Sport
Weightlifters bid for Games place
WELSH ATHLETES will have another chance to put themselves in the frame for a place at the Commonwealth Games with a qualifying event in Pembrokeshire this weekend.
The Welsh Closed competition will take place at Haverfordwest’s new Strength Academy Wales this Saturday, based at the Sir Thomas Picton Leisure Centre.
Open to all Weightlifting Wales members aged 18 and over, the event will also see the return to action of World junior medallist Darius Jokarzadeh.
Super Heavyweight Darius became the first British junior medallist at World level for 18 years last year. The 19 year-old finished fourth overall in the 105kg+ category at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) event in Peru, but his 215kg lift in the clean and jerk gave him a lift bronze.
It is his first competition back on home soil since moving to the USA to study medicine as part of an American Football scholarship.
Another lifter looking to put themselves in the frame for Glasgow 2014 is former Commonwealth gold medallist Michaela Breeze.
Weigh in is at 9am, with first lift at 11am.
Weightlifting Wales Performance Director Simon Roach said: “We’re edging closer to Glasgow and the turn of the year brings added spice to the event as our athletes look to show their potential to be part of Team Wales.
“This is the biggest showcase of the sport we’ve held at Strength Academy Wales and is the kind of event we hoped to see held here when we developed the facility in partnership with Pembrokeshire Leisure.”
The event is open to the public. Entry fee is adults £5 and £2 for those aged 16 and under.
For more information visit www.weightliftingwales.co.uk and follow @WelshWeightLift on Twitter for updates.
Sport
Amman United v Neyland abandoned after touchline fight
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.
Sport
Vice-chair steps down at Haverfordwest County AFC
Mared Pemberton leaves board role after years of service
HAVERFORWEST COUNTY AFC has confirmed that Mared Pemberton has stepped down from her role as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors due to personal commitments.
Pemberton has played a key role in the club’s development in recent years, most notably leading the delivery of the Ogi Bridge Meadow 3G pitch project.
She has also been closely involved in the club’s community work and fan engagement initiatives, helping to strengthen its reputation and position as a focal point within the local area.
Pemberton will continue her involvement with the club as Head of Trustees for the Bluebirds Foundation, the official charitable arm of Haverfordwest County AFC.
A club spokesperson said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Mared for her loyalty, hard work and dedication over many years, and we wish her well for the future.”
Sport
Camrose girls head to Portugal after major community backing
A CAMROSE Under 13s girls’ football team has travelled to Portugal for a once-in-a-lifetime tour, supported by a funding boost from Wales & West Utilities.
The squad, made up of twenty-four players aged between eleven and fourteen, set off during the Easter holidays after five months of determined fundraising efforts.
The trip forms part of a wider international learning programme funded by Taith, the Welsh Government-backed scheme promoting global exchange opportunities for young people.

During their time abroad, the team will take part in cultural and sporting activities, including matches against local sides, social events with host clubs, and a coaching session with Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica. The group will also attend a professional football match.
Organisers say the tour is about far more than football, with a strong focus on confidence-building, teamwork, and cultural exchange. Around forty per cent of the players and coaching staff come from underrepresented backgrounds, including young carers, those in care, and families on low incomes.
While Taith funding has supported much of the programme, additional financial help from Wales & West Utilities has been vital in bridging a £3,000 shortfall. The funds have also enabled the purchase of a dedicated tour kit, helping keep players safe and identifiable in busy environments.

Volunteer coach Joanne Battelley said the support had made a real difference.
She said: “This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our girls, both on and off the pitch. The support from Wales & West Utilities has helped ensure more of our players can take part and benefit from the opportunity.”
Bethan Jones, Head of People and Customer Experience at Wales & West Utilities, said the company was proud to support the initiative.
She said: “Football is about more than just the game. This trip will help build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories for these young players.”
Wales & West Utilities provides gas emergency and pipeline services to more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England.
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