NEYLAND RFC Under-14s welcomed Young Munster Underage Rugby to the Athletic Club Field on Saturday for another memorable meeting between the two clubs, with the home side running out convincing 47-12 winners.

A large crowd turned out to watch the latest chapter in a fixture that has become a much-loved tradition over the years, with many spectators having also been part of previous tours.

There was clear talent on display from both teams throughout a cracking game of rugby. Neyland made the most of their powerful ball carriers, while the Cookies impressed with some committed tackling and determined play.

In keeping with tradition, the men of the match were selected by the opposition side. Ryan Griffin, of Young Munster, and Karter Williams, of Neyland, received the honours after strong individual performances.

Thanks were also paid to referee Gareth Scourfield for officiating well and, once again, taking part in the post-match ritual of downing a pint of Guinness.

Both coaching teams were praised after the match, with organisers saying the players were a credit to their clubs both on and off the field.

After the game and presentation, the celebrations continued into the evening, with plenty of singing helping to round off another successful day. Over the years, the fixture has helped create lasting friendships between the two clubs, and Saturday’s event was described as another occasion to remember.

Special thanks were given to Jack Kinnersley and Matthew Reynolds for producing an excellent matchday programme and for using Veo to stream the game live. Appreciation was also extended to Wendy Watts and the ladies who helped with food and the raffle, as well as to Kyla Rowland and staff at the Neyland Community Hub for their hard work behind the scenes.

The visiting Young Munster side, led by Johan Gouws and his team, were also praised for the way they conducted themselves throughout the visit.

With another year of the fixture now complete, attention is already turning to next season, when Neyland are due to travel to Limerick for the return match.

The friendship between the two clubs continues to grow stronger with every meeting.

(Images: Photo Phil)

CARMARTHEN Kings Basketball Club have capped a remarkable first league campaign by reaching the SWBA Division 3 Cup Final while remaining unbeaten in all domestic competitions this season.

The West Wales side booked their place in the final with a commanding 76-58 away win over Pontypridd Panthers, who are currently third in the East division.

That victory followed an earlier cup success against Caerphilly Cobras, another of the East division’s strongest sides, meaning the Kings have now beaten the top two challengers from the opposite side of the league on their way to the showpiece final.

The SWBA Division 3 Cup Final will be played at Cardiff University on Saturday, April 25, giving supporters from Carmarthenshire and across West Wales the chance to watch a local side compete for regional honours on a major stage.

The club’s run to the final has come alongside an outstanding league campaign. Carmarthen Kings remain unbeaten in SWBA Division 3 West, having recorded home and away wins over teams including Swansea Troopers, Llanelli Steelers and Amman Valley Wild Boars, as well as being awarded a recent victory over Port Talbot Spartans.

Head coach George Spencer said: “Everything seems to be falling into place for the end of the season. Over the last few games we’ve played some of the best basketball I’ve seen us play, ever.

“The boys have bought into what we’re trying to do, and we’re proud to be taking Carmarthen to a cup final in Cardiff.”

The club’s success on the court has been matched by progress off it, with growing home crowds, a developing junior section and increasing backing from local sponsors.

Kings say their appearance in the final is not only a reward for the players and coaching staff, but also a boost for basketball in West Wales and an inspiration for the next generation of players in Carmarthenshire.

Supporters are being encouraged to follow the club’s social media channels for confirmation of the tip-off time ahead of the final later this month, where Carmarthen Kings will hope to crown an unbeaten season with their first SWBA silverware.

Photo caption: Carmarthen Kings squad ahead of their run to the SWBA Division 3 Cup Final. Top row, left to right: Richard Rees, Jonty Toland, Giacomo Moretti, Zack Daniel, Junior Manhede. Bottom row, left to right: Andrei Remec, Tal Remec (captain), Mckenzie Callard, George Spencer (team coach).

A PLANNED extraordinary general meeting of the Welsh Rugby Union could now be called off after the district that pushed for it said its main objectives had been achieved following two high-profile departures from the game’s leadership.

Central Glamorgan Rugby Union had secured enough backing from clubs to force the WRU into holding the meeting on Monday, April 13. The district had tabled three motions, including votes of no confidence in WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board chair Malcolm Wall.

But the district has now written to clubs saying it intends to withdraw all three motions, arguing there is no longer a need for the EGM in its current form. That follows confirmation that Collier-Keywood will step down on July 16 after deciding not to seek a second term, while Wall left his role in March at the end of his tenure.

In its letter, Central Glamorgan said the exits of both men, together with the prospect of fresh talks with the WRU board over governance reform, meant the campaign had already achieved its key aims. The district said it now wanted constructive engagement with the WRU over future governance changes, including the way council representatives are elected to the board.

A WRU spokesperson said the union was aware of the letter sent to member clubs and was awaiting direct correspondence from Central Glamorgan.

The row had developed against the backdrop of deepening unrest in Welsh rugby over the WRU’s controversial proposal to reduce the number of professional teams from four to three by June 2027. Those plans have triggered fierce criticism, protests and legal action, particularly over fears for the future of the Ospreys.

While the latest letter did not directly settle that issue, Central Glamorgan urged the WRU to pause its plans for the professional game and publish all the evidence behind any decision before moving forward. The district also called on the union to engage with an alternative proposal aimed at preserving all four professional sides.

Central Glamorgan thanked clubs across Wales for their support, saying they had come together to safeguard the future of the game. The district added that Welsh rugby remained at a critical moment, but said it hoped the latest developments would lead to greater openness, respect and transparency between the WRU and its member clubs.

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