IN a new appeal on social media, Carmel Russant has called on residents of Pembroke Dock to assist in the investigation into the death of Sian Batchelor, whose body was discovered on a beach in Pembrokeshire.

32-year-old Sian Batchelor was found near Pennar in Pembroke Dock around 5pm on Tuesday, 30 April. Described by her family as a “beautiful, funny and lovely person,” the news of her death has left the community in shock and mourning.

Taking to Facebook, Ms. Russant urgently requested locals to check their doorbell and CCTV footage, specifically targeting Military Road and the area heading towards Pennar Park on the 29th and 30th of April. This community-driven initiative aims to gather any possible clues that could explain the tragic circumstances surrounding Ms. Batchelor’s final days.

The police, who have also launched a full investigation following the discovery, are supporting Ms. Russant’s call for community assistance. They are keen to understand Ms. Batchelor’s movements between Thursday, 25 April, and her death, hoping that public contributions will shed light on this mystery.

The family of Ms. Batchelor has expressed their devastation, remembering her as a “funny and loving person” and cherishing the memories they shared. While they seek privacy during this difficult time, they support the community’s efforts to uncover the truth behind Sian’s untimely demise.

Residents with any information or footage that might be relevant are encouraged to come forward and speak to the authorities or contact Ms. Russant or Maria Matthews directly. The collaboration between the police and the community exemplifies the collective endeavour to find answers and provide closure for Ms. Batchelor’s family.

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101.

THE sporting community of Pembrokeshire witnessed an exceptional display of youth rugby talent on Thursday evening (May 9) at Narberth RFC.

The grounds were buzzing with excitement as they hosted the finals for both the Youth Cup and Youth Plate competitions, attracting large crowds and garnering considerable acclaim for the quality and intensity of the matches played.

The evening kicked off with the Youth Plate final, where Tenby United, known affectionately as ‘The Young Seasiders,’ triumphed over Narberth’s own ‘Young Otters’ with a score of 39-22. The Seasiders showcased a robust performance, and their captain Kyle Rossiter had the honor of receiving the trophy from Delyth Summons, a representative from District H of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), marking a memorable moment for the team.

As the anticipation built, the spotlight then shifted to the main event of the evening: the Pembrokeshire Youth Cup Final. Pembroke Youth faced their closest league rivals, Aberystwyth Youth, in what was set to be a thrilling showdown. Pembroke, led by their captain and second row Max Boswell, demonstrated tactical superiority and a relentless drive that saw them overpower Aberystwyth with a comfortable 33-13 victory. This win not only gave Pembroke the cup but also secured them the prestigious league and cup double for the 2023/24 season.

The match was meticulously overseen by referee Andrew ‘Twts’ Thomas, along with assistant referees Dave Byrne and Carwyn Evans, who together ensured a fair and competitive match environment.

Pembroke’s strategy unfolded brilliantly on the field with notable performances by centre Kobi Bratcher, outside half Bowyn Clarke, and No. 8 Zac Shaw, whose contributions were pivotal in the team’s decisive surge in the second half. This trio helped expand Pembroke’s lead with three additional scores, pushing the final tally to 32-13.

Despite the widening gap, Aberystwyth Youth displayed commendable spirit and tenacity.

The team, which had finished second in the league, managed to claw back into the game briefly in the final quarter.

Notable efforts by scrum half Ben Breeze-Griffiths, alongside Rhys Willets-Jones and Cerith Williams, exemplified Aberystwyth’s resilience, as they scored late points that added a layer of respectability to the final score line and highlighted the quality of their play.

Post-match, Youth Organiser Ceni Davies praised the high level of rugby displayed, noting the tight control maintained by the officials which allowed both teams to showcase their fitness, pace, and skill.

This sentiment was echoed by the large and passionate crowd, reinforcing the match as a standout event in the local sports calendar.

The coaches of Pembroke, Phil Greenwood and Mark Boswell, were visibly thrilled with the outcome. They praised their team’s unwavering commitment and the strategic execution that led to their undefeated season culminating in the double win.

Their counterparts from Aberystwyth, led by Wayne Thomas and Llyr ap Hywel, while disappointed with the loss, expressed pride in their team’s performance and the fierce competition they provided.

The success of these finals is a testament to the vibrant youth rugby scene in Pembrokeshire. It not only celebrates the achievements of the teams and players involved but also highlights the community’s strong support for developing young athletes.

As the season concludes, both teams look forward to building on this experience, aiming for greater success in future competitions.

THE WRU is intensifying efforts to preserve Welsh talent and prevent young players from being lured to England, amid a growing concern over the loss of dual-qualified athletes. This strategic shift includes the expansion of the exile programme and the establishment of a robust scouting network within England.

Recent high-profile defections have underscored the urgency of this initiative. Cardiff-born Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Haverfordwest’s Kane James are among the notable young talents who have crossed the Severn Bridge, opting to pursue their careers in England, with Feyi-Waboso making his senior debut for England in this year’s Six Nations.

Richard Whiffin, Wales Under-20s coach, emphasised the critical need to address this trend during the Six Nations, stating, “We have to start challenging some of the issues, especially around dual-qualified players. These are the battles we need to get hold of because it’s turning into a race to the bottom.”

To counteract this, the WRU is investing in the exiles programme, aiming to improve scholarship offers with Welsh educational institutions and create a network of scouts specifically targeted at identifying Welsh talent in English schools. Huw Bevan, WRU Performance Director, highlighted the importance of engaging these players not just in the rugby system but in fostering a sense of Welsh identity. “We have to look at identifying talent already in other countries, but particularly England. We need to engage them in the system but also in the feeling of being Welsh, not just Welsh-qualified,” Bevan explained.

The WRU’s plans include collaboration with 20 coaches within the English education system, who are of Welsh descent and keen to participate in scouting potential players. This initiative is crucial to persuade young talents to stay and develop their rugby careers within Wales, rather than accepting scholarships at English schools.

Gruff Rees, Cardiff’s academy manager, noted the historical disconnection that contributed to the exodus, citing a decade of inadequate support for regional age-grade programmes by the union. The situation has been exacerbated by recent budget cuts across Welsh regions, forcing a shift towards developing homegrown talent.

The emphasis on improving the quality and appeal of both rugby and educational programmes within Wales is seen as key to retaining young players. Josh Hathaway, a promising full-back from Aberystwyth who now plays for Gloucester and has represented England Under-20s, exemplifies the type of talent Wales is striving to keep.

The WRU’s approach also seeks to promote the benefits of Welsh education systems, as highlighted by Bevan’s mention of an upturn in interest at Coleg y Cwmoedd following the success of its graduates Cam Winnett and Mackenzie Martin, both recent Wales caps.

In response to the funding challenges and the need for a sustainable talent pipeline, Welsh regions are focused on nurturing and utilising local talent more effectively. The efforts to ensure talented players consider educational opportunities in Wales as seriously as those across the border are intensifying, as the WRU aims to build a future where Welsh rugby talent thrives within its national borders.

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