Sport

Otters and Wanderers battle to draw

Published

5 years ago

August 23, 2021

ON Saturday, August 21, Narberth RFC took a Development squad to Llanelli Wanderers who currently play in Division 1 West.

The starting 15 consisted of five young players making their debuts for the club at this level namely Prop Ifan James, flanker Josh Hamer, centre Ryan Scourfield and wings Lewys Thomson and Steffan Thomas. Unfortunately Lewys Thomson pulled a hamstring muscle in the warm up and was replaced by another debutant Ioan Phillips.

For the first twenty minutes the teams were evenly matched with both players and spectators alike getting used to the new rules of tap ‘penalties’ instead of scrums.

Both teams attempted to play attacking open rugby but with defences holding up there was no score until the 24th minute when Llanelli Wanderers were awarded a penalty and their full back kicked the goal to make the score 3-0 to the home team.

Just before half time veteran scrum half Rhys Lane put his opposite number under pressure at a scrum, robbed him of possession and darted downfield.

When tackled, the ball was quickly recycled and passed along the Narberth back division ably supported by No.8 Guto Davies who made an initial break before passing to Steff Phillips who in turn flicked the ball inside to centre Joe Hutchings who scored a try midway out.

Fly Half Ianto Griffiths narrowly failed with the conversion. Despite some enterprising rugby by both teams the first half ended without further score with the Otters leading 5-3.

Both teams made changes at half time with youngsters Tom Clarke and Jordan James replacing Bradley Davies and Rhys Lane for the Otters.

Wanderers made the better start to the second half and only stern defence from the Narberth back row and centres Joe Hutchings and Ryan Scourfield kept the home team out.

Then after 60 minutes a set move from the Wanderers backs saw their blind side winger burst through a gap in the Narberth defence and score a try under the posts which was converted to make the score 10- 5 to the home team.

Further changes were made in the Otters line up with another debutant, Will Hughes, replacing Steffan Thomas, George MacDonald replacing Jordan James and hooker Rhodri Owens having to move to blindside flanker to replace Tom Powell who had pulled a hamstring muscle.

At this stage the Narberth team managed to raise their game and came close to scoring on several occasions with strong bursts through the Wanderers defences by Steff Phillips, Guto Davies and Rhodri Owens.

Full Back Dafydd Pritchard almost got over in the corner only to be brought back by the referee for a forward pass.

Eventually, with ten minutes to go, the Otters were awarded a penalty and kicked to the corner. From the lineout the Otters formed a rolling maul which resulted in Rhodri Owens diving over the line for a try which evened the scores at 10-10.

Both teams threw everything into attack during the final minutes in an attempt to win the game and with the last play Narberth winger Ioan Phillips was put away with the try line seemingly at his mercy only to be brought back once again by the referee for a forward pass who then blew the whistle for full time.

Head Coach, Sean Gale, said after the match that he was pleased with the way the game had gone. It was a tough workout for a team full of youngsters looking to impress and they had stood up to the task with great determination and had fought hard to get back into the game to earn a draw and with a little bit of luck could have edged a win.

News

Long Course Weekend set to bring thousands to Pembrokeshire

Published

4 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Herald Sport

Three days of swimming, cycling and running will once again transform Tenby into one of the UK’s biggest endurance sporting festivals

TENBY is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators from across the UK and around the world as the Long Course Weekend returns to Pembrokeshire from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28.

Now firmly established as one of Europe’s largest participation sporting events, Long Course Weekend Wales combines swimming, cycling and running challenges over three days, attracting everyone from elite athletes to first-time competitors.

Unlike a traditional triathlon, competitors can enter one, two or all three disciplines, choosing distances that suit their ability. Those who complete the full long-course distances across all three days earn the coveted fourth medal, one of the event’s most sought-after prizes.

Three days of endurance

The weekend begins on Friday evening with the Wales Swim off Tenby’s famous North Beach.

Athletes will take to the waters of Carmarthen Bay in a range of distances, including the iconic 2.4-mile swim, while younger participants will have the chance to get involved through the popular LC Kinder event.

Saturday is dedicated to cycling, with thousands of riders expected to tackle the Pembrokeshire countryside during the Wales Sportive. Routes cater for a variety of abilities, from recreational cyclists to seasoned endurance competitors taking on the full long-course challenge.

The weekend reaches its climax on Sunday with a series of running events, including a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon.

The marathon route is regarded as one of the most scenic and demanding road races in Wales, taking runners through some of Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular coastal and rural scenery before the final run back into Tenby and the cheers of thousands of spectators.

A major boost for the local economy

Long Course Weekend has become one of Pembrokeshire’s most important annual events.

Hotels, guest houses, campsites, restaurants, cafés and shops across Tenby, Saundersfoot and the wider county benefit from the influx of visitors, many of whom stay for several nights.

For many businesses, the event provides a welcome boost at the start of the summer season, filling accommodation and generating significant spending across the local economy.

The event has also helped establish Tenby as one of Britain’s leading destinations for endurance sport alongside the annual Ironman Wales competition.

Spectators welcome

One of the defining features of Long Course Weekend is the support provided by local communities.

From the swim start on North Beach to villages along the cycling and running routes, competitors are encouraged by thousands of spectators throughout the weekend.

The finish-line atmosphere in Tenby is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the event, with runners and cyclists greeted by packed crowds as they complete their challenge.

Families, residents and visitors are encouraged to come along and support participants, with viewing areas available throughout the course.

Road closures and travel advice

Residents are being urged to plan journeys carefully throughout the weekend.

Organisers have confirmed that the Wales Sportive cycling event will once again operate without full road closures, although motorists should expect increased numbers of cyclists on roads across south Pembrokeshire and are urged to drive with extra care.

Traffic restrictions and road closures will, however, be in place around Tenby and along parts of the running routes on Sunday.

Drivers should allow extra travel time and check the latest information from organisers before setting out.

Emergency access arrangements will remain in place throughout the weekend and organisers have worked closely with emergency services, local authorities and transport providers to minimise disruption while ensuring participant safety.

What to expect

For three days, Tenby becomes the centre of the endurance sports world.

Visitors can expect a festival atmosphere throughout the town, with athletes arriving from across Britain and overseas, cafés and restaurants bustling with activity, and competitors of all ages taking on personal challenges.

Some will be chasing podium places. Others will simply be aiming to cross the finish line.

Whatever their goal, Long Course Weekend continues to showcase Pembrokeshire at its best, combining world-class sporting competition with some of the finest scenery in Wales.

As thousands gather once again on the county’s coastline this weekend, organisers are promising another unforgettable celebration of endurance, determination and community spirit.

Long Course Weekend 2026 at a glance

Friday, June 26

Wales Swim
LC Kinder children’s events

Saturday, June 27

Wales Sportive cycling events

Sunday, June 28

5K run
10K run
Half marathon
Full marathon

Location: Tenby and surrounding Pembrokeshire routes

Spectators: Free to attend

Advice: Check road closure information before travelling and allow extra time for journeys throughout the weekend.

Sport

Pembroke County Cricket League: Week nine round-up

Published

14 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Herald Sport

Saundersfoot extend Division One lead as Cresselly III continue unbeaten run

SAUNDERSFOOT strengthened their position at the top of Division One in the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League with a convincing 145-run win over Burton.

Tom Mansbridge led the way with 86 as Saundersfoot posted 219-6, before Burton were bowled out for 74. Ollie Cook finished unbeaten on 20 and took 3-17, while Sam Franklin added 20 and 2-17.

Carew also enjoyed a strong afternoon, bowling Herbrandston out for 77 before reaching 79-2 to win by eight wickets. George Waters was the standout performer with 7-15, while Morgan Grieve made an unbeaten 61.

Cresselly kept themselves in the Division One chase with an eight-wicket win over Lawrenny. Mike Shaw took 4-10 before Tom Murphy’s unbeaten 105 saw Cresselly home.

Narberth beat Whitland by 103 runs, while St Ishmaels defeated Neyland by four wickets.

Division One results

Fixture	Result
Saundersfoot 219-6 v Burton 74 all out	Saundersfoot won by 145 runs
Carew 79-2 v Herbrandston 77 all out	Carew won by eight wickets
Cresselly 178-2 v Lawrenny 173 all out	Cresselly won by eight wickets
Whitland 108-9 v Narberth 211-4	Narberth won by 103 runs
St Ishmaels 139-6 v Neyland 137-8	St Ishmaels won by four wickets

Division One table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Saundersfoot	9	148
2	Carew	9	126
3	Neyland	9	117
4	Cresselly	9	116
5	Burton	9	99
6	Herbrandston	9	95
7	Narberth	9	78
8	St Ishmaels	9	64
9	Whitland	9	49
10	Lawrenny	9	47

Hook stay top in Division Two

HOOK remain top of Division Two after a dramatic one-wicket win over Johnston.

Johnston were bowled out for 137, with Callum James taking 4-26 and Brennan Martin 3-37. Hook then edged home on 141-9, helped by Aled Phelps’ 68.

Haverfordwest kept up the pressure with a seven-wicket win over Pembroke. Simon Williams took 5-11 and Fin Ateyo 4-19 before Ben Field’s unbeaten 43 guided Haverfordwest to victory.

Cresselly II beat Llangwm by 11 runs, Fishguard defeated Pembroke Dock by 18 runs, and Llechryd beat Llanrhian by 71 runs.

Division Two results

Fixture	Result
Llangwm 155 all out v Cresselly II 166 all out	Cresselly II won by 11 runs
Pembroke Dock 57 all out v Fishguard 75 all out	Fishguard won by 18 runs
Pembroke 93 all out v Haverfordwest 94-3	Haverfordwest won by seven wickets
Hook 141-9 v Johnston 137 all out	Hook won by one wicket
Llechryd 204-6 v Llanrhian 133 all out	Llechryd won by 71 runs

Division Two table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Hook	9	138
2	Haverfordwest	9	133
3	Johnston	9	131
4	Cresselly II	9	129
5	Pembroke	9	129
6	Fishguard	9	93
7	Pembroke Dock	9	73
8	Llanrhian	9	73
9	Llangwm	9	70
10	Llechryd	9	65

Laugharne lead Division Three

LAUGHARNE stayed top of Division Three with a five-wicket win over Carew II.

Carew II were bowled out for 128 before Laugharne reached 129-5. Callum Collins-Davies took 4-13, Joe Hodges claimed 3-33 and finished 21 not out, while Matt Tait made an unbeaten 53.

Hundleton beat Kilgetty by one wicket in a close contest, Lamphey defeated Stackpole by eight wickets, Pembroke II beat Burton II by seven wickets, and Haverfordwest II beat Saundersfoot II by 43 runs.

Division Three results

Fixture	Result
Laugharne 129-5 v Carew II 128 all out	Laugharne won by five wickets
Hundleton 164-9 v Kilgetty 163-5	Hundleton won by one wicket
Stackpole 112-8 v Lamphey 113-2	Lamphey won by eight wickets
Burton II 146 all out v Pembroke II 150-3	Pembroke II won by seven wickets
Haverfordwest II 133 all out v Saundersfoot II 90 all out	Haverfordwest II won by 43 runs

Division Three table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Laugharne	9	143
2	Carew II	9	113
3	Kilgetty	9	113
4	Pembroke II	9	112
5	Lamphey	9	110
6	Saundersfoot II	9	91
7	Burton II	8	87
8	Hundleton	9	78
9	Haverfordwest II	9	76
10	Stackpole	8	35

Division Four remains tight

LAWRENNY II remain top of Division Four, although they had no game against Carew III.

Narberth II recorded a heavy win over Crymych, making 216-7 before bowling Crymych out for 58 to win by 158 runs. Manu Iddagoda made 62 and Arron Keane 57.

Neyland II beat Hook II by seven wickets, Herbrandston II defeated Llechryd II by 85 runs, and Haverfordwest III beat St Ishmaels II by 41 runs.

Division Four results

Fixture	Result
Lawrenny II v Carew III	No game
Narberth II 216-7 v Crymych 58 all out	Narberth II won by 158 runs
Neyland II 184-3 v Hook II 182-6	Neyland II won by seven wickets
Herbrandston II 216-6 v Llechryd II 131 all out	Herbrandston II won by 85 runs
Haverfordwest III 128-9 v St Ishmaels II 87 all out	Haverfordwest III won by 41 runs

Division Four table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Lawrenny II	8	120
2	St Ishmaels II	9	119
3	Narberth II	9	114
4	Hook II	9	109
5	Herbrandston II	9	104
6	Neyland II	9	103
7	Crymych	9	92
8	Llechryd II	9	85
9	Haverfordwest III	9	84
10	Carew III	8	45

Cresselly III stay unbeaten

CRESSELLY III continued their unbeaten Division Five campaign with a 15-run win over Llangwm II.

Cresselly III made 190-6, with Steffan Jenkins scoring 57, Ollie Toy 47 and George Davies 32. Llangwm II replied with 175 all out, despite Toby Asson’s 68 and Bill Brant’s 40.

Llanrhian II beat Pembroke Dock II by three wickets, helped by Michael Lawrence’s unbeaten 43 and 2-6. Pembroke III defeated Whitland II by 67 runs, with Harry Penniket making 48.

Division Five results

Fixture	Result
Cresselly III 190-6 v Llangwm II 175 all out	Cresselly III won by 15 runs
Llanrhian II 104-7 v Pembroke Dock II 102 all out	Llanrhian II won by three wickets
Pembroke III 128-8 v Whitland II 61 all out	Pembroke III won by 67 runs
Llechryd III v Hundleton II	No game

Division Five table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Cresselly III	8	146
2	Llangwm II	8	113
3	Llanrhian II	8	108
4	Whitland II	9	106
5	Pembroke III	8	79
6	Pembroke Dock II	9	63
7	Llechryd III	7	58
8	Hundleton II	7	28

Haverfordwest IV lead Division Six

ONLY one Division Six match was completed, with Haverfordwest/Cresselly beating Lamphey II by eight wickets.

Lamphey II were bowled out for 89 before Haverfordwest/Cresselly reached 90-2. Tom Rowlands was unbeaten on 66, while Dan Cole finished 12 not out and took 2-13.

Whitland III’s match with Haverfordwest IV was abandoned, as was Kilgetty II’s fixture against Laugharne II. Neyland III had a bye.

Division Six results

Fixture	Result
Whitland III v Haverfordwest IV	Match abandoned
Kilgetty II v Laugharne II	Match abandoned
Lamphey II 89 all out v Haverfordwest/Cresselly 90-2	Haverfordwest/Cresselly won by eight wickets
Neyland III	Bye

Division Six table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Haverfordwest IV	8	101
2	Lamphey II	7	100
3	Whitland III	8	93
4	Neyland III	8	84
5	Haverfordwest/Cresselly	7	70
6	Laugharne II	8	65
7	Kilgetty II	8	23

The results and tables cover Week Nine fixtures played on Saturday (June 20).

News

National champions set for Lloyds Road Championships in Wales

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2026

Herald Sport

Strong Welsh contingent among elite field heading to Lampeter and Aberystwyth

SOME of Britain’s leading cyclists will head to Wales next week as the 2026 Lloyds National Road Championships get under way.

Sixteen former elite national road champions are among the riders named for the event, which begins in Lampeter on Thursday, June 25, before moving to Aberystwyth for the circuit race and road race.

Welsh rider Zoe Backstedt, of Canyon//SRAM Zondacrypto, is expected to be one of the headline names after winning the elite women’s time-trial title at last year’s championships.

Backstedt said: “I’m super excited to come back to Wales to race national champs this year. I don’t get to race in the UK a lot, let alone in Wales, so that makes it even more exciting to be there.

“We’ve got such a strong roster of riders in the UK, so it’s never going to be easy, but I hope I’ll come into this in good shape and fighting for the win.”

Millie Couzens, of Fenix-Premier Tech, returns to defend her women’s road race title. She faces a strong field including three-time road national champion Pfeiffer Georgi, Morven Yeoman, Imogen Wolff, Cat Ferguson, Anna Henderson and Flora Perkins.

In the men’s road race, Sam Watson, of NetCompany Ineos, will look to retain his crown against a field including former national champion Ben Swift, reigning under-23 champion Matthew Brennan, Adam Howell and Ethan Hayter.

Hayter said: “Nationals always seem to bring out the best in me. I’ve managed to win a jersey in 2024 and 2025, so it would be nice to try to add another in the TT or RR.

“Each year the level gets higher, but it makes for aggressive, exciting racing.”

Cameron Mason will return to Aberystwyth to defend his open circuit race title, with Thomas Armstrong, Matt Bostock and Oliver Wood among those expected to challenge.

Kate Richardson also returns as defending women’s circuit race champion. She will be joined by a strong field including Isabel Sharp, Carys Lloyd, Xan Crees, Jenny Holl and Josie Knight.

A number of Welsh riders will also compete across the championships, including Finlay Tarling, Elynor Backstedt, Anna Morris, Owain Doull MBE and Megan Barker.

Erin Boothman, following a successful track season, will make her Lloyds National Road Championships debut in the women’s road race and under-23 women’s time-trial. Ben Wiggins will also return to Ceredigion as he looks to improve on last year’s silver medal in the under-23 men’s time-trial.

Ten national champions’ jerseys will be contested over three days of racing.

The time-trial takes place in Lampeter on Thursday, June 25. The elite women, under-23 women and under-23 men will race over 25.6km, while the elite men will cover 38.4km.

Aberystwyth will host the circuit race on Friday, June 26, and the road race on Sunday, June 28, giving spectators the chance to watch some of Britain’s best riders on Welsh roads.

The championships return to Wales with support from the Welsh Government.

Pic: Lloyds National Circuit Championship 2025 (Pic: SWPix.com)