently holding third place in their division. The success reflects a period of significant growth for the club, which in 2025 also established a women’s team and continued to expand its junior section, with young players now representing Crymych every weekend.

Off the field, Crymych FC has further cemented its role at the heart of the community. In 2023, the club successfully completed a community share offer to purchase the former Crymych Arms pub, transforming it into a community-owned clubhouse. Full details of that journey are available on the recently launched website: www.crymycharms.cymru.

The club describes 2025 as a year of pride, but also one of sadness. Members were deeply affected by the loss of club chairman Martin Lloyd, of Cilgerran, who played a central role in the expansion of the club’s footballing and community activities.

In his memory, Crymych FC hosted a number of community fundraising events throughout the year, raising £1,000 for the Paul Sartori Foundation, which supported Martin and his family, as well as £7,390 for Cancer Research Wales.

The club has thanked everyone involved in organising football activities, running the clubhouse pub, and supporting its wider community fundraising efforts.

Crymych Football Club wishes all players, volunteers, supporters and community shareholders a very Merry Christmas and looks forward to a successful and sporting New Year ahead.

CLARBESTON ROAD staged a remarkable comeback to edge out Pennar Robins in a breathless Division One contest that delivered nine goals, wild swings of momentum and a hat-trick that ultimately counted for nothing.

Despite falling behind on three separate occasions, Clarby showed resilience and attacking intent to secure a 5–4 victory, sealed late on by Emyr Griffiths after the hosts had earlier trailed 3–1 in the first half.

For Pennar, the result was a bitter one. Jack Jones struck three times and the Robins led at 1–0, 3–1 and 4–3, but each advantage slipped away as Clarby refused to lie down.

The opening exchanges hinted at little of what was to come. Ben ‘Rocky’ John tested Pennar goalkeeper Ryeley Clark early on, while Tom Davies dragged an effort wide at the other end. The game burst into life after nine minutes when Pennar opened the scoring following a slick team move. Nicholas Willis drove forward down the right, combined neatly with Kieran Smith and Noah Davison, and was tripped inside the box. Jack Jones made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Clarby responded almost immediately. Player-manager Matthew Ellis, keen to atone for conceding the penalty, rose to head home Travis Jones’ corner at the near post just two minutes later.

Pennar regained control midway through the half. Tom Grimwood’s curling corner was met by Jones, who nodded in at the back post, and moments later the same duo combined again as Jones completed his hat-trick, finishing from close range after Grimwood beat his marker and cut the ball back.

Crucially, Clarby struck back before the break. Matthew Bowen delivered an inviting cross from the left and John powered a header past Clark to give the hosts renewed belief heading into half-time.

With the wind at their backs, Clarby came out flying after the restart. John levelled matters by cutting inside and firing low into the corner, before sustained pressure saw Matthew Davies have a goal ruled out for offside and substitute Josh Woods flash a shot across goal.

Against the run of play, Pennar edged back in front on 69 minutes when substitutes combined — Adam Phillips delivering a cross that Conner Phillips met unmarked to head home.

Once again, Clarby refused to fold. Jack Ashman drove forward from the edge of the area and thundered a high finish into the net to make it 4–4, before the decisive moment arrived 12 minutes from time. Griffiths broke through the Pennar back line and showed composure to lift the ball beyond Clark, completing a stunning turnaround.

Clarby managed the closing stages well to see out a vital win ahead of the Christmas break.

Man of the match: Jack Jones
Despite ending on the losing side, Jones’ clinical finishing and constant threat were impossible to ignore. Kieran Smith and Noah Davison were also influential in Pennar’s first-half dominance, while Ben John was central to Clarby’s revival before limping off with a knee issue.

Clarby player-manager Matthew Ellis said: “It’s a huge three points. After nine goals your head’s spinning a bit, but you’ll take it when you’re on the right side of the result. Pennar caused us problems early on, but we really turned it around after the break.”

Pennar manager Craig Butland said: “The second half wasn’t good enough. Individual errors are hurting us and conceding just before half-time changed the momentum. We’ve got to see games out better.”

Clarbeston Road: Rhys Mansell, Matthew Bowen, Greg Brown, Matthew Griffiths, Samuel Hurton, Jack Ashman, Emyr Griffiths, Matthew Davies (capt), Matthew Ellis, Ben John (Jake Wesley 62), Travis Jones. Sub not used: Joseph Jones.

Pennar Robins: Ryeley Clark, Nick Willis (Ryan Walters 80), Alex Wheeler (Adam Phillips 53), Ethan Ball, Bobby Jones (Conner Willis 53), Connor Roberts, Tom Grimwood, Kieran Smith (capt), Noah Davison, Jack Jones, Toby Davies.

Referee: Stefan Jenkins.