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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Business

Rosemarket Dawn Till Dusk golf club 18-hole plans lodged

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to extend a long-established Pembrokeshire golf club, bringing it up to a full 18 holes, has been submitted to county planners.

In the application, Mr and Mrs Young, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seek a change of use of land adjoining the Dawn Till Dusk Golf Club, Furze Hill Farm, Bastleford Road, Rosemarket, to form an extension to the existing golf course, along with landscaping and associated works.

A supporting statement through the agent says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the enlargement of the existing golf course to provide an additional six holes, to provide a total of 18 holes.

“The proposal would involve minor landscaping works to the fields and boundaries and the creation of a small number of ponds and bunkers. The extension would be located on land to the west of Furze Hill Farm and on the opposite side of the road to the existing golf course and clubhouse.

“An altered access to the land parcel is proposed as part of this application, which would provide an improved route for users crossing the public highway to avoid conflict with movements at the main entrance.

“The application site exceeds 1ha and therefore the proposal is considered major development necessitating a Pre-Application Consultation prior to formally submitting the planning application to the Local Planning Authority.”

It adds: “The existing golf course has operated in excess of 30 years and is popular with both visitors and locals. Club membership currently stands at approximately 350 and there is demand for enhancing the provisions of the course.

“The applicants’ sons have recently increased their involvement in the enterprise and in recent years wet winter months have necessitated the closure of the course, or parts of it, due to the ground becoming waterlogged, primarily due to the flat nature of the existing course.

“The extension would provide variation to the terrain, providing, dryer conditions, as well as the ability to alternate between the existing and proposed to maintain use, enhancing the viability of the enterprise.”

The application will be considered by Pembrokeshire County Council planners at a later date.

News

Haverfordwest sailor leads global team to historic victory in Korea

Published

2 days ago

March 18, 2026

Herald Sport

Lou Boorman celebrates home port win in round-the-world yacht race

A HAVERFORDWEST-born sailor has led her team to a landmark victory on the global stage, winning a major leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as it arrived in South Korea.

Lou Boorman, aged 23, skippered Team Tongyeong to first place as the fleet sailed into the Korean port city this week (Mar 16), marking a historic moment for the race.

The win is particularly significant as it is the first time the round-the-world event has ever stopped in Korea – and the home team claimed the top spot.

Speaking from the yacht after crossing the finish line, Lou said: “We did it, we performed under the pressure! To get a win into our home port, I can die happy!”

From Pembrokeshire to the world stage

Lou, who grew up in Haverfordwest, has quickly risen through the ranks of competitive sailing. Before taking on the challenge of leading a Clipper Race team, she had already secured titles as British, Irish and Welsh Female Champion.

Now skippering one of the race’s international teams, she is responsible not only for navigation and strategy, but also for leading a diverse crew – many of whom had never sailed before joining the race.

The Clipper Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges in sport, covering 40,000 nautical miles over eleven months, with crews facing extreme weather conditions ranging from freezing Pacific crossings to equatorial heat.

High-stakes gamble pays off

Team Tongyeong took a major risk during this stage, playing its ‘Joker’ card – a race tactic that doubles points if successful.

The gamble paid off, earning the team maximum points and securing their place at the top of the leaderboard.

Lou said: “We’ve worked really hard and put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Going into our home port there is a lot of pressure to perform, and we added to that pressure by playing our Joker – and we got twenty points, so I’m very proud of the team.”

This marks the team’s second win in recent stages, building momentum as they pass the halfway point of the global race.

Life at sea and leadership challenges

Reflecting on her journey so far, Lou highlighted the challenges of leadership as much as the physical demands of sailing.

She said: “Sometimes the sailing comes second to the people because they are the important ones. To lead them through that is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.”

She added: “My favourite thing about sailing is the magic of the sea, the stars, the storms and the remoteness. I feel free and at my happiest at sea.”

Global race continues

The Clipper Race fleet will remain in Tongyeong for a week of cultural events before setting off across the North Pacific towards Seattle.

The race will later visit Panama, Washington DC, and Oban before returning to Portsmouth this summer, completing a full circumnavigation of the globe.

For Pembrokeshire, Lou’s achievement puts a local name firmly on the world sailing map – and highlights the global reach of talent from West Wales.

Sport

New2Golf scheme returns to South Pembrokeshire Golf Club

Published

3 days ago

March 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Six-week beginner programme offers affordable route into the sport

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE GOLF CLUB is preparing to launch its popular New2Golf scheme for 2026, with the latest intake starting on Monday (Apr 13).

Now in its eighth year at the Pembroke Dock course, the initiative offers a low-cost and welcoming introduction to golf. All equipment and professional tuition are included for a small fee, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities – including complete beginners who have never picked up a club before.

The scheme is also ideal for those who have previously played golf and are looking to return to the game after a break.

Participants will receive coaching from qualified golf professionals at the club’s practice ground during early evening sessions over a six-week period. There will also be an option to continue with further sessions after the initial programme.

Golf provides a great opportunity to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. As a low-impact sport, it allows players to gradually build fitness while learning new skills. Whether approached competitively or socially, it offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors.

Last year’s New2Golf intake ranged in age from eight to 70, highlighting the sport’s broad appeal and accessibility.

Located in Pennar, Pembroke Dock, South Pembrokeshire Golf Club enjoys scenic views over the Haven waterway. The club has a thriving membership across junior, ladies’, men’s and seniors’ sections, and prides itself on being friendly and supportive to new players.

Members regularly help newcomers develop their skills on the course, offering guidance on rules, techniques and course play.

The clubhouse also serves as a social hub, offering home-cooked food, a bar and meeting facilities, with a busy calendar of events throughout the year.

Anyone who has ever considered taking up golf – or returning to the sport – is encouraged to get involved.

For more information or to enrol in the 2026 New2Golf scheme, contact [email protected] or visit the Wales Golf website.

New2Golf is organised and supported by Wales Golf.