Sport
Wales kick off World Cup with a win
WALES got their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign off to an excellent start as they secured a bonus point in their 43-14 win over Georgia.
It was the second ever meeting between the two nations and Wales named a strong side for their World Cup opener which boasted some good experience.
Wales were ahead after just three minutes as Georgia were guilty of a couple of errors.
From the second scrum the ball was thrown to Jonathan Davies who burst through to touch down under the posts. From a seemingly easy position, Dan Biggar snatched at the conversion and kicked it against the posts.
Biggar made amends for that miss five minutes later though as he sent a penalty through the posts for an 8-0 lead.
On 12 minutes, Wales had a lineout which was passed to Biggar who made an excellent pass to Josh Adams who in turn found Gareth Davies but when he was tackled, Justin Tipuric was in the right place to pick the ball up and run through to score under the posts. Biggar made sure of the conversion this time around.
Seven minutes later another lineout resulted in Adams being sent clean through and he dived down wide on the left. Biggar added the conversion for 22-0 lead.
Georgia then looked to get themselves on the board but were thwarted on two occasions by Gareth Davies. The second of those was a knock on which gave the Georgians a scrum.
Wales were penalised for collapsing it and after kicking to touch, Georgia worked the ball to the centre but a knock on halted their momentum.
On the stroke of half time, Ken Owens reversed a pass to Gareth Davies who released namesake Jonathan and his pass was picked up by Liam Williams who dived over for Wales’ fourth try and a bonus point.
Biggar landed the conversion for a 29-0 lead at half time.
At the start of the second half, Wales were guilty of collapsing the maul and Georgia kicked to touch. From the lineout they pushed forwards and it was Shalva Mamukashvili who was eventually credited with the try after a TMO check. Fly-half Tedo Abzhandadzeadded the extras.
Seven minutes in Georgia were penalised for bringing down a driving maul and Jaba Bregvadze was shown a yellow card having only come on to the pitch a few minutes earlier. Wales pushed for another score but the Georgians defended well and were able to clear the ball away.
Georgia survived with fourteen men and looked to get themselves another score but Wales were able to keep them at bay.
Just after the hour mark, George North kicked ahead from the right wing and replacement Tomos Williams ran on to touch the ball down. Biggar again added the extras for a 36-7 lead.
With just over ten minutes to go Wales were penalised at the scrum and Georgia powered themselves through with Chilachava getting the try. The conversion was successful.
Tomos Williams then turned provider as he off-loaded for George North who dived over and replacement Leigh Halfpenny added the extras.
Georgia attacked as the clock ticked past 80 minutes but Wales saw the game out to seal the win.
Wales’ next World Cup game sees them take on Australia on Sunday, kick off 8:45am.
Sport
New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.
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
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.
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