Sport
Wanderers walloping of Crymych marred after fracas
By Jonathan Twigg
THE WRU National leagues have copped some criticism since its inception in 1995, although this game in the shadow of Stradey Park, previous home of the Scarlets, showed the raw side of Club rugby at its uncompromising best and unfortunately its worst on Saturday (Jan 20).
Llanelli Wanderers emerged 44-12 victors over Crymych as both sides saw it as a crunch relegation encounter, the first at the ground since the renovation work undertaken by the community club.
The game was marred when Crymych prop Jason Nicholls took a punch when exposed in the scrum in the final minute and resulted in a trip to Morriston hospital where he was diagnosed with a fractured eye socket, nose and cheekbone.
Both sides entered the fixture with players associated to their respective clubs; no permits, no dual registration which were not normally selected and both came to play the conditions set before them at the ‘Ranch’. It was Crymych who took on the challenge of playing against the wind and the slope, finding the tenacity of home flanker Steffan Tafetsauffer, No 8 Nicky Harries and scum half Josh Weeds difficult to deal with in the opening exchanges.
The visitors lost influential scrum half Jonathan Rogers at the end of the first quarter, which was pointless despite continual penalties awarded by Cwmtwrch based referee Efryn Morris-Roberts to the home side through the ten and twelve channels. Morris Roberts, originally from Bala and teaching in Ystradgynlais was frim in his opinions as the underfoot conditions played their part. He didn’t endear himself to the visiting support who question those marginal decisions vociferously and as the game wore on perhaps with tinted spectacles.
Outside half Jonathan George eventually landed a penalty after 22 minutes from in front of the posts to open the home sides account, which spurred the visiting ‘mountain men’ into action. Replacement scrum half Gareth Davies was a livewire and chose to take a quick tap penalty thirty metres from the Wanderers try line, feeding second row Rhys Davies who combined with flanker Aled Harries to send outside half Jake Jenkins the ball.
He drew in centres Carwyn and Ifan Phillips to make ground with ball in hand allowing No. 8 Guto Davies to pounce for the games opening try, converted by outside centre Ifan Phillips.
Crymych were on top at this stage, the home side reduced to 14 men after Harries was deemed to have overstepped the tolerance level of Morris Roberts, which allowed the visitors to secure a second try. Scrum half Davies once again took a quick penalty finding the try scorer Davies close at hand. Jenkins and the Phillips’s boys in midfield created space for full back Tomos Phillips who glided over unopposed for an unconverted try.
What epitomises club rugby best is the ability to expect the unexpected and on small decisions much wider consequences occur. As the half ended the Crymych forwards, minus teenage hooker Lee Griffiths who had been injured five minutes before lost possession when they should have put the ball clear of the touchline.
Photo by Darren Harries
The resultant turnover led to a penalty and the games second yellow card when flanker Sion collella trudged off for handling in the ruck.
Front ball to skipper James Bannister led to a drive down towards the new changing quarters, with replacement Ben Phillips touching down for an un converted try, as George effort clipped the upright for the second time in the half and 12-10 scoreline in favour of Crymych.
Replacement back row dynamo Zak France-Miller started the second period well carrying the ball, linking with his scrum half as their side tried to absorb the loss of Collella.
However, France -Miller saw his pass intercepted seven minutes into the half, which allowed centre Rhydian Morgan to scoot into the corner under pressure for an unconverted try. The Maroon shirted home side were on the charge as Bannisters second row colleague Ben Williams trampled 20 metres towards the line which put Morgan in for his second try of the afternoon, again unconverted by George.
The yellow card against Crymych had yielded three tries and fifteen points but perhaps most importantly the games and possibly Division 1 West survival in the Wanderers favour.
Crymych had lost their way, playing unstructured rugby at a tempo not suited to their game meaning they were losing the close quarter exchanges drawing incandescent commentary from diehard followers.
The home pack were buoyant with ball in hand and destructive in defence stopping the visitors in their tracks, ensuring they played the game deep in Crymych territory.
Last years Divisional runners up plundered in for their bonus point try from scrum half Josh Weeds after George had booted a penalty and Morris-Roberts reversed a free kick for back chat. Full back Lloyd Thomas crossed to finish a flowing handling move and George converted whilst also crossing the whitewash to make his travel from Cardiff worthwhile.
Flanker Sianco Morgan and man of the match Morgan crossed, the later completing a try hat trick which suggested the Max Boyce ballad relating to Morgan the Moon.
The Wanderers equivalent would have been atop of Pen Waun Twmpath after the game, 502 feet above sea level, bathed in white light and chewing a stick of Porthcawl rock. Toasted at the Ranch by Bethania and his colleagues with copious amounts of the local ale, Morgan’s team now stand 14 points clear of their opponents having lost just a single game since November 4, although a dark cloud may be hovering because of the Nicholls rumble.
They head across the Loughor bridge to tackle Gorseinon on Saturday (Jan 27); meanwhile Crymych must forget their WRU National Bowl quarter final at home to Ystalafera in March and reflect on their indiscipline as another crunch relegation fixture looms high when last seasons Division 1 West champions Kidwelly make an appearance at Parc Lloyd Thomas.
FRANCE 42-12 WALES
WALES produced a gutsy performance in Brive but were ultimately overpowered by a slick French outfit, who remain unbeaten in the Women’s Six Nations and on course for a Grand Slam decider against England.
The home side ran in six tries, including a brace for returning wing Emilie Boulard, while Wales crossed twice through Kate Williams and Gwen Crabb.
Despite trailing just 21-12 at the break, Wales couldn’t contain the French pack in the second half, with further scores from Manae Feleu, Lea Champon and a penalty try widening the gap.
It was another step forward under new head coach Sean Lynn, whose side showed fight and flair in patches—but Wales’ long wait for a win in France goes on.
Determined start from Wales
After a gruelling 13-hour journey, Wales showed no early signs of fatigue. In front of a vocal crowd of 13,000, they started brightly but were undone early on when Carla Arbez’s kick found Boulard in acres of space for the opening try.
Wales responded quickly, earning territory from a high tackle on Jenni Scoble. After sustained pressure near the French line, Williams crashed over—her second try in as many matches.
France answered with a second for Boulard, before Crabb forced her way over from close range to keep the visitors in touch.
However, with the clock in the red, Manon Bigot burst through from a set piece to extend the hosts’ lead to 21-12.
French forwards take control
The second half proved tougher for Wales. Feleu’s score shortly after the restart secured France the bonus point and began a dominant 40 minutes for the home team.
Wales did threaten—Carys Cox stormed down the wing and Courtney Keight found a gap—but an obstruction at the line-out denied them a vital score.
Fly-half Kayleigh Powell was temporarily withdrawn for a head injury assessment, forcing Bevan to shift to 10 and Sian Jones to cover at scrum-half. Powell later returned, a relief given Lleucu George’s absence through injury.
A string of dominant French scrums saw Wales concede a penalty try, with replacement Maisie Davies sent to the sin bin moments after entering play.
Champon added France’s final try, and fly-half Morgane Bourgeois maintained a perfect record from the tee, converting five from five.
Post-match reaction
Wales head coach Sean Lynn praised his team’s effort:
“The girls felt really confident at half-time. It’s a big ask coming here to this crowd and this stadium, but we showed we can compete with the best.
We’ve got to learn to wrest back control when it slips, but I asked them to be brave, and they were.”
France co-captain Manae Feleu said her side was building momentum: “We kept going in the second half, found our rhythm and were happy with how we finished. We’re focused on Italy next before thinking about England.”
France move to the top of the Six Nations table, while Wales will look to take positives into their final fixtures.
Tries
France: Boulard (2), Bigot, Feleu, Champon, Penalty Try
Wales: Williams, Crabb
Conversions
France: Bourgeois (5)
Wales: Bevan (1)
Teams
France: Bourgeois; Arbey, Ménager (c), Amedee, Boulard; Arbez, Bourdon-Sansus; Brosseau, Bigot, Bernadou, Feleu (c), Fall-Raclot, Escudero, Okemba, T. Feleu.
Replacements: Riffonneau, Mwayembe, Khalfaoui, Zago, Berthoumieu, Champon, Bordes, Queyroi.
Wales: Joyce; Neumann, H. Jones (c), Keight, Cox; Powell, Bevan; G. Pyrs, C. Phillips, Scoble, Fleming, Crabb, Williams, Lewis, Evans.
Replacements: K. Jones, Davies, Rose, John, A. Pyrs, King, S. Jones, Metcalfe.
Referee: Holly Wood (RFU)
Attendance: Approx. 13,000
THE 2025 lawn bowls season for Llandeilo Bowling Club (LBC) has now commenced with the formal opening of the green on Saturday April 12.
With the weather remaining onside there was a big turnout for the opening with Llandeilo Town Council’s Mayor, Charlotte Morgan, bowling the first wood of the season with remarkable accuracy. Apologies had been received from Cllr Edward Thomas who was unable to be present due to ill health.
Before games commenced the traditional “spider” competition took place with everyone bowling simultaneously to the jack in the centre of the green. The fun competition was won for the second year in succession by Pat James.
The green was in excellent condition after the winter due to the hard work of volunteers and members bowled on all rinks for a couple of hours all trying to get their hand in before the season’s league competitions commence. Everyone then retreated to the club house for a sumptuous tea prepared by members with a raffle thereafter.
LBC President, Gareth James, congratulated the club’s short mat teams – Tywi (division 1) and Teilo (division 2) both of which had done extremely well in their divisions considering they were relatively new teams to the short mat league but both had proved forces to be reckoned with. It was hoped that now that the 2025 lawn bowls season had started LBC would again meet with success.
Deborah Mathews, Jamie Davies, and Doug Davies, captains of the ladies, mens and veterans teams respectively were wished well for the impending season.
The Mayor, Charlotte Morgan, who remained in the company of members for the afternoon, said that she had followed with interest LBC’S successes and it was hoped this would continue for the coming season. It was encouraging to see the club thriving and in regular use with a cross section of age groups enjoying the facilities.
LBC will be holding an open day on Sunday 27th April from 2pm onwards. No previous experience is necessary. Bowls and free coaching will be provided. All you need is flat footwear. LBC looks forward to welcoming you.
Keira, 15, honoured with RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award
A TEENAGE sailing instructor from Pembrokeshire has been recognised for her dedication to the sport with a prestigious Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Cymru Wales Impact Award.
Keira Edwards, 15, volunteers as an assistant instructor at Neyland Yacht Club, where she supports junior sailors and helps introduce others to the sport.
The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to help more people enjoy time on the water. Keira’s commitment and passion for sailing have made her a standout recipient.
Keira began sailing at the age of eight after taking part in a taster session. Since then, she has earned multiple qualifications, including RYA Levels 1 to 4 through the Pembrokeshire Powerboating and Sailing Academy, as well as certificates in Powerboating, First Aid, and Assistant Instruction.
Despite living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Keira sails all year round. She recently competed in Neyland Yacht Club’s Frostbite Series in the double-handed 29er class and went on to win Pembrokeshire Yacht Club’s 2024 series in the single-handed ILCA 6 class — the youngest sailor in her fleet.
Keira said: “I really enjoy teaching sailing because it’s fun and rewarding to see the children at the club learning new skills. I want to help more people get on the water because I enjoy sailing and I want others to enjoy it too.”
Commodore Lloyd Hamilton MBE said: “Keira has been actively volunteering at Neyland Yacht Club and has taken on the role of assistant instructor. She teaches both children and adults, sharing the skills she has learned over the years.
“Keira is a highly talented and dedicated young individual, always the first to offer her help to anyone in the club. Volunteers like her are crucial in helping more people experience the joy of sailing.”
Club development officer Hester Walker, who first introduced Keira to sailing, added: “We are so proud of Keira. She joined us aged eight with no experience, taking part in a taster session through our All Afloat programme, which gives young people in Wales the chance to try boating.
“Since then, she has gone from strength to strength. She’s passionate about the sport and is a relatable role model who inspires the next generation.”
Keira is a pupil at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St David’s — the former school of her own role model, Welsh sailor and Paris 2024 Olympian Mickey Beckett. She hopes to become a fully qualified RYA dinghy instructor when she turns sixteen this summer.
Dedicated and determined: Keira was presented with the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award for her voluntary work at Neyland Yacht Club (Pic: Hester Walker)
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