Sport
Pembroke edged out by Bont
PONTYBEREM came from behind to earn an excellent victory over promotion rivals Pembroke on Saturday (Mar 2) as they earned a 21-17 victory.
The clash between two of the league’s top three had been eagerly anticipated but it was the visitors who eventually came out on top.
Both sides went into the game with unbeaten runs of eight (Pembroke) and seven (Pontyberem) respectively so something had to give.
James Prosser got Pontyberem’s first try of the game and Dominic Sauro added the extra two points to put them 0-7 ahead.
Pembroke then hit back well and scored their first try through Sam Smith after some sustained pressure.
Another excellent move followed and it was finished off by Shaun Dalling under the posts and Toby Smith added the extras.
With the score 12-7 at half time the game was still very much up for grabs and it looked as if Pembroke would get the first score of the second half when Tom Harding-Jones kicked the ball forward but possession was lost after a knock on.
Pontyberem went up the other end and after a spell of pressure it was they who got the first score when Dom Sauro kicked a penalty through the posts to make it 12-10.
The visitors then had a man sent to the sin bin and four minutes later Pembroke increased their lead.
A stunning run from Harding-Jones saw him bulldoze his way through and cut inside to score an excellent try. The conversion from Toby Smith was short and Pembroke now led 17-10.
The restart from the Bont was kicked long but a Pembroke player carried the ball into touch when trying to catch the ball giving possession straight back. The visitors made their way over to the right but were penalised for holding on.
Moments later the visitors scored another penalty with Sauro making no mistake to bring the score to 17-13.
Pontyberem came close again but a knock on gave the ball back to Pembroke.
However, the visitors came forward again and were rewarded with a try for winger Tom Lloyd.
That put them into the lead at 17-18 and another penalty from Sauro increased their lead to 17-21.
Pembroke tried to get a late score which would have seen them snatch victory but it didn’t come and they were forced to settle for a losing bonus point.
The win for Pontyberem brings them to within a point of now second placed Pembroke and five points off leaders Penclawdd.
The Bont have a game in hand on both sides and could be top of the table if they win it.
Both sides now take a two week break and are in action again on Saturday, March 23, when Pembroke travel to Mumbles and Pontyberem travel to Loughor.
Sadly, after the game it was confirmed that influential Pontyberem centre Mikey Jenkins, who was carried off late in the game, had been diagnosed with a multiple fracture of his ankle. All at the Herald wishes Mikey a speedy recovery.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
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.
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.
Sport
Fox’s Fantastic Clarby shock the county to win Senior Cup
Strong favourites Goodwick United were expected by many to be lifting the senior cup again come Saturday afternoon. However Clarbeston Road had other ideas, we warned they were a dangerous opponent with pressure off, this proved to be the case.
A healthy crowd at the Bridge Meadow were treated to an excellent final, often cagey perhaps boring affairs this final was far from boring. It took just seven minutes for the deadlock to be broken when Clarby captain Rheinallt George put the underdogs ahead. However just before the twenty minute mark his opposite number in Scott Delaney squared things up with a trademark header.
Goodwick then took the lead when another set piece caused problems for Clarby who failed to deal with a free kick before Rhys Dalling latched onto the loose ball to volley his team into the lead. However the lead was short lived as the impressive Jake Booth found the net at the second time of asking to make it all square at the break.
Halfway through the second half another set piece led to the equaliser when Matthew Davies headed home a Laurie Haworth corner. Goodwick manager O’Sullivan rung the changes in search of a way to find an equaliser. Newly introduced striker Nathan Greene was fouled in the box and Rhys Jones had the chance to level the cup final, however Rhys Mansell had other ideas and he saved the penalty. The save gave his team a huge boast and belief that this could be their day, and indeed it was.
Most of the season we have hyped up the quality and character of this Clarby team and praised Matthew Fox and his players. Fox has done a excellent job and this is just rewards, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Clarby began this cup run by beating Hakin who have dominated this cup for so many years. An excellent achievement for all involved and an interesting plot going into next season, will Clarby be able to challange Goodwick in the league also.
For Goodwick it’ll be a bitterly disappointing defeat in a season of such dominance just the one trophy will be the least most expected from this quality side. Many thought Goodwick would win the treble and they were certainly capable, which will be the frustrating factor for the Goodwick management.
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