Sport
Judgement day returns
JUDGEMENT Day is back at Principality Stadium for 2020 – the Guinness PRO14 double-header will see Wales’ Rugby World Cup heroes collide in Cardiff in regional colours on Saturday, April 18, it was confirmed this week.
The Ospreys take on the Dragons at 3pm and Scarlets welcome the Cardiff Blues at 5.15pm as the two teams from the West play host for the first time in the eight year history of the event.
JDVIII sees both Ospreys and Scarlets nominated as the ‘home side’ in the climactic, potentially season-defining, clashes for the first time – meaning their players transfer to the more commonly used international dressing rooms on the ‘tunnel’ side of the Stadium.
Last year the Welsh Rugby Union and regions moved to secure the future of Judgement Day, agreeing a new partnership until 2022 which ensures all four entities benefit directly financially from the agreement, where previously only the home teams gained from ticket income.
All four now play a home game at Principality Stadium as part of Judgement Day in alternate seasons and 80% of the ticket profits for the event are split between the two nominated home sides, with the two away teams receiving 20%.
‘Home’ season ticket holders, so Ospreys and Scarlets fans, gain free entry but must still confirm attendance to reserve their seats with their relevant ticket office by the set deadline of 25th October.
General prices will be £25 middle tier (£10 U16s concession) and £15 for both lower and upper tier adult tickets (including Alcohol Free Zone), although supporters are advised to look-out for offers of £10 adults and £5 U16 which will accompany the official on sale date, likely to be in early November.
“Judgement Day is not only a showpiece event for the Guinness PRO14, but it is also an annual celebration of the domestic game in Wales,” said WRU chairman Gareth Davies.
“Set against the backdrop of Wales’ World Cup campaign in Japan, not to mention the 2020 Guinness Six Nations and whatever twists and turns that may hold for the international side, JDVIII is the chance for our star players to compete on home soil in regional colours.
“The event showcases the best of Welsh rugby at one venue and is always fascinating. Arriving as it does in Round 17 of the league campaign, when all four teams should still have play-off spots to play for, it has the potential to be even bigger and better this year.”
Judgement Day regularly attracts crowds well in excess of 50,000, with the record attendance for the event – and any PRO14 game – standing at 68,262 set in 2016.
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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