Sport
MARVELLOUS MARINERS SINK SEAGULLS
Milford Haven 31
Fishguard & Goodwick 15
LAST SATURDAY (Jan 24) saw a top of the table clash at the Obs between Milford Haven and Fishguard. The large crowd weren’t disappointed in a hard fought
game between two sides in a clash of the titans.
The Mariners made the decision of playing on the 2nd field and played up field for the 1st half, The mariners back row were a dominate force from the 1st whistle with several hard hitting tackles within the first few minutes, with player-come-coach Mark Wonnacott leading from the forefront, was able to assist young Sam Dolling; and the ever present James Passmore.
The back-line was controlled by the man of the match Leigh Broome how kick started the scoring with an inspirational solo try within the first few minutes which he also converted, Broome has recently returned to the Mariners side from a stint at football and was in truly outstanding form kicking the Fishguard side out of the game completely with some top class touch finding kicks, Broome also sealed the victory for Milford Haven with an inspirational chip kick through the Fishguard defensive line and it was a foot race to the line which Broome pounced on just before Veteran Fishguard player Romeo Colella.
The next score was the Mariners again and this came through some hard work from outstanding player Dai Sweeney, who delivered a sweet little pop pass to pacey winger Lee Reily, who dived over the line for an unconverted try.
Fishguard had their chances throughout the game with some great moves from the back-line, and were awarded a penalty try from a scrum in the bottom corner, they tried hard to string passages of play together but were outshone with the mariners true grit and determination in defence, this lead to a try for fullback Rhys Baker, who picked up a pass of his toes and showed some twinkle toes moves to cross the line.
The Mariners then used the downhill advantage in the second half to show some truly classic moves and physical presence and to close the seagulls out of the game with further tries coming from Prop Nathan Rees from a driving line out, Rees even popped up in the centre and thrown a sweet dummy pass and had a short burst. Milford’s line out was top class with Dolling, Wonnacott and Tom Manning stealing crucial line out ball from the Seagulls; Manning showed some strong running and breaks before leaving the field mid-way through the 1st half with a head injury.
Milford Haven side was also bolstered by the return of Grant Rodgers to the Obs who formed a brick wall defence in the centre with Dean Matthews, Milford also saw the return of club captain Mike Cockburn who came on off the bench. The Final Whistle was greeted by an all mighty roar from the home supporters and the entire Milford Senior Squad, The Mariners were led to victory by Captain Marvel Craig “Miffy” Smith, the win now sees the Mariners Undefeated at home and sitting at the top of the Table.
PLAYERS: Milford Haven: Rhys Baker: Lee Riley; Dean Matthews; Grant Rogers; Jimmy Thomas: Leigh Broome; Evan Morgan: Nathan Rees; Craig Smith; Andrew Rees: Tom Manning; Dai Sweeney: James Passmore; Sam Dolling; Mark Wonnacott. Replacements: Kern Cunningham; Dean McSparron; Michael Cockburn; Jonathan Coe; Dominic Todaro.
Fishguard & Goodwick: Ed Bendall: Gareth Adamson; Mike Jenkins; Joni Vatu; Matthew George: Ben John; Alun George: Gerwyn Davies; Gavin Walsh; Andrew Morrillo: Richard Hunter; Gwilym Evans: Owain Morgans; Chris Shousha; Simon James. Replacements: Rhodri Morgans; Romeo Colella; Rhys Lewis; Ryan McVeigh; Jason Davies.
Referee: Colin Phillips (Crymych)
Photos provided by Sheila Witts- Sear
Sport
South-West Wales Athletes Aiming to Shine at the Summer Olympics
Two of the finest athletes in south-west Wales are dreaming about bringing home medals from the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Track cyclist Emma Finucane and sailing star Micky Beckett will head to France in a buoyant mood after enjoying a successful build-up to their respective events.
Welsh athletes collected a record-equalling 11 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games and hopes are high that the tally could be beaten this year.
The Carmarthen-born rider cemented her rapid rise up the sprint ranks by winning a gold medal at the 2023 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Glasgow.
She became Great Britain’s first women’s sprint world champion since Becky James in 2013 and is now on track to chase more medals at the Olympics across three events.
The 21-year-old has yearned to compete at the Summer Games since watching Team GB sparkle at London 2012 and she is eager to make her mark this summer.
“It’s a massive dream of mine and it’s pretty cool that I’m kind of living my dream,” Finucane said. “I’m just trying to enjoy the journey and hopefully I’ll get selected and compete for my country.
“And it’s exciting because as the Team GB women’s sprint. I feel like we’re in a really good place to do well at the Olympics, not just compete as Olympians.”
Pembrokeshire-born sailor Beckett will also head to Paris with his sights firmly set on winning gold in the hugely competitive ILCA 7 class.
He will renew rivalries with Australian Matt Wearn, who controversially claimed the World Championship title ahead of Hermann Tomasgaard and Beckett earlier this year.
Online bookmakers rate Wearn as the favourite to emerge victorious this summer, but Beckett’s recent form gives him every chance of turning the tables.
Several new sports betting sites in Australia cut the Welsh sailor’s Olympic odds after he completed a trio of World Cup successes at a recent event in Palma.
Beckett believes the hard work he has done over the past few months gives him every chance of toppling Wearn when the action gets underway this summer.
“There is still plenty of work to do and managing form is probably the most important thing of any athlete’s job,” Beckett said. “There is no point being the best in the world unless you are the best in the world when it counts.
Sport
Kilgetty and Carew Share Spoils in End-of-Season Showdown
In the picturesque setting of Kilgetty, under the soft glow of the evening sun, local football fans were treated to an enticing clash between Kilgetty and Carew in the Pembrokeshire League Division 1. With the season winding down, both sides took to the pitch amidst numerous squad rotations, following a hectic week of multiple fixtures.
The match kicked off in a leisurely pace, resembling more of an end-of-season friendly than a fierce competition. Kilgetty seized the early initiative, with the trio of Josh Bevan, Richard Tebbut, and Richard Cope causing headaches for the Carew defense, skillfully led by Gareth Lewis. It was Jac Waters who broke the deadlock for the home side, putting Kilgetty ahead 1-0 as the first half came to a close.
However, Carew emerged revitalised after the break, with Jonty Bennett, James Hinchcliffe, and Zac Rowell putting in the hard yards to level the score. The introduction of Harvey Drummond for the ineffective Sam Christopher added further depth to Carew’s attacking prowess, culminating in an equaliser courtesy of the excellent Hinchcliffe.
As tensions rose, the game took on a newfound intensity, marked by needless bookings, after a clearly offside goal and a few heated moments on the field. Despite the fatigue evident from their recent fixture congestion, both teams showcased their competitive spirit, treating the fans to an entertaining second half.
In the end, neither side could break the deadlock, with Kilgetty and Carew having to settle for a well-fought 1-1 draw. While neither team was at their absolute best, the match provided a fitting conclusion to their respective seasons.
Sport
The stage is set – Senior Cup Final
It’s the time of the year again, Saturday see’s Bridge Meadow host the senior cup final. The sun has been shining and both teams will be dying to get on the pitch. This year the final will be contested by Goodwick United and Clarbeston Road.
League champions Goodwick will go into the final as favourites, and most around the county expect a Goodwick win. It has been an outstanding season for Goodwick however cup success has evaded them so far. Clarbeston Road have impressed everyone this season and really deserve their place in this years final.
Neill Crawshaw will referee the game, with Tudor Walters and Stefan Jenkins running the line.
There will be a unique contest on the pitch as brothers Will Haworth and Laurie Haworth come face to face on opposing teams. Adrian their father was a great player in the county, and played in many cup finals himself.
The stage is set, Clarby will feel less pressure than Goodwick and will be a threat with Haworth, John and Davies in attack. Meanwhile Goodwick are also blessed with quality players in every department, there is no weak link in O’Sullivans team. Cup football and finals in particular never go as people predict. On paper Goodwick are firm favourites, Clarbeston Road will be happy the game will be played on grass though and not paper, anything can happen! Hopefully it’ll be a good crowd down at the Meadow for the show piece of Pembrokeshire football.
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