Sport

George kicks Wales to victory

Published

5 years ago

March 11, 2019

AMY Evans, Player of the match in Wales Women’s dramatic 17-15 win over Scotland, has hailed the vital importance of Wales Women’s last-gasp victory over Scotland in the Six Nations on Friday night (Mar 8).

Rowland Phillips’ side sealed their first victory of the Women’s Six Nations in Glasgow as Lleucu George showed nerves of steel to kick a match-winning conversion with the final action of the match. “It was so important to get the win this evening,” said prop Evans who produced a stand-out display.

“We knew it was going to be a tough match after our last two encounters against Scotland being so close and we’re all elated to get the win. It was a massive defensive battle in Italy and we managed to put some attacking plays together against England.

“This game was about putting those two elements together and we managed to score two tries and keep them out when we needed to. When Scotland scored at the end, our heads dropped slightly, but Elinor Snowsill gathered us behind the posts and said ‘It takes 10 seconds to score a try, we’ve got six minutes left, and we just need belief.

“We all knuckled down, believed in ourselves, and it was just down to pure hard word and graft in the end.” Scotland had led through Jade Konkel’s seventh-minute try, but a penalty, then a try, by Bethan Lewis put Wales ahead.

Sarah Bonner crossed from a line-out to level and Chloe Rollie put the Scots ahead with five minutes left.

But George successfully converted Siwan Lillicrap’s try to give Wales their first win of the campaign. Evans believes Wales can still improve further and will take confidence from their Scotland win.

“We left lots of opportunities out there that we didn’t exploit, but with the conditions we knew it was going to be a close game,” she added. “We needed to keep it tight rather than risk errors by going out wide.

“We pride ourselves on our set-piece. As a prop that’s what I judge myself on. We had a lot of penalties from the scrum which gave us a platform to play from so we are pleased there and our attacking line-outs were really good too.

“We’re looking forward to coming home for our final game against Ireland. It’s another big game and it will be great to finish the Six Nations with a home crowd behind us.

“Ireland is always a big occasion and a game we play with a lot of heart and passion. We’ll go back and work hard this week and give it our all.”

Head coach Rowland Phillips is equally buoyant on the effect the win will have on the squad. It will lift the whole group.

“We’ve spoken a lot about the character of this group in adverse situtations and to come back and score the try and for a a 19 year old on her first start in the centre to slot the conversion epitomises a real never-give-up attitude.

“To get a win is going to help the development of this group no end. Whatever I say is not going to have the same impact as a win. Getting that result creates an extra energy, step in the stride of the players.

“We’ve put a lot of effort in this campaign. We probably created some opportunities that we we didn’t take on Friday, but we knew it wasn’t gong to be easy. Scotland were physical and very direct.

“We put ourselves under pressure but to manage that last block was really pleasing.

“It’s been a tough tournament, starting with France away. Ireland have always stepped up in the Six Nations and it feels better to come home with a first win under our belt. Everyone will be excited now to get on the pitch against Ireland.

“Women’s rugby is really growing and we’ve had some fantastic coverage and profile during this tournament.

“Friday night’s match was probably one for the purist but I think many people would have seen the character of the group during that match, and the attitude and determination of the girls to represent their country. We have a few bumps and bruises which we’ll assess this week but our preparation and conditioning work pre-season has really helped our fitness and you always bounce back quicker after a win!”

Wales Women play Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, March 17, 1.30pm. Tickets available from Cardiff Blues ticket office

Sport

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

20 hours 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.