Sport
Nuemann set to make first start for Wales
FULLBACK Lisa Neumann will make her first start for Wales at Donnybrook this Sunday (Feb 25) (15:00) in Round Three of the Women’s Six Nations.
The 23-year-old from Pembrokeshire is the only new player in the starting line-up to face Ireland. Meanwhile, loosehead prop Cara Hope could win her first international cap from the bench.
“Lisa has been pushing hard for a place in the starting team and she deserves her opportunity this Sunday,” said Phillips, who has enjoyed the benefit of having former Wales international Gareth Wyatt coaching the backs since the start of the tournament. “We have a lot of talented back-three players in the squad, so we think Lisa will slot in well alongside Hannah Bluck and Jess Kavanagh-Williams – two players who pose threats from the wing.”
Phillips recently spoke about his team not being burdened by an “emotional hangover” from the result at the Twickenham Stoop, and insists that preparations for Ireland have been geared towards one thing. “We need to show that we’re improving in the areas that we’ve been working on this year,” said Phillips. “This will be a game between two very evenly-matched teams, and coming off the back of the last match we’re very keen to give a good account of ourselves.”
The last time both teams met in competition was during the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August – a game Wales won by 10 points at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. However, Phillips says that result won’t count for much come Sunday in Donnybrook, particularly after Ireland’s winning performance in a pre-Women’s Six Nations friendly with Wales in Ystrad Mynach earlier this year.
“Ireland were competing for a Grand Slam going into the final game of the competition last year, so we know how much of a strong team they are. The World Cup was a bit of an anomaly for them, so they’ve had a point to prove since then.
“They’ve got a lot of new personnel across the board, but the team is settled and experienced. It’s up for us to show what we’re about as a team. We’ll certainly be prepared for a hugely competitive match in front of a boisterous Irish crowd this Sunday.”
Wales Women team to face Ireland:
15 Lisa Neumann (Scarlets)
14 Hannah Bluck (Cardiff Blues)
13 Kerin Lake (Ospreys)
12 Rebecca De Filippo (Dragons)
11 Jess Kavanagh-Williams (RGC)
10 Elinor Snowsill (Dragons)
9 Rhiannon Parker (Cardiff Blues)
1 Caryl Thomas (Scarlets)
2 Carys Phillips (c) (Ospreys)
3 Amy Evans (Ospreys)
4 Siwan Lillicrap (Ospreys)
5 Mel Clay (Ospreys)
6 Alisha Butchers (Scarlets)
7 Beth Lewis (Scarlets)
8 Sioned Harries (Scarlets)
Replacements
16 Kelsey Jones (Ospreys)
17 Cara Hope (Ospreys)*
18 Meg York (Dragons)
19 Natalia John (Ospreys)
20 Nia Elen Davies (Scarlets)
21 Jade Knight (Scarlets)
22 Robyn Wilkins (Ospreys)
23 Hannah Jones (Scarlets)
Sport
Young Crymych players step up to senior stage
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.
Sport
Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals
Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success
TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.
The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.
Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.
The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.
Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”
Caption:
Winners: Tenby United RFC’s under 14s celebrate their District H final victory.
Sport
Carew set early pace as rain disrupts Pembrokeshire cricket programme
RAIN played a major part in Week 2 of the Nicholas Insurance Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League, with several Division 1 fixtures abandoned after strong first-innings performances.
Carew made the biggest statement in the top flight, cruising to a ten-wicket win over St Ishmaels to move clear at the top of the table.
St Ishmaels were bowled out for 110, with Tim Hicks (3-18), Shaun Whitfield (3-14) and Logan Hall (2-27) doing the damage. Carew then eased to 111-0, Hicks completing an outstanding all-round display with 55 not out, alongside Morgan Grieve’s unbeaten 54.

Elsewhere, Narberth piled up 301-7 before rain intervened against Herbrandston, Jamie McCormack hitting a superb 104. Lawrenny (297-7) and Burton (203-7) also posted big totals before the weather had the final say.
Division 1 results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Cresselly 30-2 v Burton 203-7 | Match abandoned |
| Narberth 301-7 v Herbrandston 51-0 | Match abandoned |
| Whitland 10-0 v Lawrenny 297-7 | Match abandoned |
| Saundersfoot 205-7 v Neyland | Match abandoned |
| Carew 111-0 v St Ishmaels 110 all out | Carew won by 10 wickets |
Division 1 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carew | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 2 | Saundersfoot | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 27 |
| 3 | Herbrandston | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 25 |
| 4 | Neyland | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 25 |
| 5 | Narberth | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 20 |
| 6 | St Ishmaels | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 15 |
| 7 | Burton | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 8 | Whitland | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 9 | Cresselly | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| 10 | Lawrenny | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
Johnston lead strong Division 2 pack
Johnston sit top after a dominant 135-run win over Llangwm, powered by Lewis Boswell’s 99 and Steve Mills’ 62.
Hook maintained their perfect start, edging Haverfordwest by four wickets, while Cresselly II brushed aside Llechryd by nine wickets after bowling them out for just 41.
Division 2 results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Llechryd 41 all out v Cresselly II 44-1 | Cresselly II won by 9 wickets |
| Llanrhian 155-5 v Fishguard 154-7 | Llanrhian won by 5 wickets |
| Hook 143-6 v Haverfordwest 142-9 | Hook won by 4 wickets |
| Llangwm 106 all out v Johnston 241-6 | Johnston won by 135 runs |
| Pembroke Dock 152-2 v Pembroke 168-8 | Match abandoned |
Division 2 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnston | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| 2 | Hook | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 37 |
| 3 | Cresselly II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 4 | Pembroke | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 28 |
| 5 | Haverfordwest | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 |
| 6 | Pembroke Dock | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 23 |
| 7 | Llanrhian | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 22 |
| 8 | Fishguard | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 16 |
| 9 | Llangwm | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 |
| 10 | Llechryd | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Kilgetty and Carew II lead Division 3 race
Kilgetty and Carew II are locked together at the top after two wins from two.
Lamphey produced one of the standout performances of the week, hammering Burton II by 155 runs, while Laugharne continued their unbeaten start.
Division 3 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kilgetty | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
| 2 | Carew II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
| 3 | Laugharne | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 37 |
| 4 | Lamphey | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 28 |
| 5 | Saundersfoot II | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 26 |
| 6 | Hundleton | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 |
| 7 | Haverfordwest II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 14 |
| 8 | Stackpole | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 14 |
| 9 | Pembroke II | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
| 10 | Burton II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
Narberth II lead Division 4
Narberth II sit top after a five-wicket win over Neyland II, thanks to Jordan Howell’s unbeaten 88.
Hook II edged a thriller by one wicket, while Haverfordwest III also maintained a perfect start.
Division 4 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Narberth II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 39 |
| 2 | Hook II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 3 | Haverfordwest III | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 4 | Lawrenny II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| 5 | Crymych | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 29 |
| 6 | Llechryd II | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 28 |
| 7 | Neyland II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| 8 | St Ishmaels II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| 9 | Herbrandston II | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 13 |
| 10 | Carew III | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 11 |
Rowlands ton headlines Division 5
Tom Rowlands’ superb 108 guided Cresselly III to victory, while Llanrhian II remain joint top after a crushing win featuring Rick Walton’s remarkable 8-13.
Division 5 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Llanrhian II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| 2 | Cresselly III | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| 3 | Whitland II | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
| 4 | Llangwm II | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| 5 | Pembroke III | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 6 | Llechryd III | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 11 |
| 7 | Pembroke Dock II | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| 8 | Hundleton II | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
Lamphey II top Division 6
Lamphey II lead the way after edging a tight contest against Haverfordwest IV, while Whitland III produced a dominant win over Neyland III.
Division 6 table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | Ab | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamphey II | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 2 | Haverfordwest IV | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 27 |
| 3 | Whitland III | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
| 4 | Laugharne II | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| 5 | H’West/Cresselly | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 17 |
| 6 | Neyland III | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| 7 | Kilgetty II | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
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