Sport

Mariners take derby spoils

Published

6 years ago

October 28, 2018

MILFORD HAVEN inflicted a first defeat of the season on league leaders Neyland as they beat them 21-15 in a typical derby clash at the Athletic Ground on Saturday (Oct 27).

It was an excellent game with both sides showing plenty of commitment with some strong tackles and determination to get one over on their rivals.

A good crowd also gathered for the game and they saw George Evans put the home side ahead with an early penalty, (3-0).

They thought they had added to their lead when Richard Jones went over in the corner but play had been called back for an infringement at the lineout.

The Mariners looked to get themselves on the board and began to dominate the scrums, pushing Neyland back on numerous occasions.

With twenty minutes gone, the ball was worked from a scrum to former All Black Steve Martin whose pass was knocked on deliberately according to the referee who marched under the posts to award a penalty try before sending the offending Patrick Bellerby to the sinbin, (3-7).

Possession switched back and forth between the two sides as Neyland had a chance with a 5-metre scrum but it was Milford’s Dan Birch who emerged with the ball before being halted by a good tackle.

Alex Codd then tried his luck for the home side with a gutsy run but his pass wasn’t taken and was knocked on.

Milford then made their way into Neyland territory before being tackled out of play. The resulting throw went to a Milford player and the ball was eventually played out to David Round who barged over for the try. Dan McLelland then added the extra two points, (3-14).

The Mariners again won the ball back off a Neyland scrum but there was no further score before half time.

Both sides traded tries at the start of the second half with Bellerby scoring for the All Blacks while Evan Morgan scored for the visitors, (8-21).

Bellerby then broke and passed to Codd but his pass went backwards before being knocked on.

As Neyland looked to get back in the game, both sides upped their play but a late tackle on a Neyland player sparked a confrontation between players while a Neyland coach attending to their player also voiced his dissatisfaction with the challenge.

After all had calmed down two Neyland players, Sam Cataki and Owain Evans, were sent to the sinbin before Milford were marched forward by the referee.

The resulting play saw Milford again pushed themselves forward and they thought they had scored a try only for it to be disallowed for a knock on.

From a second scrum, Milford again pushed and looked to have scored again but were penalised once more for not binding properly.

Those two reprieves kept Neyland in the game and they then went up the other end, despite being down to 13 men, with George Evans finding Henry McBeth who returned the ball to Evans who duly ran in under the posts. Evans then added the extras to bring the All Blacks within six points, (15-21).

Lee Riley then came close for the home side but his run was halted by another good tackle.

Neyland’s two players in the bin then came back on before a late tackle by David Round, seen this time by the referee, resulted in him being shown a yellow card.

The home side pushed for a late score but were kept out by a combination of good Milford defending and a couple of errors and meant they were unable to find a winning score.

Both sides now take a break from league action as Wales kick off their autumn internationals. The sides return to action on November 10 as Neyland travel to Haverfordwest while Milford Haven welcome Llanybydder.

Related Topics:All Blacks derby League 3 West A Mariners Milford Haven Neyland Rugby

Up Next

Neyland leave it late to sink Herbie

Don't Miss

Milford earn thrilling draw

Sport

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Herald Sport

Division Four Cup Final

New Hedges Saundersfoot 7-1 St Ishmaels Reserves

The Division Four Cup Final between New Hedges Saundersfoot and St Ishmaels reserves took place at Monkton Swifts, witnessed by an eager crowd. The game, officiated by Sean O’Connor, with Gareth Elliot and Dean Driscoll as assistant referees, promised an intense battle for the coveted trophy.

From the onset, New Hedges Saundersfoot showcased their dominance. Owen, Miles, Davidson, and Marsh all getting on the score sheet leading to an impressive goal tally.

The Mice never gave up and battled well but they struggled to contain their opponent’s attacking quality. Thomas Williams managed the one and only goal for Tish.

The final score stood at an emphatic 7-1 in favor of New Hedges Saundersfoot, underlining their superiority throughout the match.

New Hedges Saundersfoot emerged as deserved victors, clinching the silverware and adding a significant achievement to their season. Their comprehensive victory in the cup final will undoubtedly be celebrated by players and fans alike. Despite falling short of promotion in their league campaign, this triumph will serve as a testament to their talent and resilience on the field.

In conclusion, the Division Four Cup Final witnessed a commendable display of skill and determination from both teams. Congratulations to New Hedges Saundersfoot for their outstanding performance and well-deserved victory in the final.

News

Tigers second division Cup Champions

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Sport

Promotion, relegation and everything in between.

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

As we come to the end of the 2023-2024 season it’s time to look at the winners and losers so to speak as most promotion and relegation battles are now all sewn up.

We begin at the very top where Goodwick United have blown away the first division to become deserved champions elect. At the opposite end of the table Fishguard Sports struggled all season and we comfortably relegated, going down with them are Neyland who’s relegation was confirmed a few weeks ago. Neither team were cut adrift and battled right until the end which is credit to both outfits, sometimes relegation can act as a spring broad and both clubs will be hoping this is the case.

Monkton Swifts reserves were the outstanding team in the second division and were a cut above the rest on their journey to becoming league champions on 56 points with an impressive plus 61 goal difference. As Monkton can’t be promoted due to their first team being in the first division it allowed both Herbrandston and St Ishmaels to be promoted. Herbrandston finished in third on 40 points, whilst the Mice just beat them to second place ending up on 42 points. Both clubs will now use the summer to prepare for the step up that awaits.

At the opposite end of the division, Cosheston never really got going and after their points deduction ended on a lowly 6 points which is never going to be enough to avoid relegation. The second relegation place was much closer with St Clears, Carew reserves and Broad Haven all being in a dog fight for the majority of the season. Broad Haven showed good fight and character which steered them clear of trouble while Carew found form at a key time, which means St Clears will play their football in the third division next season.