Sport

Blues close out feisty game

Published

9 years ago

February 23, 2015

Haverfordwest 22
Tycroes 17

HAVERFORDWEST made a welcome to return to winning ways, even though they were plagued with injuries and unavailability,

Scrum time: Haverfordwest scrum half Dan Morgan looks to put the ball in at a Blues scrum.

with the Blues coaching staff calling up Rhys Price and Hywel Davies from St Davids RFC, the latter playing an impressive eighty minutes at prop.

Under bright sunshine and a gentle breeze, Merlins Bridge was offered some entertaining, and at times feisty rugby between two sides who haven’t had the best of seasons.

The Blues made the brighter start, as a loose line out from the visitors allowed Moritz Neumann to kick ahead the ball, and outpace the covering defence to touch down within the first five minutes of play. Neumann, traditionally a centre, was playing for the third week at blindside flanker, but has taken to the position like a duck to water. Fly half Steve Williams missed the conversion.

Tycroes replied quickly after, as their scrum looked the more dominant and a nice break from the visitors full back cut the Blues defence in two, before he passed to winger Scott Bowen to score just wide of the posts. The conversion was missed by outside centre Carwyn Richards.

The Blues took the lead again, as open side flanker Dewi Williams won the foot race to a kick ahead, sliding on the loose ball, for another unconverted try.

The visitors then again fought back, as they clawed their way up the pitch towards the home sides try line, before a series of penalties at the scrum resulted in a penalty try for the visitors, which was converted by Richards.

With the score at 10-12 to the visitors and the half time break approaching, memories of the Blues losses in the last two fixtures came to the forefront. This spurred on the home side, and a turn over provided quick ball for Haverfordwest, and slick handling provided winger Scott Candler open space, and the winger raced away to score under the posts, with Steve Williams adding the extras. The score now 17-12 at the half time whistle.

After the break, the game started at a frantic pace as both sides threw caution to the wind in attack, and gave everything in defence.

Haverfordwest’s Zac France- Miller was yellow carded however, as the hooker was deemed to have had his hands in at the ruck.

An attacking line out for Tycroes provided the next points of the game, as skipper Dylan Cooper was helped over the try line in a driving maul to touch down. The conversion kick by Carwyn Richards struck the upright.

There then proceeded to be a nasty scuffle, which resulted in both Haverfordwest skipper Darren Salmon and Tycroes’ Steffan Davies being red carded.

This scuffle didn’t clear the air, as within a few short minutes Tycroes were down to 12 men as Aled Griffiths and Tim Rees were both yellow carded for infringements at the break down.

This allowed Haverfordwest, who were back to 14 players as France-Miller returned to the pitch, to capitalise, and it was the continuous pressure which resulted in Scott Candler scoring his second, as he received a lovely delayed pass from Steve Williams, as he arched his run around the trailing defence. The kick went wide, but it was enough to give Haverfordwest the win, along with a much needed bonus point in their fight for survival.

Haverfordwest sit in tenth position and face Penlan away on February 21.

Sport

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

18 hours 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

2 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

2 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.