Sport

Fishguard fall short at The Moor

Published

8 years ago

February 19, 2018

A MONUMENTAL effort by the Fishguard forwards on the Moors in the several minutes of overtime on Saturday (Feb 17) failed to secure a bonus point for the home side as promotion chasing Pontarddulais took a maximum five points from their 28-20 victory.

The silver streaked No. 8 Simon James claimed a try, his second of the game as the Seagulls never say die attitude epitomised the battle scars of Luke Harding, whose life was remembered with an impeccable minute’s silence for ‘The Gambler’ before kick off.

Luke, since his diagnosis of lung cancer 16 months ago had fought on the coal face every step of the way, raising more than £30,000 for Withybush Hospital but succumbed when his skills were required elsewhere and he knew ‘when he didn’t have the aces’ needed to win the game.

Having secured their third try outside half Kial Keane was unable to convert for the bonus point and referee Darren Randell signalled the end of the Division 2 encounter.

Referee Rendell had irked both sets of supporters during the game, his empathy for the underfoot conditions and numerous marginal decisions on the gain line, perhaps not seen impartially.

The Llanelli butcher did well to keep thirty players on the field as the physical encounter saw several flare ups with handbags flying and his shrill whistle echoing around the Paraddog towards the Irish Sea.

Fishguard line out: Flanker Chris Sousha rises high

Those final minutes saw Fishguard skipper Kevin Walsh elect for two scrums alongside some tap and goes as the visiting defence, so strong throughout the game overstepped the offside line to ignite the blue touch paper.

The opening score came from teenage Pontardullais scrum half Ethan Dunne who marked his senior debut with a try after nearly twenty minutes.

Fishguard had enjoyed possession and territory in the lead up to the try with scrum half Andrew Williams dynamic before full back Liam Lazarus picked up the loose ball inside his own half, kicked over the top from which Dunne won the foot chase with some neat dribbling skills to tumble across the line.

Lazarus converted as he did for all the visitors four tries, alongside a commanding performance in defence and with ball in hand, comfortable to back his own skills, pace and decision making.

Lazarus wasn’t the only player to show an aptitude for direct running, opposite number Mike Jenkins and winger Sam Kurtz were anything but conservative in their running angles and support play, the hosts having flankers Chris Sousha and Luke Freebury on hand to keep their momentum alive.

Keane landed a penalty for a 7-3 score line before the ‘Bont’ crossed for a second try, Lazurus converting his own touchdown after winger Jared Walters created the space.

Second row Jacob Miles began the second period in a marauding style finding centre Gareth Thomas and outside half George Mbjoma willing ally’s as the ‘Ambers’ took control of the game.

Despite calls for offside at a line out and for a knock on in midfield, Thomas was able to cross for a converted try with six minutes played to extend the lead to 21-3.

Some ferocious and uncompromising tackles in midfield from both sides saw the back rows exchanging pleasantries on the ground, the visitors Rhys Samuel and fellow flanker Dean Courtney on par with James et al.

Winger Thomas George rounded off some excellent team play to reduce the deficit with an unconverted try, where hooker Walsh and fellow front row men Ryan McVeigh and Andrew Morrilo found a second wind, allowing centre Ben John and Narberth’s Dan Birch, on permit for a return to action after a metatarsal injury on the opening day of the season some space to run, with Kurtz crabbing in the background to link the play.

Gethin Williams, Thomas and co centre Paul Geary also took the opportunity to take the game forward, their play creating the bonus point try for No 8. Craig Davies, with replacement prop Andrew Williams of Woodpecker Carpentry a splinter in the home defence with his tenacity.

Fishguard to their credit responded by keeping the ball alive despite the fact second rows Jac and Gwylim Evans had parity in the line out, both involved in the open play with Walsh in gaining hard yards.

James scored the first of his brace, which Keane converted to set up the grandstand overtime finish, where John and Jenkins, alongside McVeigh were in the thick of the action to set up the final try from James.

‘You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away and know when to run; no need to count the money’ at this time, more the blessings and the reflection post-match should be on the future and not the past.

Bill Shankley may not have been right with his ramblings and I’m sure Luke will now have told him, his legacy being one of having that final ace.

The Seagulls will carry that with them to Mumbles on Saturday (Mar 3), as they stand four points clear of relegation whilst Pontarddulais will be geared up for a top of the table encounter when Whitland arrive at Coedback Parc.

Related Topics:Fishguard League 2 West Pontarddulais Rugby The Moor

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Joe Allen to leave Swansea coaching role after final game

Published

4 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH’S Joe Allen left his role on Swansea City’s coaching staff after Saturday’s final game of the season against Charlton Athletic.

The Pembrokeshire-born former Wales midfielder, 36, returned to the Swans’ backroom team in November alongside fellow club favourite Leon Britton to support head coach Vitor Matos.

The move was always expected to be short-term, with Allen stepping in after Matos was initially unable to bring in some of his staff from previous club Maritimo due to work permit issues.

Allen, who came through Swansea’s academy, retired as a player last May after his second spell with the club.

He first made his name at Swansea, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 before moving to Liverpool. He later spent six years with Stoke City before returning to the Swans in 2022.

Allen also won 77 caps for Wales and was a key figure in the national side’s most successful modern era, including the run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His departure from Swansea’s coaching set-up will come alongside that of head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson, who is also leaving this summer.

For Pembrokeshire football fans, Allen remains one of the county’s most successful sporting exports, having gone from Narberth to the Premier League, Anfield, and the Wales midfield.

News

Fresh Hamilton wage claims raise new questions for Haverfordwest County fans

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Herald Sport

Scottish reports of late and short wages add a new and more immediate concern for Bluebirds supporters already watching problems elsewhere in the same football network

REPORTS in Scotland that Hamilton Academical players were paid late, with some allegedly underpaid ahead of the club’s final game of the season, have added to scrutiny around the football network linked to Haverfordwest County AFC chairman Rob Edwards.

The latest claims were reported by Lanarkshire Live Sport and the Daily Record.

The relevance for Pembrokeshire lies in the links between Hamilton and Haverfordwest through Rob Edwards and Morley Sports Management.

Hamilton has previously stated that Morley Sports Management owns 100 per cent of 1874 Holdings Limited, and that 1874 Holdings in turn owns 97.5 per cent of Hamilton Academical FC.

Haverfordwest County has previously said Morley Sports Management has been the business vehicle behind Edwards’ takeover and funding of the Bluebirds since 2020.

Earlier this month, Haverfordwest County A.F.C. Ltd faced an HM Revenue & Customs winding-up petition at the High Court in London. The case was dismissed on April 15, but only after reaching a live hearing at the Rolls Building, with costs ordered against the company.

Separately, 1874 Holdings has faced a winding-up petition in Scotland. Hamilton later issued a statement acknowledging that petition, while saying the claim is disputed and that the company is seeking dismissal.

The latest Scottish wage claims come against a background of previous disciplinary action involving Hamilton. Earlier this year, the club was punished over failures to pay players on time and in full, resulting in a points deduction following an independent disciplinary process. Hamilton acknowledged that outcome in a club statement.

Companies House has also shown 1874 Holdings with overdue accounts and a strike-off notice. Those are separate processes from a winding-up petition, but they add to the list of recent off-field issues involving companies in the same football network.

There are also operational links between the two clubs. Haverfordwest publicly credited chief executive Beccy Nuttall with key work during the club’s licensing process earlier this month, while Hamilton has also announced Rebecca Nuttall in a senior role there.

The timing of the Haverfordwest case also drew attention because the club announced on April 8 that it had secured both its UEFA licence and FAW Tier 1 licence for the 2026-27 season, even though the HMRC petition remained live at that stage and was not disposed of until April 15.

The Herald contacted the Football Association of Wales for comment on the licensing position last week, but had received no response at the time of publication.

The Hamilton wage claims remain reports from Scotland, and there is no suggestion that Haverfordwest County AFC is facing the same issue. However, the developments are likely to be of interest to Bluebirds supporters because they concern companies and senior figures linked to the same wider football operation.

Sport

Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level

CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.

The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.

Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.

The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.

The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.

Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.

The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.