Sport

Woodrow wins it for Hakin

Published

7 years ago

September 18, 2017

HAKIN UNITED reached the second round of the Pembrokeshire Senior Cup on Saturday (Sept 16) as a Nicky Woodrow hat trick secured a 4-1 victory over Division 3 hosts Camrose at the Martin Mathias Memorial Ground.

It took the Division 1 champions 71 minutes to regain the lead through a Woodrow tap in following a rasping free kick from 25 yards out on the left hand side by Ryan Wilson, which goalkeeper Geraint Sergeant fumbled.

The goal was a crucial breakthrough for the visitors who had dominated possession throughout the game but their frustration at their own lack of quality at key times was evident.

The game, for a potential David v Goliath encounter lacked any ferocity in the opening quarter of an hour as Hakin settled into a style which worked their wing backs, Steele and Bradley Barrett into positions where as the spare man could dictate the pace and direction of play.

Both had excellent games which encouraged their team mates to keep the ball moving on a greasy surface, even playing short free kicks from which Woodrow combined with Wilson who shot wide from the right of the goal after 11 minutes.

Young Camrose centre back Callum John, sitting between the experienced Simon Gilderdale and captain Richard Nash in a back five was directed to pick up the prolific Woodrow, which he did well until the seventeenth minute when the deadlock was broken by the striker who planted a header from eight yards into the bottom left of Sergeants goal.

Barrett, Justin Harding, Adam John and Wilson had combined brilliantly in the midfield to send the ball across the pitch with one touch passing and movement which dragged Nash into going to ground on the right hand touchline, missing the flying Fawcett who whipped in the perfect cross for Woodrow to finish.

Hakin were on the front foot, forcing three corners in quick succession and it took all of Gilderdale’s experience as a Schoolboy international and Welsh Premier player to keep them at bay, with his side unable to move the ball out of their own half as the mid-point of the half passed.

Ben Aldred also began to become influential in the centre of the field combining well with Wilson and Harding before Steele was played in just before the half hour mark from wide on the right, only to fire over the top.

Camrose had been down to ten men for five minutes after winger Finn Thompson had a blooded nose after an innocuous challenge on Woodrow but on his return he created a chance from himself picking the ball up forty yards from goal and driving a right foot effort to the left of Adrian Devonald’s goal.

It gave Camrose some confidence which developed as seventeen year old Jordan Williams and Dan Phillips were not averse to standing tall in the midfield tussle whilst James Williams and Jay Johnson enjoyed picking up the loose ball.

With six minutes to go Sergeant made a smart save to his right from Harding following a sweet Steele delivery, with the goalkeepers long clearance causing Hakin centre half Daniel Armstrong to slip.

Mikey Loveridge accepted the opportunity to latch onto the mistake to round the advancing Devonald and score from the edge of the eighteen yard box despite pressure from Ryan Mansell.

The sides were equal going into the half time break and the second half followed a similar pattern to the first as Hakin dominated the play, with the home sides Thompson doing his best to drive them forward with some neat touches and dribbles.

Manager Kristian Bennett switched Steele into the centre of the field, pushing Aldred wide on the right with the former Monkton Swifts player pulling the strings which drew a continuum of free kicks for the ‘Vikings’ which they didn’t capitalise on until Woodrows tap in, just after Thompson had to be withdrawn with a recurrence of his nose bleed.

Camrose’s Sion Williams had picked up a yellow card in the first half for a late tackle but benefitted from his manager, Jamie Gilderdale’s brave change of formation which saw former Narberth star Nash push into the centre of the field as they went in search of an equaliser.

Williams found time on the ball and combined with the home sides own ‘Edgar Dravids’ James Williams who rang a track down the left side of the field which Hakin couldn’t stop.

Loveridge had a tame free kick from 20 yards saved by Devonald following Aldreds tackle on the flying ‘Dravids’ as the Hakin frustration built; Williams worked hard to keep a ball in play on the left side of the Hakin goal area to send in a cross which Nash would have relished in his Narberth prime but couldn’t direct it into the unguarded net as Mansell challenged him.

Hakin themselves had become reliant on skipper Woodrow, who was a constant outlet from dead ball situations throughout the game but he was nullified by Dan Phillips who sat in front of his defence after Gilderdales tactical switch.

Half chances fell at either end to the tireless working Loveridge for Camrose and Harding, Fawcett and Adam John for Hakin, before the blue touch paper was lit with fifteen minutes left following a bought between John and Camrose full back Johnson following the Hakin wingers lunge over the ball.

With both receiving red cards for violent conduct after exchanging more than a hand shake with each other, it raised the shackles for the final interlude as Mansell was cautioned for handball, Steele for unsporting behaviour and Camrose’s Callum John for a late tackle.

Jordan Williams had been booked for dissent after Woodrow put Hakin 2-1 ahead, which caused a five minute delay after Badger had consulted the home linesman who was flagging for offside and calmly sorted out the ensuing melee.

The nomadic Matthew Price entered the scene as Gilderdale searched for a goal to get back in the game with the former Dragons player manager running lines which allowed Loveridge, substitute Will Bateman and Nash some half chances before Harding broke free with seven minutes remaining and fed Fawcett allowing the youngster to sublimely chip Sergeant to extend the lead to 3-1.

Woodrow had a chance to complete his hat trick but was denied by a great challenge in the penalty box by Callum John, before he finally notched his third and his sides fourth in injury time.

Speaking post-match home manager Jamie Gilderdale stated: “The result didn’t reflect the game and whilst we didn’t do enough to win the game the score line flattered them. At 2-1 we went for an equaliser and they exposed the gaps we left but Dan Phillips, Simon Gilderdale and James Williams were superb. We had our half chances and our boys are far from despondent as they knew we have given a super Hakin side a game. The objective from day one this season has been promotion from Division 3 and it would be great to be sitting at the top table alongside Hakin in the not too distant future.”

Kristian Bennet was pragmatic is his analysis, saying: “We’re delighted to be in the next round. We have gone off the boil in the last two weeks and are missing the injured James Stanmore [slipped disc] and Craig Nicholson [hamstring] which has affected our tempo. Credit to Nicky and Ben who are driving forces for us and every one of the players deserve respect and praise for their performance in what could have been a ‘banana skin’ game. We are still fighting on four fronts and this young side grows with confidence each game but they may have learnt a lesson today on not being complacent as every victory has to be fought for.”

Hakin welcome South Wales Premier League side Pencoed Athletic to the Observatory field on Saturday for the second round of the FAW Cup before a league encounter at the end of the month away at Monkton Swifts.

For Camrose, they welcome Carew seconds to Folly Cross next week before they travel to Pendine at the end of the month, with the hope of reaching October with a 100% league win record.

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Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1: Match reports

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2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 3–0 Merlins Bridge
League leaders Goodwick United claimed a commanding 3–0 victory over Merlins Bridge at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village. Rhys Jones broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a spectacular 25-yard free kick. An own goal by Nick Squire early in the second half doubled the advantage, and Jones sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike. The result keeps Goodwick four points clear at the top as they push to retain their title.

Carew 16–0 Herbrandston
Carew delivered a record-breaking performance, thrashing Herbrandston 16–0 at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. James Hinchliffe led the charge with six goals, supported by Shaun Whitfield’s rapid hat-trick. George Waters contributed four goals, Gareth Lewis added two, and Leon Davies completed the rout. The emphatic win lifted Carew out of the relegation zone, while Herbrandston remains firmly at the bottom of the table.

Clarbeston Road 5–2 St Ishmaels
Clarbeston Road cruised to a 5–2 victory over St Ishmaels at Knock Field. Ben John missed an early penalty for Clarbeston but redeemed himself by assisting Jake Wesley’s equaliser. Laurie Haworth and Dan Rees found the net, with Wesley adding a second to complete the scoring for Clarbeston. St Ishmaels’ captain Brennan Devonald netted twice, but his side dropped into the relegation zone.

Monkton Swifts 1–4 Hakin United
Hakin United strengthened their title challenge with a 4–1 win over Monkton Swifts. Dylan Davies put Monkton ahead early, but Hakin responded through Ryan Wilson and Mark Jones to take a 2–1 lead into halftime. Jay Kilby scored twice in the second half, sealing a vital away win for the Vikings.

Milford United 2–2 Pennar Robins
Milford United and Pennar Robins played out an entertaining 2–2 draw at Marble Hall. Liam Davies gave Milford the lead, but Jamie Wilkes equalised for Pennar. Dan James then put Pennar ahead, only for Leon Davies to bring Milford level again. Milford’s Sam Davies was sent off late, but neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.

Tenby 2–3 Kilgetty
Kilgetty staged a thrilling comeback to defeat derby rivals Tenby 3–2 at the Clicketts. Joe Leahy opened the scoring for Tenby, with Jordan Gorman quickly levelling for Kilgetty. Scott Ferney restored Tenby’s lead before halftime. However, Kilgetty turned the tide in the final ten minutes as Lloyd Hughes equalised, and captain Richard Cope struck the decisive winner to secure a dramatic victory.

Sport

Local rugby action: Thrills, wins, and tough battles across divisions

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Herald Sport

Crymych 19 – Llanelli Wanderers 33
Llanelli Wanderers showcased their title aspirations with a decisive bonus-point victory over Crymych. Despite a spirited effort from the Preseli Men, who trailed 12-18 at halftime, they couldn’t capitalize on second-half opportunities.

Crymych’s hooker Lee Griffiths scored two tries in the first half, and a late penalty try offered some consolation. The Wanderers, under Sean Gale’s guidance, proved dominant with tries from Rhydian Morgan, Lewis Jones, Rhodri Owens, and Sam Icke. Jones contributed two conversions and three penalties, keeping the Wanderers in contention at the top of the table. Crymych remain in a relegation battle.

Division One (West)

Pontarddulais 17 – Tenby United 26
Tenby United maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard-earned seventh victory of the season, defeating a determined Pontarddulais side. Though missing a bonus point, the disciplined Seasiders secured a valuable win.

Lloyd Thomas played a pivotal role, kicking four penalties and converting tries by Gwion Jones and Rob Luly. Acting skipper Jones shone with an individual effort. Pontarddulais responded with tries from Ethan Miles, Lewis Edwards, and Iwan Evans. Tenby stay second in the league with a game in hand over leaders Aberystwyth.

Division Two (West)

Whitland 13 – Fishguard & Goodwick 10
A late Harry Fuller penalty sealed Whitland’s narrow victory in a fiercely contested clash with Fishguard and Goodwick. The Seagulls led 7-3 at halftime after Ben John’s converted try answered Johnny Thomas’s penalty.

Rhys Nicholas turned the game in Whitland’s favor with a crucial intercept try, converted by Thomas. Although Mark Jones briefly leveled the scores, Fuller’s decisive penalty secured Whitland’s fourth win of the season.

Carmarthen Athletic 23 – Milford Haven 10
Carmarthen Athletic overturned a halftime deficit to claim a solid home win over Milford Haven. The Mariners led 10-6 at the break, thanks to Robbie Jones’s converted try and a James Trueman penalty.

The Athletic surged back with 17 unanswered points, including tries from Gethin Phillips, Morgan Morse, and Deian Morgan. Zak Williams added the conversions and penalties to seal the victory. Milford missed out on a losing bonus point in their fourth defeat of the season.

Division Three (West)

Cefneithin 16 – Cardigan 29
Cardigan continued their strong form with a bonus-point win over Cefneithin. The Teifisiders led 15-6 at halftime, with Marcus Castle and Shaun Leonard crossing the try line. Leonard was instrumental, adding another try and three conversions.

John Lumb and Jack Taylor scored second-half tries as Cardigan capitalized on excellent possession. Cefneithin fought back with a try by Jonathan Morgan and three penalties from Carwyn Evans but fell short.

Division Four (West)

Llanybydder 17 – Neyland 43
Neyland dazzled with a six-try bonus-point victory over Llanybydder. Leading 24-5 at halftime, the All Blacks saw tries from Owain Evans, Matthew Coles, Owen Hamer, and skipper Georghe Williams.

Young winger Josh Watts added two second-half tries. Llanybydder responded with tries from Jake Evans, Dan Davies, and Dan Jones, converted by Ethan Sion Mathias, but Neyland’s dominance was unshaken as they returned to the top of the table.

Teirw Crymych 17 – St Davids 17
Teirw Crymych and St Davids battled to a draw in a thrilling encounter. The Bulls dominated early, building a 14-0 lead with tries from George Plummer and Trystan Griffiths, both converted by Adam Phillips.

St Davids stormed back with tries by Will James and Tom Clarke, before George Raymond’s late try leveled the scores. The conversion went wide, leaving both teams to share the points.

Dreigiau Emlyn 14 – Narberth Athletic 3
Narberth Athletic’s unbeaten run ended at Ddol Wiber as Dreigiau Emlyn’s forward strength secured a gritty win. A single forward-driven try and three penalties proved enough for the Dragons.

Athletic struggled to convert pressure into points, their only score coming from a Shane Rossiter penalty. The Dragons celebrated their third victory of the season.

Llangwm 17 – Pembroke 22
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Llangwm opened strongly, with James Morgan and Dan Richards scoring tries, both converted by Harry Makepeace. Pembroke’s forwards turned the tide, with Jamie Brayford (2), Robin Badham, and Josh Greenwood crossing the line. Despite Llangwm’s late efforts, Pembroke extended their winning streak to three matches.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Vikings triumph over Port Talbot panthers

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE VIKINGS faced a tough challenge against the formidable Port Talbot Panthers at Milford Haven RFC on Sunday afternoon. In a fiercely contested battle, the Vikings emerged as worthy winners with a final score of 33-17.

The Vikings’ try scorers included Dave Roberts, Karl Bate, Shaun Treadwell, Richard Williams, and Jack Elliott. Callum Power added to the scoreboard with four successful conversions. Karl Bate’s standout performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

A special mention goes to Sean Phillips, who made a welcome return to the team. Phillips delivered a brilliant 30-metre line break, unselfishly passing the ball to Dave Roberts, who crossed under the posts. His contribution exemplified the team spirit that defines the Vikings.

Matches between the Vikings and the Panthers are always marked by fierce rivalry, but also by strong friendships forged on and off the field. The team eagerly anticipates the return fixture in 2025.

The Vikings also extended their gratitude to Barry from Pembrokeshire College, a loyal supporter of the team. Additionally, thanks were given to sponsors Austwel LTD, Hedley Asset Management, and The Pembrokeshire Herald for their ongoing support.

Next match: A historic showdown

This Saturday, the Pembrokeshire Vikings will travel to Llandaff RFC to make history in a match against Rygbi Senedd Cymru. The team looks forward to another thrilling encounter as they continue their successful season.