Sport
Judgement Day sales soar
TICKET sales for Judgement Day V have broken through the 40,000 mark with just under a month still to go until Wales’ stars meet in regional colours under the Principality Stadium roof – on Saturday, April 15.
There’s always a Lions ‘bolter’ and there’s every chance that player will be someone on show at Judgement Day this year
The double-headed clash is held days before the British & Irish Lions squad announcement (April 19) and also comes at a critical time in the run in for the four professional Welsh teams in the Guinness PRO12 with top four play-off places at stake.
Prices have been frozen for the third year running at just £10 per head for each seat in the house, as Welsh Rugby pools resources for the fifth incarnation of its Judgement Day extravaganza.
Another impressive turn-out is expected after last year’s 68,262-record attendance and supporters are advised to buy in advance for the showpiece Guinness PRO12 double-derby day.
Cardiff Blues take on the Ospreys in the first match of the day, kicking off at 2.45pm, swiftly followed by Newport Gwent Dragons versus Scarlets at 5.15pm.
Both middle and lower tier seating has sold-out already, and hospitality at Principality Stadium is also approaching capacity, with the prospect of the players from the four pro teams making a late run for British & Irish Lions squad selection an interesting prospect for Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies.
“The 6 Nations has created a momentum which will climax with the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand this summer – selection for which will be just days away by the time Wales’ regional players take to the Principality Stadium pitch for Judgement Day V,” said Davies.
“There’s always a Lions ‘bolter’ and there’s every chance that player will be someone on show at Judgement Day this year.
“It’s a prospect that should really capture the imagination of supporters around the country and we expect the crowds that have flooded into Cardiff to play their part in the 6 Nations Championship, to once again return in their droves to support the club double header next month.
“Judgement Day has become a must-see event in the rugby calendar giving fans the opportunity to see the Welsh rugby’s stars facing each at our iconic national ground.
“Welsh Rugby has worked hard together on this event and Judgement Day has grown in size and stature year on year since its inception in 2012, when 36,000 supporters turned-out for the inaugural double derby day.
“Every year since, the crowd has significantly increased and last season the event really came of age as a true celebration of the professional game in Wales.”
Before JDIV the previous Welsh domestic record saw 58,000 fans attend the Neath v Llanelli WRU Challenge Cup Final in 1989.
The record attendance at any match involving a region had been 65,756 – when the Ospreys beat Leicester Tigers at Twickenham in the EDF Energy Cup Final in 2008.
Mark Davies, chief executive of Pro Rugby Wales which represents the four Welsh professional rugby teams, Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets said: “Judgement Day is a high profile rugby occasion for both players and supporters to show what their clubs and rugby regions mean to them, but crucially it is at the business end of our club rugby season with everything to play for and much at stake.
“It’s great to see that two of our Welsh teams are contesting at the top of an incredibly tight Guinness PRO12 Championship and currently ahead of highly competitive teams across the four nations including last year’s champions Connacht and 2015 winners Glasgow Warriors.
“The run in from now to the end of the club season in May is critical for our PRO12 teams, so the Judgement Day contests on the field are hugely significant and will be highly competitive, as well as being a successful rugby spectacle in the capital which attracts wider audiences and one we are all proud to be a part of in partnership.”
At last year’s Judgement Day contest the Ospreys took the spoils (Cardiff Blues 27 Ospreys 40) in the first derby with the Scarlets victorious against Newport Gwent Dragons (Newport Gwent Dragons 20 Scarlets 34).
Tickets are available at £10 per person from www.wru.wales/tickets (where print-at-home is available), or by calling 0844 847 1881, in person from the WRU Ticket Office on Westgate Street or from each of the four Regions.
Sport
New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.
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
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.
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.
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