Sport
Milford let victory slip in thriller
Milford Haven 31
Laugharne 31
League 3 West A
Milford Haven and Laugharne kicked off their League 3 West A campaigns with a thrilling 31-31 draw at the Observatory Field on Saturday (Sept 2).
Both teams were well up for the challenge with Colin Phillips the match official.
The match was a must for any neutral rugby fan with action going from end to end and it was Laugharne who crossed the white wash first for a try by hooker Richie Waters crossed from a quick tap penalty. Laugharne then again scored with winger Gareth Spiers given the Cocklemen a 14-0 lead.
The Mariners then struck back with some great running from the centre partnership of Dan Jenkins and Craig ‘Yoda’ Thomas, which saw Thomas touch down, followed shortly by Jenkins touching down in the far corner, both tries were converted by scrum Half Dan McClelland, given the mariners a 19-14 lead.
It was now the turn of the Mariners pack to show off their hard work which they have develops on the training field in pre-season under the watchful eye of new forwards coach Jamie Parr. An excellent line out move saw the ever present Dai Sweeny cross the line.
Things then tighten up before half time with both defences holding solid to deny each other, during this period Milford were reduced to 14 men for the rest of the game as ref Phillips issued a red card to Milford hooker Luke Ryan for lashing out at the opposition.
After Half time the cockle man reduced the score with a kick from the boot of Jameson.
The Mariner’s then crossed the line again with a well worked try which saw young flanker Ben Groves touch down, which was excellently converted from out wide by McClelland.
The action was on a knife edge for a long period in the second half with action swinging from end to end before the visitors were awarded a penalty try to make the score 26-24.
It was then the turn of pace Milford’s winger Lee Riley who latched onto a pass and sped over after a blistering 22 meter sprint which went unconverted.
There was the a sustained amount of pressure on the Laugharne pack in the bottom corner of the Obs which saw the mariner’s pack of 7 come close to a push over try on several occasions but the Cocklemen withheld the pressure.
Both teams’ fitness levels were excellent examples of good pre-season training as the game went deep into time added on, but it was the turn of the visitors to score with a series of forward drives which saw Jones crash over and Jameson kick the conversion which saw the score level when the final whistle eventually blew.
On Saturday (Sept 9) Laugharne have a break from League Action whilst the Mariners travel the short distance to local rivals Neyland which has been a tough battle for many years.
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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