Sport

Team of the week: West Dragons FC

Published

12 years ago

January 3, 2014

THE history of West Dragons Football Cub spans across a very short period from 2008 to the present day. They were formed in 2008 by brothers Jamie and Lee Palmer, who with great ambition, courage and determination have bought the club to where it is today.

They also stated that the main philosophy of the club was to “give young players the best opportunity to succeed in an environment where they can play with freedom, courage, belief and to be successful”.

The club started the 2008-2009 season in Division 5 of the Pembrokeshire League. During that season the team played their home games in Crundale at the Rudbaxton Community Playing Field. The Palmer brothers approached local businessmen Karl Potter (The Glen, Haverfordwest) who became club chairman – who invested £500 in return for a direct interest in running the club.

Finally Jayne Thomas was added to the committee as club secretary and she stills holds that position today. Other sponsors such as G and G Builders Pembrokeshire Ltd, LNG South Hook invested to help fund facilities and equipment including a sit-down mower much to relief of then part time groundsman who for the first month of the season cut the whole pitch weekly with push on mowers taking an amazing five hours to complete.

Under the management of Jeremy Thomas and Deny Barrett the club began playing in the Pembrokeshire League. In October of 2008, the club made a move to bring in Lee Morgan as manager and finished the season as Division 5 league and cup winners beating St Clears in the final remarkably the club remained not only unbeaten but didn’t draw or lose a game in those respective competitions. Showing ambition the club was helped to success with the likes of Jonathan Clarke, Jay Brockway and Matthew Watters.

During the pre season of 2009-2010, West Dragons made Bob Nelson their new first team manager. After a strong start to the league campaign, West Dragons slumped in a run of games including a two leg cup defeat to Tenby United which ended Nelson’s campaign as manager.

Morgan returned to the helm in November and guided the team to the division title with the clinching victory coming in a game against Clarbeston Road where Simon Thomas scored the winning goal.

Off the field there was also change. Terry Worsley was appointed new club chairman and West Dragons replaced The Glen, Haverfordwest with The Labour Club, Haverfordwest as their new main sponsors. This time local businessman Eddie Wells invested in the club and still to this day does so as the club’s main sponsor. The club also made a ground move to The Pavillion Playing Fields, Portfield after agreeing a lease with Tasker Milward School and Pembrokeshire County Council for the use of the playing field which includes two full size pitches.

The Pembrokeshire League season 2010-2011 for West Dragons started in Division 3. The season ended in promotion with a second place finish in the division. They also managed to secure a division cup win with a 3-2 victory over Broad Haven, after trailing by two goals with only 30 minutes to play.

More history was created with a reserve team being introduced to Division 5 under the guidance of Deny Barrett and an under 14s junior team supervised by Jeremy Thomas and Jamie Palmer with fourth and third place finishes respectively. Off the field committee members were added and Karl Davies became the club’s groundsman on a permanent basis. On to Division 2, Morgan’s ambition was to achieve promotion in season 2011-12. The Dragons more than held their own in this division by comfortably beating teams and were third by Christmas. In February manager Lee Morgan decided to step down due to university commitments.

The committee decided that Jamie and Brother Lee would run the team until the end of the campaign. The Palmers decided to make Chris Darlington club captain and adopt the same style of play Lee Morgan installed. It certainly worked because the Dragons found themselves in another cup final after beating Saundersfoot Sports 2-0 in Division 2 cup semi final, Steven Dockerty and Mike Turpin with the goals. The league campaign ended with the reds narrowly missing out on promotion finishing third in the division.

In summer 2012-13 West Dragons committee appointed Nigel Delaney as their new manager. Delaney was recommended to the club and after meeting him and knowing his footballing background they knew he was right choice to bring club forward. This was Delaney’s first management job after a very successful playing career. Nigel had Mark Falzon helping him train the team for short spell but asked Byron Phillips to assist him. Phillips had recently managed Monkton Swifts.

Under Delaney the Dragons were unstoppable in the league losing only two games all season after comfortably achieving promotion. The target for the club was the achieve promotion but to do it in Delaney’s first season was great achievement.

The Dragons also made it to their first ever senior cup final after beating Hakin United 4-0 on the Bridge meadow in the semi final. The Dragons were the first side since 1989 to reach senior cup final and not to be playing in Pembrokeshire’s top division. The Reds faced Johnston the final at the Bridge Meadow Stadium watched by a record attendance with more than 1400. The Dragons finished runners up in final after losing 3-2. It was great effort by everyone involved with the club, considering the reds were trailing 3-0 at half time we showed great character in second half scoring two goals and giving Johnston a fright when Niall Kinsella hit bar in last 10 minutes of game.

A lot of credit had to go Nigel Delaney after what he achieved in season 2012-13. In this season West Dragons also had a successful season with their second side after manager Mark Hix guided his team to win the Division 5, an ambition the club felt had to be achieved if club was going to progress as a club.

The Dragons under 16s also had brilliant season after winning their league. The club was delighted to win their first junior title and glad the majority of the team has stayed with club in the senior level.

The Juniors also made it to the under 16s cup final but came runners up to Carew losing 2-1 at Marble Hall, Milford Haven. The club also started up a under 10s team and the team was managed by former Dragons player Simon Owens. The reds ambition is to bring juniors through every age group. The start of this season has been a success so far with some impressive performances and causing some shock results. Off the pitch Nigel Delaney decided to step down as manager, but deserves great credit for his effort and dedication he gave to club. Byron Phillips was appointed manager and Ritchie Brill as assistant manager. Phillips assisted Delaney so was the obvious choice to replace him. Mark Hix also stepped down as manager and was replaced by player-manager Dai Upward; Dai captained the seconds to previous season.

Coming up to Christmas break and the Dragons are currently in fourth place in division 1, five points off top of the league and the club is hoping to keep playing the football they have been playing and finish in the highest place they can. The second team is also holding their own in division 4 and hope to continue in the hard work everyone’s put in.

West Dragons would like to wish all their players a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing everyone back in the New Year.

Sport

Carmarthen Kings reach Cardiff cup final after unbeaten debut season

Published

20 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Herald Sport

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).

News

Welsh rugby crisis eases as district moves to halt crunch WRU meeting

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2026

Herald Sport

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.

I can also give you a sharper Herald-style headline and subheadline for this.

Sport

Amman United v Neyland abandoned after touchline fight

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2026

Herald Sport

AMMAN UNITED’S crucial Division 3 West clash with Neyland was abandoned after 70 minutes on Wednesday night following a fight on the touchline.

The home side had led 20-12 under the lights at Cwmamman Park and were on course for a vital win that would have kept alive their hopes of survival.

Amman made the brighter start and enjoyed most of the territory and possession in a strong first-half display. They went ahead within minutes when wing Dan Thomas crossed in the corner.

Outside half Iestyn Griffiths then extended the lead with a well-struck penalty as the Reds continued to dominate. Jordan Poole, Keelan Griffiths and Alun Lewis all made good ground, and Amman looked certain to score again at one stage, only to be held up over the line.

Neyland, however, hit back against the run of play. Scrum half Owen Hamer seized on turnover ball, stepped clear of the defence and raced in from halfway. Rio Phillips added the conversion to cut the gap.

Amman responded well and regained control before the break. From a lineout catch-and-drive, front row forward Matthew Madge powered over, with Griffiths converting to give the hosts a deserved 15-7 lead at half-time.

The home side made full use of their bench after the restart, with Kieran Mackey, Caian Francis, Liam Brooks and Alex Williams all introduced. Youngster Harvey Duncan also came on in the centre for just his second senior appearance.

Captain Rhydian Jones again impressed with a tireless display around the park as Amman piled further pressure on the Neyland try line. That spell was rewarded when wing Dylan Matthews squeezed over in the far corner to make it 20-7.

To their credit, Neyland then enjoyed their best spell of the game, forcing Amman onto the back foot with sustained pressure under the posts. Centre George Williams and wing Josh Watts were prominent as the visitors went through the phases, but Amman’s defence held firm for long periods.

The visitors eventually found a way through when flanker Josh Hamer spotted a gap and touched down under the posts to bring the score back to 20-12.

But before the conversion could be taken, a fight broke out on the touchline. Once order had been restored, the referee decided to abandon the match immediately.

The game will now have to be replayed at a later date.